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EF CEL ae 9 La Chtivled AS APA atn4g 44/i4enKE PACE INL PLS , ered of ht Stage Coslime ¢f ht day, 1 GE fact cutarly Vie COTM Mee ; y 4 LA <> y Fa ee v8 (2. * i OMelle, Hamlet, Fuacttin, 40at & Kiara Fret $: ho. Ngwes ye ‘ A I flan . A a a # y - 0 Sled he LF Adlopie dkgAtlar ral«ae. “9 &s ‘landat Lal Lrde. Stee ° 4 Z tu = ‘ —/f berhan “ 4 , hm “OF ae eo Sf . A x bg, aie ta Roles (tt fer, fo goek / Cut (he KE 3 baved on The fp Kt, ~ Cass oF CrrorTs . Bgkh a FAL itfe oe Cand eg Kent ihy a (FA. } ¥ / Fa Leo, of (685 : Soe oes She er t ey ineag Le ange partly fabulous Pro i ee Lo bh, . , f . TK ae So ee Ae Smale papier F Mocwe's Lil. cg Avety aKSe Gg Ally Cot ee by. fh fo. Akg Uttte ZAM cte 4HIMAEE fatty fi07: AM4LAL 8 lohig / : " ; 2b ae s C7 Z is Jie Leasl- Lad — he a F * wi eb liege s% SLAS ylicneg c : ; os : 4 C4 41. La PF AG -Honat Le otf | Often wane B46 fat leh gic bodiel ‘ta é- Z2L6. ra a2 : . What Lhe, , Ze I Le ¥ A 4, ‘é: (77, 7) Ly tthe << Ld t < Lats helo Ec i> V. SA fLL YEMEVE 7 Le ja he Zz Ji “i? ~ ty ~ —- 2? Zo ge to = a ee ar ar Reap eee aii nen Wit = * fe —. 1a ~~ A igiH TAHA iNAii ADIL 0 eT ey cal — 9 a} - en i A = = = iecem = a BS ; — y = < 3 — = t= 3 = ny THE PwWORKS. Oar Mr. William Shake/pear: IN SIX VOLUMES. ADORN’D with Curs, Revis'd and Corrected; with an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author. By N. ROWE; Ef: L.O.N DO N: Printed for Jacob Tonfon, within Grays-lnn Gate; next Grays-Inn Lane: MDCCIX. 0g stn ip oble OnLag it 77 7, e’ a 3 8 . -) Ar Bedi: VSS 7 | os. Fn tm mcg Tet 5 WORKS O F Mr. William Shakefpear. VoLuME the First CONTAINING, The Tarde, | | Measure for Mea- SURE. The Two GENTLEMEN Comepy of Errors. of VERONA. Mvcu Apo about The Merry Wives NorTHING. of Winpsor. | Love’s Lanour’s Lost. LONDON: Printed for Facob Tonfon, at Grays-Inn Gate. MDCCIX. ecareentant a —s a OS aT ee —— oti a —_—— — ~ - - — —~ “a a ee et = r ~~ eae as ae _ Vigo e ere BEB LE, TT TT eg: ~The ele i ere ee. —— eee me " . — % — =r, * » ea & re “* ae - ee Sion» i a Ns a a — s 7 é , — 9 q ae 4 a em Pre 5 Ee Ce et = ee ‘. = } = _ nner — THE Duke of Somerfet. My Lorp, abides at . =9|F the Application of too great #| a Part of my Time to the un- profitable Love and Study of : Poetry, has been an Imputation, perhaps, gi enough chargd upon me; I am bound, by the firft Principles of Duty and Gratitude, to own, that it is by Your Grace’s immediate Goodnefs that I have A | at TET — |) = — —= A Sere SPE = eee Se O,) eae ee ee = ae S Wid. > = ——— DE DIG ATA OMe at length an Opportunity of turning my Thoughts a better and more ufeful Way. The Honour of Your Grace’s Protection and Favout, has fomething init which ‘diftin- guithes i felf from that of other Great Men;. the’ Benefit of it’ is extenfive,. and-to: have. a ‘thareé in Your Grace's: good Opinion,. -is., to be’entitled, “ar lealt, to fome Efteem and. Regard from Your Grace’s illuftrious Friends, that is, from thole who fill’up the firft and> beft’ Rank ‘of Mankind. Whatever I am. or can be, (if I'am ever. ‘to, be any thing ); is all’ ¥ Gur Grace’s. itis an Acknowledge... ment that T make, with as much. Satisfi- : ction as Pride; and I don’t know whether;, the Obligation I lye under, or the. Benefir 1 receive trom it, be capable of siving me the, greater Pleafre. Some Dependanices are inw' - —— —F » deed’ a “Pain, “tho” they bring. confiderable,. Advantages along with them; bur where, there is a gracious Tem er; an eafie Cony defGeifion, and a Readine® to. do’ Good. al -Magnificence ‘of the Giver, 3 the Value of’ that Gift muft certainly be. equal to the - - very much enhanc’d. ‘Tis, my particular Happinefs,. chat Your Grace; is. the -beft, Be. nefactor I could. have; for.as I'am capable of | x DEDICATION. of making no Return, Your Grace never thinks of receiving oné. I have indeed one thing ftill to beg, That as Your. Grace re- ceiv'd me into Your’ favourable Opinion, without any Pretenfion that could be made on my fide,’ 1 may haye the Honour to continue there, by my firl®Title, Your Grace’s mecr Goodnefs. Tho” it be high time to diflaim tho Studies, with which I have amus'd my. felf and’ other People; yer I could not take leave of an Att I have long lov’d, without commending the beft of our Poets to the Protection of the beft Patron. I have fome- times had the Honour to hear Your Grace exprefs the particular Pleafisre you have-ta- ken in’ that Greatnefs of Thought, thofe natural Images, thofe Paffions finely touch’d, and that beautiful Expreflion which is eve. ry where to be met with in Shakefpear. And thatthe may {till have the Honour to enter . tain Your Grace, 1 have taken {ome Care to redeem him from the Injuries of former Impreflions. I muft not pretend to have reftor’d this Work to the Exaétnefs of the Author's Original Manufcripts : Thofe are loft, or, at leaft, are gone beyond any Inquiry | ’. eae could DEDICATION could make ;.fo that there was nothing left, but to, compare the feveral Editions, and give the true Reading as well as I could from thence. This’ I have endeavout’d to do pretty carefully, and render’d very many Places-Intelligible,. that were not fo before, in fome of the Editions, efpecially the laff, there were many Lines, (and in Hamlet one whole, Scene) left.out together ; ‘thefe are now all,fupply’d. 1 fear Your Grace will {till find fome.Faults, but I hope they are moftly litteral, and the Errors’ of the Prefs. ‘Such as it.is, ic is the-beft Prefent' of Eng- life, Poetry 1 am. capable of ‘making’ Your .Grace. And I believe I fhall be thought:no wunjutt Difpofer of this, che Author's Eftatein “Wit, by, humbly Offering’ it’ where he would “have been proud to have’ Bequcstb’d it. The Prefent Age is indeed an unfortunate »,one for Dramatick Poetry ; the hasbeen perfe- cuted by Fanaticifta, forfaken by her Friends, and opprefs’d even by Mufick, her’ Sifter _and confederate Art, that was formetly efn- -ploy’d in her Defence and Suppott:'> In Se SAP see was eo Noe — ee SENG, ORS DRE Oe ORE Se SS OS LS te” ke - = = on ae 4° rn, = Sy — ye 4 a, : hee | sie | re th = B 4 “uch perillous Times, I.know ‘no Proteétion - for Shakefpear, more Safe nor more: Ho- nourable than Your Grace's: “Tis’ the belt eee Security DEDIGATION. Security..a:\Poet can ask for, to be thelter'd under that Great Name which _prefides ovet One of the moft Famous Univerfities of Ry vepe.’ To do-publick Benefits, is indeed an’ Honour.,Natural and Hereditary to Your Grace's illuftrious Family ; “tis to. ‘that Noble, Stock..we owe our Edward the Sixth; a,Prince of the greateft Hopes which that or any other Age ever producd: A. Prince; whofe. uncommon Proficiency in | Learn- ing .made.him the Wonder of his own Time ;. whofe..Care for his People will di- ftinguith him, among the beft eg our Kings, andy whole.Piety, and. Zeal. for the true Re- ligion, ..will .preferye his. Name,Dear and Sa- cred to our’ Church for ever. But if we dook,back fo high as the Reformation, “twill be impoflible not to remember the Share Nour,-Grace’s Noble Anceftor had in that good. Work: He was the Defence and Or- nament.of it in his Life, and the Martyr of at.in -his Dearh. . Since it is.moft certain, that thofe wicked and ambitious. Men, who defign’d the Subverfion of Church and State, and.of whom. the Chief dy’d a.profeft Pa- pift,..could not. propofe to have brought about thofe fatal Defigns, .’till they had Ref remov’d the Duke of Somerfet. DEDICATION. I need nog-tell the World how. wellYour Grace has follow’d the Examples»of -Ho#. novr and Virtue in your own Family, The Eftablith’d Church, the Crown. and. Your Country, have receiv’d many/Eminent:‘Tez ftimonies of Your unalterable: Zeal. for their Service, and, unfhaken Refolution” in. their | Defence... There, was a Time,:) fomewhat above twenty Years ago,' when the pernici- ous Councils:of fome Men put the Crown upon. taking. fuch Meafures- as might have been fatal in the laft Degree to: both: Our: Religious and: Givil Liberties;. when: they: : had the Hardinefs not only to avow a Reel ligion equally. deftructive to/othe. Church | and State, . bur did’, even, prefume.co-bring 3 in a publick \Minifter, from the. Bithop! of Rome, as it were in’ Defiance of Our *Con-.. ftitution, and in Triumph ‘over Our Laws: It was then, I fay, that- they thought’ ir highly neceflary to their'Purpofe, othar-a, >. Man of the farft Quality and Figure in Eng land, thould countenance fo bold and Sisaake ampled an Undertaking. They pitch’d, up- on one, ‘tis true, whole known Loye'of hj. Country. might im a good méafure have <= taken off the Odioulnels of . that AGtion,.... and ‘ DEDICATION and> even’ allay'd the Apprehenfions’ of Danger,;owhich'on fuch an’ Occafion Peow pleitiacurally:hadiy’' It! mut be! own’d) that” they» had thought’ prudently for ‘themfelves + but theyowere highly miftakén® ifthe Man ¢ they: had» chofen,' and ‘found him “to be above all Temptation ; fuch'"2’ oe; whony ; neithersthe Refpead he bore ‘to the Peto of- the Prince; (which was very great’) not’ theyMenaces of an’ infolent Faction; could” eet upon, for any Regards, to’ do Vio! ence toihis°Countty,. or ‘engage in’ afiy thing which’ might*be an’ Offence ’to his“ Honour and‘ Con{cience: Se ee ae Tevis with ‘Pleafure,° my ‘Lord, that we?’ compare the troublefome’ Condition of thofe paft: Times,. with the Security of ‘thefe pre- fentso And cannot but Congratulate Your Grace supon- the’ Profperity and Succefs of Her Majefty’s Counfels, in the great Jun- Cture-of ‘Affairs’ which ‘now draws ‘the Eyes and Expectations of all Europe. Never, cet.” tainly, was there a fairer Profpect of Hap- pinefs: than that*which now rifes to out View. There appeats to be a general Dif. pofition for Unanimity and good’ Agree- ment at Flome, as‘for Peace Abroad: ‘Thefe bets are DEDICATION. are the great Rewards given to the Piety of the Beft of Queens: And it feems a Blefling peculiarly: referv’d for Her, to fave, not only Europe in General, but even France, her Enemy, from the laft Ruin. That Your Grace may long enjoy the Happinefs of that Peace, which in Your feveral high Stations, either as a Patriot to Your Country, or a faithful Councellor to the Queen, You have fo largely contributed to, is the moft hum- ble and hearty With of, my Lord, Tour GRACE ’s Moff Devoted, and o Obedient Humble Servant, N. Rows =| |’ feems to be a kind of Refpeét =| duc to the Memory of Excellent Men, efpecially of thofe whom their Wit and Learning have made Famous, to deliver fome Account of themfelves, as well as their Works, to Po- fterity. For this Reafon, how fond do we fee fome People of difcovering any little Perfonal Story of the great Men of Antiquity, their Fa- milies, the common Accidents of their Lives, and even their Shape, Make and Features have Vou. I. a been ie + e., y ; i \ i J ’ a2 t.# ae “ a t bat: } \ | 7 ; bk bak 2) *y }e ‘4 ¥ 7 ¢ 14 L $ ca | el Vv a Se j i; im yt it Some Account of the Life, Sc. been the Subjeét of critical Enquiries. How trifling foever this Curiofity may feem to be, it is certainly very Natural; and we are hardly fatisfy?d with an Account, of any. remarkable Perfon, ’till we haye heard him defcrib’d even to the very. Cloaths he wears. As for what relates to Men of-duetters, the knowledge. of an-Author.may fometimes conduce tothe bet- ter underftanding his Book: And tho’ the Works of Mr. Shake/pear may feem to many not to-want a Comment, yet I fancy fome lit- tle Account of the Man himfelf may not. be thought improper to go along with them. He was the Son of Mr. John Shake/pear, and was Born at Stratford upon. Avon, in War- wictk{bire, in April_1564.. His Family, as ap- pears by the Regiftersand Publick Writings re- lating-to-that. Town, were of good Figure and Fafhion-there, and are mention’d as Gentle- men. His Father, who. was a confiderable Dealer in Wool, had. fo large a Family, ten -Children in all, that tho’ he was his elde(t Son, he could give him no better Education than his own Employment. He had bred him, ’tis true, for fome time at a FreesSchool, where tis, probable he acquir’d that little Zetin he -was Mafter of : But the narrownefs of his Cir- cumflances, and the want of his afliflance at Home, of Mr. Witttam SHNKESPBRAR. ti Home, fore’d’ his Father to withdraw ‘him from thence, and unhappily prevented his further Proficiency in that Language. Tt jg without Controverfie, that he had fo know- ledge of the Writings of the “Antient Poets, not only from this Reafon, but from his Works themfelves, where we find fo traces’ 6f any thing that looks like an Imitation of ‘em; the Delicacy of his'Tafte, and the natural Bent of his own Great Genius, equal, if not fuperior to fome of the beft of theirs, would certainly have led him to Read'and Study ’em with fo much Pleafure, that fome of their fine Images would naturally have infinuated.themifelves into, and been mix’d with his own Writings ; fo that his not copying at leat fomething from them, may be an Argument of his never having read em. “Whether his Ienorancé of ‘the Antients were a difadvantage tohim or no, may admit of a Difpute: For tho’ the knowledge of ’em might have made him more Corre, yet it is not im- probable but that the Regularity and Deference for them, which would have attended that Correétnefs, might have ‘reftrain’d fome of that Fire, Impetuofity, and even beautiful Fx. travagance which we admire in Shakefpear : And I believe we are better pleas’d with thofe Thoughts, altogether New and Uncommon : a2 which ly Some Account of the Life, &c. which his own Imagination fupply’d him fo abundantly with; thamif he had given us the moftrbeautiful Paflages out of the Greek and Latm Poets,.and that in the moft agreeable manner. that it was poflible fora Mafter of the Englifp Language to deliver em. Some Latim without queftion' he did know, and one may fee up,and down in his Plays how far his Read-: ing tha} way went: In Love's Labour loft, the Pedant comes. out with a Verfe of Mantuan; and in Titus udronicus, one of the Gothick Princes, upon reading Integer vita fcelerifque purus Non eget Mauri jaculis nec arcu —— lays, ‘Tis aVerfe in Horace, but he remembers it out of his Grammar: Which; I fuppofe, was: the-Author’s: Cafe. «Whatever Latin he had, ’tis certain he underftood French, as may be obferv'd from many Words and Sentences fcatter’d up and down his Plays. in that. Juan- guage ; and efpecially from one Scene in Heury the Fifth written wholly in it, Upon his leaving School, he feems to have given intirely into that way of Living which tid Father propos’d to him; and in order to fettle in ‘the World after. a. Family. man- ner, he thought fit to. marry while he was 4 I ; f i 7 4) iT 1% i Al ] ei I \ 4) ; “y 4} ‘ at $i) 4 : "i ly : % 7 } ” ba} j gif } rogah:.4 see ee ee : a ae F i . . eee - - ee en ——— peg . . ; a ee = = yet of Mr. WiLLIAM SHAKESPEAR. y yet very Young. His Wife was the Daughter ' of one Hathaway, faid to have been a fubQane tial Yeomanvin the Neighbourhood of S#pap- ford. \n this kind of Settlement he ‘continy’d for fome time; ‘till an Extravagance that ‘he. was guilty of, fore’d him both:out of his Couns: try and that way of Living whichihe: had taken) up; and tho’ it. feem’d at firft:to:be'a Blemiflhy upon. his good Manners, and. a Misfortune to: him, yet it afterwards happily prov’d the ‘oc2: cafion of exerting one of theogreatett Geni: . uss that ever was known in Dramatick Poetry: He had, by a Misfortune common enough to young Fellows, fallen into ill Company ; and amongit them, fome that made a frequent practice of Deer-ftealing, engag’d him with them»more thansonce in robbing a ‘Park that belong’d to Sir Thomas Lucy of Cherlecot, neat Stratford, For this he was profecuted by that Gentleman, as he thought, fomewhat too fe: verely ; and in order to revenge that ill Ufage, he:made a Ballad upon him. And tho’ this, probably the firft Effay of his Poetry, be loft, yet it is faid to have been fo very bitter, that it redoubled the Profecution againft him to that degree, that he was oblig’d to leave his Bufinefs: and Family in Warwick/bire, for fome time; and fhelter himfelf in London. a3 Te See = a Sr ——- eee - ee = + a > BL ara Pas: ER FOS. pau 5 ee vo : “5 ieee a ge) I Sere - ee Sebi ih” SRE a — TR i - - = ee = ae > rr Pie bensinestetadlssishian peceae me HERI cot v1 Some Account of the Life, &c. Olthis at this Time, and upon this Accident, that he is faidyto have made his firft Acquain- tance in«the Play-houfe. He was receiv’d in- to the Company, then in being, at firft in a very mean Rank; But his admirable Wit, and the natural Turn of it to the Stage, foon diitinguifh’d him, if not as an extraor- dinary Actor, yet as an excellent Writer. His Name is. Printed, as the Cuftom was in | thofe Times, amongft thofe of the other Play- ers, before fome old Plays, but without any particular Account of what fort of Parts he us'd to play; and tho’ I have inguir’d, I could never meet with any further Account of him this way, than that the top of his Performance was: the Ghoft in his own Hamlet. 1 thould have been much more pleas’d, ‘to’ have learn’d from {ome certainAuthoxitys:which was the firitPlay hé wrote; it would be without doubt a pleafure to any Man, curious in Things of / this Kind, to fee and know what was the firft Effay-of a Fancy like Shake/pear’s. Perhaps we are not to look for his Beginnings, like thofe of other Authors, among their Jea{t per- fect Writings; Art had fo little, and Nature fo large a Share in what he did, that, for ought I know, the Performances of his Youth, as they of Mr. WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR. © vu they were the moft vigorous, and had’ the mott fire and ‘{trength of Imagination an "em, were the beft. I would not be thought byithis fo mean, that his ancy was fo loofe and ex- travagant, as to be Independent on the Rule and Government of Judgment; ‘but that what he thought, was'commonly fo Great, fo juitly and rightly Conceiv'd in it felf, thatit wanted little or no Correétion, ‘and was immediately approv'd by an impartial Judgment at the firft fight. Mr. Dryden feems to think that Per. cles is one of his firft Plays; but there is no judgment to be form’d on that, fince there ‘is good Reafon to believe that the greatett part of that Play was not written’ by him; tho’ it js own'd, fome part: of it certainly was, particu- larly the laft Act. But tho” the order of Time in which the feveral Pieces were written be gene rally uncertain, yet there are Paflages in fome few of them which feem to fix their Dates. So the Chorus in the beginning of the fifth AG of Flenry V. by a Compliment: very handfomly turn’d to the Earl of Effex, fhews the Play to have been written when that Lord was General for the Queen in Ireland: And hisElogy upon Q. Elizabeth, and her Succeffor K. fames; in the latter end of his Henry VIII, is a Proof of that Play’s being written after the Acceflion | a4 of a —— ee ———__-— VILE Some Account of the Life, &c. ‘of the latter of thofe two Princes to the Crowh of England. Whatever the particular Times of his Writing were, the People‘of his Age, who~began to grow wonderfully fond of Di- verfions of this kind, could not but be highty pleas’d to fee a Genius arife amongft ’°em of fo pleafurable, fo rich a Vein, and fo plenti- fully capable of furnishing their favourite En- tertainments. Befides the advantages of ‘his Wit, he was in himfelf a good-natur’d Man, of great fweetnefs in his Manners, and a moft agreeable Companion; fo that it is no wonder if with fo many good Qualities he: made him- felf acquainted with the beft Converfations of thofe ‘Times. ‘Queen Elizabeth had feveral of his Plays A¢ted before her, and without doubt gave him many gracious Marks of her Favour: tis that Maiden» Princefs plainly, whom he intends by | —A fair Vefial, Throned by the W, eft. 7 Mid(ummer Nigh?’s Dream, Vol. 2. p. 480. 3 + And that whole Paflage is a Compliment very properly brought in, and very handfomly ap- ~ply’d to her. She was fo well] pleas’d with that admirable Character of Falfiaf; in the two Parts of Henry the Fourth, that the coOm- Manded of Mr. WiLLIAN SHAKESPEAR. 1x manded him to continu:.it for one Play more, and to fhew him in Love... This is faid to be the. Occafion of his Wrting The Merry Wives of Windfor. How wel fhe.was obey’d,, the Play it felf is an admirble Proof. » Upon..this Occafion it may not. be improper»to. obferve, that this Part of Fad/faF is faid to, have been written originally under the Name. of Oldcaftle ; fome of that Kamily peing then. remaining, the Queen was pleas’d io command him toal- ter it; upon which he made-ufe. of Falfef- The prefent Offence wis indeed avoided ;, but I don’t know.whethe: the Author may not have been-fomewhat to blame in. his fecond Choice, fince it.is certain that Sir Fob. Fal- flaf, who was-a Knight of the.Garter, and a Lieutenant-General, was.a Name .of diftin- guifh’d Merit in the Wars in France in. Henry the Fifth’s and Henry tie Sixth’s Times, What Grace foever the Queen confer’d upon him, it was not to her onlyhe ow’d the Fortune which the Reputation of his Wit made. He had the Honour to meet withmany great and uncom- mon Marks of Favour ind Friendfhip fromthe Earl of Southampton, famous in the Hittories of that Time for his Friendthip.to the unfor- tunate Earl of Efex. It was to that Noble Lord that he Dedicated his Venus and Adouts | : the te x! Some Account of the Life, Sc. the only Piece of his Poetry which he evér publith’d himfelf, tho’ many of his Plays were furrepticiouily and lamely Printed “in his Life time; "There is one Inftance fo fingular in the Magnificence of this Patron of S hake fpear’s,that if Phad ‘not been affur’d that the Story was hand- ed down by Sir William D’ Avenant, who was probably very well acquainted with his Affairs, fT fhould not have ventur’d to have inferted, that my Lord Southampton, at one time, eave him a thoufand Pounds, to enable him to go through with a Purchafe ~which he heard he had amind to. A Bounty very great, and ve ry rare at any time, and almoft equal to that profufe Generofity the prefent Age has fhewn to French Dancers and Italian Kunuchs. What particular Habitude or F riendfhips he contracted with private Men, *¥ have not been able to-learn, more than that every one who had a true Tafte of Merit, and could diftin. guifh Men, had generally a juft Value and Fi{teem for him. His exceeding Candor and good Nature muft certainly have inclin’d al} the gentler Part of the World to love him, as the power of his Wit oblig’d the Men of the moft delicate Knowledge and polite Learning to admire him. Amongft thefe was the in- comparable Mr. Edmond Spencer, who {peaks - of of Mr. WiLLIAM SHAKESPEAR. xx of him in his Tears of the Mufes; not only with the Praifes due to a good Poet, but even la- menting his Abfence with the tendernefs of a Friend. The Paflage is in Thal/ia’s Complaint for the Decay of Dramatick Poetry, and the Contempt the Stage then lay under, amongtt his Mifcellaneous Works, p.147, And he the Man, whom Nature's [elf hadmade To mock her felf, and Truth to imitate With kindly Counter under mimck Shade, Our pleafant Willy, ah ! ts dead of late: With whom all Foy and jolly Merriment Is alfo deaded, and in Dolour. drent. Inftead thereof, {coffing Scurrility And fcorning Folly. with Contempt wu crept, Rolling in Rhimes of /bamelefs Ribaudry, Without Regard or due Decorum kept $ Each idle Wit at will prefumes to make, _fnd doth the Learned’s Task upon him take. But that fame gentle Spirit, from whofe Pen — Large Streams of Honey and fweet Nectar flow, Scorning the Bolduefs of fuch bafe-born Men, Which dare their Follies forth fo rafbly throw ; Doth rather choofe to fit tn zdle Celt, Than fo himfelf to Mockery to fel. ' HH XI Some Account of the Life, &c. iknow fome People have been of Opinion, that Shake/pear as not meant by Willy in the: firft Scanzaef thefe Verfes, becaufe Spencer’s Death»happen’d twenty Years before Shzfo- fpear's:- But, befides that the Charater is not applicable to any Man of that time’ but himéelf, itis’ plain by the laft Stanza that Mr. Spencer’ does not mean that he was then really Dead, but only that he had’ with-drawn ‘himfelf from the Publick, or at leaft with-held his Hand: from Writing, out of a difeuft he had taken at the then ill tafte of the Town, and the mean Condition of the Stage. Mr. ‘Dryden was als ways of Opinion thefe Verfes were meant of’ Shakefpear ; and "tis highly probable they were fo,’ fince he’ was.thrée and thirty Years old ate Spencer's Death; and his Reputation in Poetry muft have been great,enough’ before that Time to have deferv’d-what is hére faid of him. Hic. Acquaintance-with Ben Fobufin began with 4 remarkable piece of Humanity and good Naz © tures Mr. Yohufon, who was at that Time al. together unknown to the World, had offer’d » one of his Plays to the Players, in order to have it Acted; and the Perfons into whofe — Hands it was put, after having turn’d it: care+ lefsly and fupercilioufly over; were juft upon returning it to him with an l-natur’d Anfwer, » | ; that). of Mr. WiLLIAM SHAKESPEAR, — xiit that it would beof no ferviceto their Company, » when Shake/pear luckily caft his Eye-wpon it, and found fomething fo well in it as to engage! him firft to read it through, and afterwards.to’ recommend Mr. Yohnfon and his. Writings| to the Publick: After this’ theyswere profefs’d Friends; tho’ f don’t know whether the other ever made him an equal return of Gentlenefs atid: Sincerity. Bex was naturally Proud ‘and, Infolent, and in the Days. of his Reputation did: fo: far take upon him the Supremacy: in Wit, that he.could not but- look -with.an ‘evil Kye upon any one that feem’d to: ftand. in Competition. with him. And if at times he has. affected» to, commend him, it has always been with fome Referve, infinuating his Un- correcinefs, a carelefs mannerof Writings! and warit of Judgment; the Praife of feldom alter- ing or blotting out what he writ, which: was given him by the Players who were the firft Publifhers of his Works after his Death, was what. Fohnfon could not bear ; he thought it impoflible, perhaps, for another Man to ftrike out the greateft Thoughts in the fineft Ex- preflion, and-to reach thofe Excellencies. of Poetry with. the Eafe ofa firft Imagination, which himfelf with infinite Labour ‘and Study could but hardly attain to. ‘fohu/ox was cer- tainly xIV Some Account of the Life, &e. tainly a very good Scholar, and in that had the advantage of Shake/pear ; tho at the fame time Lbelieve it’ muft be allow’d, that what Nature gave the latter, was more than 4 Bal- lance for what Books had given’ the former : and the Judgment of a great Man upon this occafion was, I think, very juft and proper. In a Converfation between Sir: ¥oby Suckling, Sir William D' Avenant, Endymion Porter, Mr. Hales of Eaton, and Ben Fobnfon: Sir John Suckling, who was a profefs’d Admirer of Shakefpear, had undertaken his Defence again{t Ben Fohnfon with fome warmth; Mr. Flales. who had fat ftill for fome time, hearing Bex frequently reproaching him with the want of Learning, and Ignorance of the Antients, told him at laft, That if Mr. Shakefpear Aad nor vead the SAntients, he had Likewife not Stollen any thing from’em; (a Fault the other made . fio Confcience of ) and that tf he would pro- duce any one Topick finely treated by any of them, he would undertake to fhery Something upon the fame Subject at Leaft as wel] Writtex by Shakefpear. Fobnfow did indeed take 4 large liberty, even to the tranfcribing’ and tranfla- ting of whole Scenes together ; and fome- times, with all Deference to fo great a Name as his, not altogether for the advantage of the Authors of Mr. Wit LiaM SHAKESPBAR. xv Authors of whom he. borrow’d. And if-4%- guflus and Virgil were really what he hag made em in a Scene of his Poetaffer,. they are as odd an Emperor and a Poet as ever. met, Shakefpear, on the other Hand, was. behold- ing to no body farther than the Foundation of the Tale,. the Incidents were often his own, and the Writing intirely fo. ‘There is one Play of his, indeed, The Comedy of Errors, ina great meafure taken from. the Menzechms of Plautus. ow that happen’d, I cannot ea- fily Divine, fince, as 1 hinted before, I de not take him to have been Mafter of Latin enough to read it in the Original, and I know of no Tranflation of “Plautus fo Old as his ‘Time. | | As I have not. propos’d: to my felf to enter into. a Large..and Compleat. Criticifm upon Mr. Shake/pear’s Works, fo I fuppofe it will neither be expected that | fhould take notice of the fevere Remarks that have been former- ly made upon him by Mr. Rhymer. I mutt confefs, I'can’t very well fee what could be the Reafon of his animadverting with fo much Sharpnefs, upon the Faults of a Man Excellent on moft Occafions, and whom all the World ever was and will beinclin’d to havean Efteem and Veneration for. If it was to fhew his own Know- xvi. Some Account of the Life, 8c: Knowledge in the Art of Poetry,. befides that there is a Vanity in making that only his Dex. fign, 1 quedtion if there be not many Imper-« feétions as well in thofe Schemes and Precepts he has given. for the Direétion. of, others, as well. as in that Sample of Tragedy. which. he has written to fhew the Excellency of his. own Genius. If he hada Pigue againft the Man, and wrote on purpofe to ruin a Reputation fo well eftablifh’d, he has had the Mortification to fail altogether in his Attempt, and to. fee. the World at leaft.as fond of Shakefpear as of his Critique. But I won’t believe a Gentle- man, and a good-natur’d Man, capable ofthe» laft Intention. _Whatever may have beeti his» Meaning, finding fault is certainly the .eafieft.. Task of Knowledge, and commonly thofeMen, of good Judgment, whoaré‘Tikewife of good. and gentle Difpofitions, abandon this ungrate-” ful Province to the Tyranny of Pedants, If. one would enter into the Beauties of Shake-. Spear, there is 4 much larger, as well as amore _. delightful Field; but as I won’t prefcribe to the ‘Taftes of other People, fo I will only take | the liberty, with, all due Submiffion to the Judgment of others, to obferve fome of thofe Things I have been pleas’d with in looking — him over. : oe ge | - Ais of Mr. WiLLiaM SHAKESPEAR. xvit Flis Plays are properly to be diftinguith’d only into Comedies and Tragedies. 'Thofe which are calicd Hiftories, and even fome of his Comedies, are really Tragedies, with a run er mixture of Comedy amongft em. That way of ‘T'rage-Comedy was the common Mi- {take of that Age, and is indeed become fo agreeable to the Englifh Taft, that tho” the feverer Critiques among us cannot bear it, yet the generality of our Audiences feem to be better pleas’d with it than with an exa& Tra- gedy. The Merry Wives of Windfor, The Co- medy of Errors, and The Taming of the Shrew, are all pure Comedy; the reft, however they are call’d, have fomething of both Kinds. ’Tis hot very eafie to determine which way of Writing he was moft Excellent in. There is’ certainly a great deal of Entertainment in his Comical Humours; and tho’ they did not then ftrike at all Ranks of People, as the Sa- tyr of the prefent Age has taken the Liberty, to do, yet there is a pleafing and a well-di- ftinguifh’d Variety in thofe Chara@ers which he thought fit to meddle with. Falflaff is-al+.. low’d by every body to be a, Mafter-piece; the Character is always well-fuftain’d, tho’ drawn out into the length of three Plays; and even the Account of his Death, given by his Old Vou. I. b Landlady ——SSS SS = ee = SS ~—S ae Se ee - os - ae onde — ne oa ae & Re <3 35 cook coz = Se EE ANS, paper —~ ees oe —— = = ES eS aero as ——— —— SSS ee ae — - xvi 30 Some Account of the Life, &c. Landlady Mrs. Quazck/y,. in the firft Act of Henry Vo thd" it be extremely Natural, is yet as diverting as any Part of his Life. If there be any Fault in the Draught he has made of this lewd old Fellow, it is, that tho’ he has made him a Thief, Lying, Cowardly, Vain- glorious, and in fhort every way Vicious, yet he has given him fo much Wit as to make him almoft too agreeable; and I don’t know Whether fome People have not, in remem- brance of the Diverfion he had formerly af- forded ’em, been forry to fee his Friend Hlaé ufe him fo fcurvily, when he,comes to. the: Crown in the End of the Second Part of Hea- ry the Fourth. Amongft other Extravagances, in The Merry Wives of Windfor, he has made him a Dear-ttealer,. that hegmight at the fame time remember his Warwickbire Profecutor, under the ‘Name of Juftice- Shallow; he has. given him very near the fame Coat of Arms which Dugdale, in his Antiquities of that County, deferibes for a Family there, and makes the Wel/b Parfon defcant very plea- fantly upon ’em. ‘That whole Play is admi- rable; the Humours are various and well op- pos’d ; the main Defign, which As to cure Ford of his unreafonable Jealoufie, is extreme. ly of Mr. WittiaM SHAKESPEAR. xtx ly well conduéted. Fatfiaf’s Billet-doyx, and Matter Stender’s st bh! Sweet Ann Page! are vety good Expreffions of Love in they Way. In Twelfth-Night there is fomething fingularly Ridiculous and Pleafant in the fan- taftical Steward Malvelio. The Parafite and the Vain-glotious in Parolles, in AUPs Well that ends Well, is as good as any thing of that Kind in Plutus or Terence. Petruchio, in The Ti athing of the Shrew, is an uncommon Piece of Humour. The Convertation of Benedick and Beatrice, in Much ado about Nothing, and of Rofalind in ‘As you Like tt, have much Wit and Sprightlinefs all along, His Clowns, with- out Which Character there was hardly any _ Play writ in that Time, are all very entertain- ing: And, I believe, Ther/ites in Troilus and Crefidasand ApemantusinTimon,will be allow’d to be Mafter-Pieces of ill Nature, and fatyrical Snarling. ‘To thefe I might add, that incom. parable Chara¢ter of Shylock the Few, in The Merchant of Venice ; but tho’ we have feen _ that Play Receiv’d ahd AGed as a Comedy, and the Part of the few perform’d by an Ex- cellent Comedian, yet I cannot bur think it b 2 was SS ee = ——— ee == SSS Hil \ } XX Some Account of the Life, &c. ° | was defign’d'Tragically by the Author. ‘There appears in it fuch a deadly Spirit of Revenge; fuch a favage Fiercenefs and Fellnefs, and fuch a bloody defignation of Cruelty and. Mifchief, as cannot agree either with the Stile or Cha- racers of Comedy... The Play it felf, take_it all togethersfeems to me to be one of the moft finifh’d of any, of Shake/pear’s. "The ‘Tale in- deed, in that Part.relating to the Caskets, and the extravagant and unufual kind of Bond gi- ven by Autonzo, is a little too much remoy’d from the Rules of Probability: But taking the Fact for granted, we mutt allow, it to be very | beautifully written.. There is fomething . in the ‘Friendfhip .of Autonzo to Baffanio very Great, Generous, and.ender.«. Lhe whole fourth AG. fappofing, «as. T faid, the Fada to be probable, is extremely Fine. But there are two Paflages that deferye a particular Notice. The firit.is, what Portia fays in praife of. Mer- CV; Pag. 5775 and the other..on. the Pow er. of Mufick » pag..587.° The, Melancholy of. 24. Giles inds. you like it, is as fingular and odd as-itis diverting. And if what. Horace fays . Difteile oft thee pra Dicere, "Twill be a hard ask for any one-to go be- * yond ! of Mr. Wi. LIAM: SHAKESPEAR. xXx yond him in the Defcription of the feveral Degrees and Ages of Man’s Life, tho’ the Thought, be old, and, common enough. : All the World's a Stage, And all the Men and Women meerly Players ; They have their Exits and their Entrances, And one Man in his time plays many Parts, His Aéts being feven Ages. At firft the Tnfant Mew ling and puking in the Nurfe's Arms: Andthen,the whining School-boy with his Satchel, And fhining Morning-face, creeping like Snail Unwillingly to School, And then the Lover Sighing like Furnace, with a woful Ballad ‘Made to his Miftre/s Eye-brow. Then a Soldier Full of ftrange Oaths, and bearded like the Pard, Fealous t in Honour, fudden and quick in a Seeking the bubble Repurarion Ev’ in the Cannon's Mouth. Andthen the Fiuftice In fair round Belly, with good Capon lind, With Eyes fevere, and Beard of formal Cut, Full of wife Saws and modern Inftances; And fo be plays bis Part. The fixth Age foifts “Into the lean and flipper’d P antaloon, With Spettacles on Nofe, and Pouch on Side; ‘Hy youthful Hofe, well fav'd, a world too wide For his fbrunk Shank; and his big manly Voice ‘Turning again tow rd childifh treble Pipes, a . And xx Some Account of the Life, &c And Whiffles in bis Sound. Laft Scene of all, That ends thw firange eventful Fiiftory, I's fecond Childifbuefs aud meer Oblivin, Sans Leeth, fans Eyes, fansTaft, fans ev'ry thing. | ! Pp, 625. FisImages are indeed ev’ry where fo lively, that the Thing he would reprefent fands ful] before you, and you poffefs evry Fart of jit. I will venture, to, point out one more, which is, J think, as {trong and as uncommcn as any thing I ever faw ; ’tis an Image of Patience. ‘Speaking of a,Maid in Love, he fays, ~- ae She never told her Love, But let Concealment, like a Worm 2th Bud Heed on her Damask Cheek : She pin dint bought, And fate like Patience on gz Monument, Smiling at Grief. What an Image is here given! and what a “Pask would it have been for the greaie{t Ma- {ters of Greece and Rome to have exprds’d the Paffions defign’d by this Sketch of Statuary ? TheStile of his Comedy is, in general, Natura] to the Characters, and eafie in it felf. Wit moft commonly {prightly and except in thofe places where he + Dogrel Rhymes, as in The Comedy ; ind the ‘pleafing, Ms into of Lrrors, and of Mr. WiLLiaM SHAKESPEAR. xxtl aiid a P:flage or two in fome other Plays. As for his ‘ingling fometimes, and playing upon Words, it was the common Vice of the Age he livdin: And if we find it in ‘the Pulpit, made uf of as an Ornament to the Sermons of fome-of the Gravett Divines of thofe Times; perhapsit may not be thought too light foe the Stage. ‘But ctrrainly the greatnefs of this Author’s Genius co’s no where fo much appear, as where he giveshis Imagination an entire Loofe, and raifes hs Fancy to a flight’ above Mankind and the Limits of the vifible World. Such are his Attempts in The Tempe/t, Mid/immer- Night's Dream, Macbeth and .Hamlet. Of thefe, The Tempeft, however it comes to be plac’d the firft by: the former Publithers of his Works, can never have been the firft written by him ; Jt feems to me as per, fect, in its Kind, as. almof any thing we have of his. One may obferve, that the Pb josces are kept here with “an Exadnefs. uncommon to the Liberties of his Wriing : Tho’ that was what, I fuppofe, _he valu’ himfelf Ieaft upon, fince his E:xcel- “Jencies vere all,of another Kind. “I am very fenfible that he do’s, in this Play, depart too much fiom that likenefs toTruth which ought to be olferv’d in thefe fort of Writings yet b 4 he Wit PKI. « . Some Account Of the: Life; &e. ohe do's it foc very finely, vthatoone is eafily drawn in ‘to. haveanore Faith ‘for his fake; than . Reafondoésswelloallow of: His Magick has fomething anzio very. Solemn and ‘wery: Poeti- | cals’ Andthatcextravagant Ghara@er of Cu/j- tobar issmighty well fattain’d;othews:a wonder- 2sfubTavention inthe Authors>who Could tiike out fuch a particular wild Image; ‘andoisieer- tainly one of the fineft and moft uncommon ““Grotefques:that-was ever feen: "The Obférva- tion; “which: Phave been inform’d-* three very - rr Shakefpear, aie taught by none,did fir ft empart 7: FoFetcher Wat; to Jab'ring Johnfon.Art. -wHe; Monarch-hkes gave thofe his, Subjetts Law, ; And 1s that.Nature which they Pasmt and Draw. : mpagessitee reach: d that: whiehon.bis heights did AN LOD. PSITHR af Wilf Johnfon. crept * ‘aterd all pian . This did his Loves and this his,Mirth Misch One imitates. him moft, the other beft.- vif they have fince out-writ all other Men, Pen. si Tas with the Dropswhich fell fromShakefpear’s ae viens Storm which vani[P a. on: the neigh’ 19g - Shears: ral Was taught by Shakefpear’ s T. cmpeft fir ft. to.roar. ThatInuocence.and Beauty which did {mile ad In Fletchers. grew on this Enchanted Mle;, « ‘:idBut Shakefpear’s Magick. could not copied | be, Within that Circle none durft walk but. be. ~otrirtt I * Alluding to.the Sea-V oyage of Pletcher. : xxvi . Some Account of the Life; &e.° ~ F muft confe/s twas bold; nor would ‘you now That Liberty to vulgar Wits allow, Which works by Magick fipernatural things: But Shakelpear's Pow'r is Sacred as a King's. ies “i alerd by Mx Doyo ~ Ttis the fame Magick that raifes the F airies in Midfummer Night's Dream, the Witches in Macbeth, and the Ghoft in Hamlet, with Thoughts and Language fo proper to the Parts they fuftain, and fo peculiar to the Talent of this Writer. But of the two laft of thefe Plays Ffhall have occafion to take notice, among the Tragedies of Mr. Shake/pear. If one under- took to examine the greateft part of thefe by thofe Rules which are eftablith’d by Arifotle, and taken from the Model of the Grecian Stage, it would be no very hard Task to find a great many Faults: But as Shakefpear liv’d under a kind of mere Light of Nature, and had never been made acquainted with the Re. gularity of thofe written Precepts, fo it would be hard to judge him by a Law he-knew no. thing of. We are to confider him as a Man that liv’d in a State of almoft univerty] Licenfe and Ignorance: There was no eftablith’d Judge, but every one took the liberty to Write-ac: cording to the Dictates of his ‘own Fancy. | When of Mr. WiLLiaM SHAKESPEAR. XXVET When one confiders, that there is not one Play before him. of a Reputation good enough to entitle it to an Appearance on the prefent Stage, it cannot but be aMatter of great Wons der that he fhould advance Dramatick Poetry {o far. as he did. The Fable is what is generally plac’d the firit, among thofe, that are reckon’d the conftituent Parts of a Tragick or Heroick Poem ; not, perhaps, as it is the moft Dif. cult.or Beautiful, but as it is the firft properly to bethought of in the Contrivance and. Courfe of the whole ; and with the Fable ought to be confider’d, the fit Difpofition, Order and Conduct of its feveral Parts. . As it isnot in this Province of the Drama. that the Strength and Mattery of Shake/pear lay,. fo I fhall not undertake the tedious, and. ill-natur’d ‘Trouble ‘fo point out the feveral Faults he was guilty of init. His Tales were feldom invented, but rather taken either from true Hiftory, or No. vels and Romances: And he commonly made ufe of em in that Order, with thofe Incidents, and that extent of ‘Time in which he found ‘em,in the Authors from whence he borrow’d them. So The Winters Tale, which is taken from an old Book, call’d, The Delectable. Hy- ftory of Doraftus and Faunia, contains the {pace of fixteen or feventeen Years, and ‘the Scene 1s xvar -. Some Account of the Life, &c. is fometimes laid in Bohemia, and fomeéetimes in, Siczly, according to the original Order of the Story; _Almoft all his Hiftorical Plays com- prehend a great length of Time, and very, differ ent and diftinét Places: And in his 4. tony and Cleopatra, the Scene travels over the greateft Part. of the Roman Empire, But in Recompence. for his Carelefsnefs in this Point, when he comes to another Part of the Drama, The Manners of his..Charaéters, in Atting or Speaking what is proper for them; and Jit to be Soown by the Poet, he may be generally ju- ftify’d, and in, very many places greatly com- mended. For, thefe Plays which he has taken from the Englife or Roman Hiltory, let any | Man compare em, and he will find the Cha. racter as exact in the Poet as the Hiftorian. He, feems indeed. fo far m. propofing to himfelf: anyone AGion for Petits that the Title Very, often. tells you, : "tis The Life of King John, King Richard, Se: What can be more agreeable to the Idea our Hiftorians give of. Henry. the Sixth, than the Pidure Shake- fpear has drawn of him! His Manners are every where exactly the fame with the Story ; one-finds him, {till deferib’ d with Simplicity, paflive Sanctity,. want of Cour age, weaknefs ot Mind, and eafie Submiffion to the Gover- hance OP ad of Mr. Witt tam SHAKESPBAR: “Rx: nance of an imperious Wife, ‘or’ prevailing Faétion: Tho’ at the fame time the Poet’do’s Juftice to his good Qualities, and moves the Pity of his Audience for him, by fhowing ‘him Pious, Difinterefted, a Contemner of the Things of this World, and. wholly refign’d'to the fevereft Difpenfations of God’s Proviz dence. There is a fhort Scene in the Second Part of Henry VI. Vol. IIT. pag.1504. which} cannot but think admirable in its Kind. Car dinal Beaufort, who ‘had murder’d the Duke of Gloucefter, is fhewn in the laft Agonies on his Death-Bed, with the good King praying over hini.. ‘There is fo much Terror in one; fo much Tendernéts and moving Piety 1 in the other, as muft touch atiy one who is capable either of Fear or Pity. In his ‘Henry VIM. that Prince is drawn with that Greatnefs of Mind, and all thofe good Qualities which are attri- buted to him in any Account of his Reign If his Faults are not fhewnin an equal degree, and the Shadés in this Pi€ture do not bear a jaft Proportion to the Lights, it is not that. the Artift wanted ¢ither Colours or Skill in. the Difpofition of ’°em ;° but the truth, I be- lieve, might be, that he forbore doing it out of regard to Queen EXzabeth, fince it could have been no very great Refpe¢t to the Me- mory = eet = = ——— = ~ — —~ —- —- = ee - - ~ === ad = SS = —— === == se Sr = = — == ret. = SSS SS === = =: ——— SS = = = = SS : : = = S— = == = — = SS ———=> - - ae > aor < —<— we === : —- = =S < SS re — == x = 2s Su = F- : = a => <= aa << = A ee een eee XxX Some Account of the Life, &e. mory of his Miftrefs, to have e€xpos’d fome certain Parts of her Father’s T,ife upon the Stage.” He has dealt much more freely with the Minifter of that Great King, and certain. lynothing was ever more juftly written, than | the Character of Cardinal Wolfey. He has fhewn him Tyrannical, Cruel, ‘and Infolent in is Profperity; and yet, by a wonderful Ad- drefs, he makes his Fall and Ruin the Subject of general Compaflion. The whole Man, with his Vices and Virtues, is finely and exaétly deferib’d in’ the fecond Scene of the fourth AC. The Diftrefles likewife of Queen Kathe- rine, in this Play, are very movingly touch’d ¢ and tho’ the Art of the Poet’ has skreen’d King Henry from any grofs Imputation of In- Juttice, yet one is inclin’d to with, the Queen had met with a Fortune more Worthy of he} Birth and Virtue. Nor are the Manners, pro- per to the Perfons reprefented, lefs juftly ob- ~ ferv’d, in thofe Charaers taken ‘from the Pp. man Fiiftory ; ‘and of this, the Fiercenef: and Impatience of Coriolanus, his Courage and Dit dain of the common People, the Virtue’ and’ Philofophical Temper of Brutus, and the ir. régular Greatnefs of Mind in 4 Antony, are beautiful Proofs. For the two {4 elpecially, you find ’em exadtly as they are. deferib’d by ik 3 Plutarch, of Mr..WitLIAM SHAKESPEAR. Xxxi Plutarch, from whom certainly Shake/pear copy’d ’em.. He has indeed, follow’d his Ori- ginal pretty clofe, and taken in feveral little Incidents that might have-been fpar’d jin a Play. But, as I, hinted before, his Defign feems moft commonly rather to defcribé thofe great Men in. the feveral. Fortunes and. Accidents of their Lives, than to take any fingle great Action, and form his Work fim ply.upon that. However, there are fome of his. Pieces, where the Fable is founded upon one Action only, Such are more efpecially, Romeoand Fuliet, Hamlet, and Othello. ‘The Defign in Romeo and Fuliet, is plainly the Pu- nifhment of their two Families, for the unrea- fonable Feuds and Animofities, that had been fo long kept up between ’em, and occafion’d the Effufion of fo much Blood. In the ma nagement of.this Story, he has fhewn fome: thing wonderfully Tender and Paffionate in the.Love-part, and very Pitiful in the Diftrefs. Hamlet is founded on much the fame Tale with the Electra of Sophocles. In each of ’em a young Prince is engag’d to Revenge the Death of his Father, their Mothers are equal ly Guilty, are both concern’d in the Murder of their Husbands, and are afterwards mar- ried to the Murderers. . There. is in the firft ; | | Part xxx. Some Account of the Life, &c. Part of the Greek Trajedy, fomething very mo- ving in the.Grief of Elec?#ra; but as Mr. 2)’ 4. czer has obferv’d, there is fomething very un- natural and fhocking in the Manners he has given that Princefs and Oreffes in the lattéy Part. Oreffes embrues his Hands in the Blood of his own Mother; and that barbarous A@ion is perform’d, tho’ not immediately upon the Stage, yet fo near, that the Audience hear Chy- temnefira crying out to Aighy/tus for Help, and to her Son for Mercy: While Eleé¥ra, het Daughter, and a Princefs, both of them Cha. racters that ought to have appear’d with more Decency, ftands upon the Stage and encou- rages her Brother in the Parricide. What Horror does this not raife! Clytemnefira was a wicked Woman, and had deferv’d to Die ; nay, in the truth of the Story, fhe was kill’d _ by her own Son ; but to reprefent an A¢tion of this Kind on the Stage, js certainly an Offence againft thofe Rules of Manners pro- per to the Perfons that ought to be obferv’d there. On the contrary, let us only look a little on the Condué& of Shake/pear. Hamlet is reprefented with the fame Piety towards his Father, and Refolution to Revenge his Death, as Oreffes; he has the fame Abhor- rence for his Mother’s Guilt, which, to pro- voke of Mre Wat txM-SHAKBSPBAR. XXXL voke. him. the,anore, is heifhten’d by Inceft® But. ’tis»with-.wonderful Art»-and Juftnefs of Judgment, that ..the Poet-reftraing-him. from doing Violence to his Mother.). Foprevent any thing of that Kind, he makes his Father's Ghoft forbid that part of his V: engeance. But ho w/oever thou pary: t [t-thes Ady Taint not thy Mind; nor let thy Soul contrive Againft thy Mother ought; leave ber to Heavn, And to thofe Thorns that in hér Bofom lodges To prick enh es her. Yolk-V:. p. 23 ag. This: is to diftinguith rightly between Horror and £ error, Lhe latter is a proper Paffion of Tragedy, but, the former ought always to be carefully avoided. And certainly no Drama- tick Writer. ever. fucceeded better in raifing Terran in the Minds of an Audience than Shakefpear has done. The whole Tragedy of Macbeth, but more efpecially the Scene where the King i is murder’d, in the fecond AQ, as well as this Play, is a noble Pr oof of that man-. ly Spirit with which he writ; and both thew how, powerful he was, in giving the {trongeft. Motions to our Souls that they are capable of. I cannot leave Hamlet, without taking notice of the. PAE with which we have feen Vou. I c this o pe ae fe 2 Od r- a a Pa OP 0 6S SD we "1 he gee ee ae ae — [a —— ha { vii I | —— | == ——— = ——— -——— oe i | ml | Sia i Sudito. Plan, genio Soaratem , : Arle Marcnem | Terre tegst, Populus merel, Olympus habel. | i of Mr. WiLLiaM SHAKESPEAR. xxxyiy a Monument, as engrav’d in the Plate, is plac’d in the Wall. On his Grave-Stone wn- derneath is, pi Good Friend, for Fefus fake, forbear To dig the Duft inclofed here. Bleft be the Man that fpares these Stones, And Curft be he that moves my Bones, He had three Daughters, of which two liv’d to. be marry’d ; Judith, the Elder,’ to one Mr. Thomas Quiney, by whoin fhe ‘had three Sons, who all dy’d without Children’; and Sufannah, who was his F avourite, to Dr. ohn Hall, a Phyfician of good Reputation in that Country. She left one Child only, ‘a Daugh- tcr,who was marry'd firft to Thomas Nafh, E{q; and afterwards to Sir Yohu Bernard of Ab- bington, but dy’d likewife without Mue. Phis is what I could learn of any Note, ci- ther relating to himfelf or Family : The Cha- racter of the Man is beft feen in his Writingé. But-fince Ben Fohnfon has made a fort of an Eflay towards it in his ‘Difcoveries, tho’, as I have before hinted, he was not very Cordial in his Friendfhip, I will venture to ‘give it in his Words. 3 ; : «J wort TT ih! | Hii ia rit “Ss | a & JM int Walt) 4 ai 1 i - | ! : ae Ue) Ha | Vi zit / ) ' Md ; “ i}? I } : - rm | { 14) [ | eee | MH aq ih la) 1) ote } Hin il ‘ et EM ow halt , ’ ae Re ait ; | Ny Ma I f i : 7 ri HW ; = ae | ss 40] - " i) } 4 q : ce iby ti ik 4 11) : H \ 1 Wie | ay i | r } } Y i : : * i Litt ) i ~F His } : By aaa ; \ 1 “ i } n | San AB ia: | “43 ii UMA: A aT iM : ¥ i] ‘ ' ith ui ifm) b Wy AA) |) Mia hi ; it { in } bill ae eb Ms th WOH, oy Mey | y) mae etl) t ‘iy i F| } bid Wt i Bi a Peel! - 1) "i ait Abr et “7 j ‘Hi efit 1 H Mm | hi ih Hy i} i} th, ng f i lint edamame i ' Bitte { ‘ j e Wedtmaliis | } in) DAMN | ea) Wy A iy | f aha! | mi id) Ih 3 NT HAE 4 Mi i | : / | ; 2 y f t ’ eta | : ich wih y | me FE he Fi idl | J - * we | ’ re a ¢ ai, OM at aman ty mda | ‘ te Ny . A) ait H ee a iia | , it 1 ' Wey PA) eae | ribs i ‘Fi vy ; Panett Cal) i haley ON hei = 31 ial f Wey a yt | i e oy OT Br : a iy! v4, a OBST ES yo ort ; He ft Ane “4 i | eer 4 aif uj { Ra TAS t! iv . alto 3 Sapa ee at f ty 1 i . 4 ; : 7 = Seen SS —— a * =< a Se fe SS a - = a) > oe posers = > xxxvix Some Account of the Life, &c. ”« Yremember the Players have often men- a 4 tion’d it as an Honour to Shake/pear, that in Writing (whatfoever he penn’d) he never blotted out a Line. My Anfwer hath been, Would he had blotted a thoufand, which they thought a malevolent Speech. . I had not told Pofterity this, but for their Igno- rance, who chofe that Circumftance to com- mend their Friend by, wherein he moft faulted, And to juftifie mine own Candor; (for I lov’'d the Man, and do honour his Memory, on this fide Idolatry, as much as ‘ any.) He was, indeed, Honeft, and of an open and free Nature, had an Excellent Fancy, brave Notions, and gentle Expreffi- ons; wherein he flow'd with that Facility, that fometimes it was neceflary he fhould be ftopp’d: S' Sufflaminandus erat, as Auguftus {aid of Haterius. His Wit was in his own Pow- er, would the Rule of it had been fo too. “Many times he fell into thofe things could not efcape Laughter; as when he faid inthe Perfon of Cz/ar, one {peaking to him, 8 Cepfar thou = me HW iw: - cc He rep! yd: “¢ Cefar did never V; rong but with Juft Cat ufe. “ and g Mr. Wit.taM SHAKESPEAR. xxxix «< and fuch like, which were ridiculous.. But «“ he redeem’d his Vices with his Virtues; ‘«¢ ‘There was ever more in him to be Prais’d «* than to be Pardon’d. As for the Paflage which he mentions out of Shakefpear, there is fomewhat like it in fulius Cafar, Vol. V.p.2260. but without the Abfur- dity; nor did I ever meet with it in any Edi- tion that I have feen, as quoted by Mr. Fobu- fon. Belides his Plays in this Edition, there are two or three afcrib’d to him by Mr. Lang- bain, which I have never feen, and know no- thing of. He writ likewife, Venus and Ad- nis, and Targuin and Lucrece, in Stanza’s, which have been printed in a late Colle@ion of Poems. As to the Charaéter given of him by Ben Féhnfon, there is a good deal true in it; But I believe it may be as well exprefs'd by what Horace fays of the firft Romans, who wrote I'ragedy upon the Greek Models, (or indeed tranflated ’em) in his Epiftle to Ay- guftus. Natura fublimis & Acer Nam {pirat Tragicum fatis & feliciter Audet, Sed turpem putat in Chartis metuitg; Lituram. There THE Some Account of the Life, &c. There is aBook of Poems, publith’d in 1640, under the. Name of Mr. William Shakefpear, buts I have but very lately feen it, without an Opportupity of making any Judgment upon I won't pretend to determine, whether it be his or no. XL it, 2 SSS == === SS ae ae SS ESS ————————— i ee on a bins \y ie Gy Pa i) 2 => ae ke TEMPEST. Printed in the YEAR 1709. none “ - “ = ~~ Z te Oe po al > ae ss — iy ne a ee - . -- . ' \ we rs \ . —s ~ - — ~~ i 4 — 44 tin gr as ae : 3 7 — I TOS Fay, ee ir — — = ~ ~ —— — a eae - ea SS : ~_- 2 Ss - ~ = 2 - ae. Ate . SSS SS pas — = - “arse: a =a = a ae - 3 — ‘ 7. m aa Ahm tl vip ely - ou OE a oo —- ——- . = - = = > . “ — " re ™ — ~ aes on ees in — — _ = = - — — “. a : — ? 2 - ~ z : Patt eto ie sees —— —o- : - \ ee oS ee eS es ee _ =~ = Se a —— oo a = > SS ; ° a3 — = ; = soe a = : a —- = SSS SS SSS = ; - : = ——— : ———S = S———— SSS SS —— Sas : -. - ==] s The TEMPEST. Thy Father was the Duke of AZillan, and A Prince of Power. Mira. Sir, are not you my Father ¢ Pro. Thy Mother was a piece of Virtue, and She faid thou waft my Daughter, and thy Father ‘Was Duke of AZillan, and his only Heir,, And Princefs; no worfe iffu’d, Mira. O the Heav'ns, What foul Play had we that we came from thence? Or blefled was’t we did 2 Pro. Both, both, my Gurl: By foul Play (as thou fayett) were we heav’d thence, But bleffedly holp hither, Mira. O my Heart bleeds To think o’th’ teene that I have turn’d you to, Which is from my Remembrance. Pleafe you, farther, Pro. My Brother and thy Uncle, call?’d Anthonio; I pray thee mark me, that a Brother fhould Be fo perfidious! He, whom next thy felf Of all the World I lov’d, and to him put The Manage of my State; as at chat time Through all the Signories it was the firft, And Pro/pero the prime Duke, being fo reputed In Dignity; and for the Liberal Arts, » Without a Parallel; thofe being all my Study ; The Government I caft upon my Brother, And to my State grew Stranger, being tranfported And rapt in fecret Studies. Thy falfe Uncle, . (Doft thou attend) ¢ Mira. Sir, mott heedfully. Pro. Being once perfected how to grant Suits, How todeny them; whom t’advance, and whom To trafh for over-topping ; new created The Creatures that were mine, I fay, or chang’d *em, Or elfe new form’d ’em; having both the Key - Of Officer and Office, fet all Hearts o’th’ State To what Tune pleas’d his Ear, that now he was The Ivy which had hid my princely Trunk, And fuckt my Verdure out on’t: Thou attend’ft not? Mira. O good Sir, I do. Pro. I pray thee mark me: | B 4 d $ 8 The TEMPEST. I thus neglecting worldly Ends, all dedicated ‘To Clofenefs, and the bettering of my Mind With that which but by being retired O’er-priz’d all popular rate ; in my falfe Brother Awak’d an evil Nature, and my Truft, Like a good Parent, did beget of him A Falfhood in its contrary, as great As my Truft was; which had indeed no Limit, A Confidence fans bound. He being thus Lorded, Not only with what my Revenue yielded, But what my Power might ele exact; like one Who having into Truth, by telling of it, Made fuch a Sinner of his Memory ty To credit his own Lie, he did believe He was indeed the Duke, out o’th’ Subftitution And executing th’ outward Face of Royalty With all Prerogative. Hence his Ambition growing ; Doit thou hear 2 “iira. Your Tale, Sir, would cure Deafnefs, Pro. To have no Screen between this Part he plaid, And him he plaid it for; he needs will be Abfolute J4illan ;. me, poor Man, my Library Was Dukedom large enough; of temporal Royalties He thinks me now incapable. Confederates (So dry he was for Sway) wi’ th’ King of 2Vaples To give him annual Tribute, do him Homage, Subject his Coronet to his Crown, and bend The Dukedom yet unbow’d (alas poor AZil/an ! ). To much ignoble ftooping. Aira, Oh the Heav’ns! . i Pro. Mark his Condition, and th’ Event, then tell me If this might’be a Brother. Mira. 1 fhould fin, To think byt nobly of my Grand-mother ; Good Wombs have born bad Sons. Pro. Now-the Condition: This King of Naples being an Enemy _'To me inveterate, hearkens my Brother’s Suit; Which was, That he in lieu 0’ th’ Premifes, Of Homage, and I know not how much Tribute; Should prefently extirpate me and mine Out The TEM PEST. 9 Out of the Dukedom, and confer fair AGllaz, With all the Honours, on my Brother. _Whereon A treacherous Army levy’d, one Mid-night Fated to th’ Purpofe, did -4uthonio open The Gates of Adillan, and 1’th’ dead of Darknefs The Minifter for th’ Purpofe hurry’d thence Me, and thy crying felf. Mira. Alack for pity ! ‘I not remembring how I cry’d out then Will cry it o’er again; it is a hint That wrings mine Eyes to’t. Pro. Hear a little furthe-, ' And then I'll bring thee to the prefent Bufinefs Which now’s upon’s, without the which this Story Were moft impertinent. Mira. Wherefore did they not That Hour deftroy us 2 Pro. Well demanded, Wench; | My Tale provokes that Queftion, Dear, they durft not ; So dear the Love my People bore me: Nor fet A Mark fo bloody on the Bufinefs; but With Colours fairer painted their foul Ends, In few; they hurry’d us aboard a Bark, Bore us fome Leagues to Sea, where they prepar'd A rotten Careafs of a Boat, not rigg’d, Nor Tackle, nor Sail, nor Maft; the very Rats Inftin@ively had quit it: There they horft us To cry to th’ Sea that roar’d to us ; to figh To th’ Winds, whofe Pity fighing back again Did us but loving Wrong. Mira. Alack! what Trouble Was I then to you? Pro. O! a Cherubim Thou waft that did preferve me: Thou didft fmile, Infufed with a Fortitude from Heav’n, When I have deck’d the Sea with Drops full falt, Under my Burthen groan’d, which rais’d in me An undergoing Stomach, to bear up -Again{ft what fhould enfue. Atira. How came we a-fhore? Pro. By Providence divine ; Some a { 10 The TEMPES T Some Food we had, and fome frefh Water, that A noble Neapolitan Gonzalo, Out of hi: Charity (who being then appointed Matter of this Defign) did give us, with Rich Garnents, Linnens, Stuffs, and Neceffaries Which fince have fteeded much. So of his Gentlenefs, Knowing ] lov’d my Books, he furnifh’d me From mine own Library, with Volumes, that » I prize above my Dukedom. Mir. Would I might But ever fte that Man. Pro, Now I arife, Sit ftill, and hear the laft of our Sea-forrow. Here in ths Ifland we arriv’d, and here Have I, thy School-mafter, made thee more profit Than other Princes can, that have more Time For vainer Hours, and Tutors, not fo careful. Mira. Feav'ns thank you for't. And now I pray you, Sir, (For {till *tis beating in my Mind) your Reafon | For raifing shis Sea-{torm 2 Pro. Know thus far forth, By Accident moft ftrange, bountiful Fortune (Now my cear Lady) hath mine Enemies Brought tothis Shore: And by my Prefcience I find, my Zenith doth depend upon. A moft auffitious Star, whofe Influence If now I court not, but omit, my Fortunes Will ever alter droop: Here ceafe more Queftions, Thou art inclin'd to fleep. Tis a good Dulnefs, And give it way; I know thou canft not chufe. Come away, Servant, come; I am ready now, Approach, ny Ariel. Come. | -.' Enter Ariel. fri. All rail, great Mafter, grave Sir, hail! I come To anfwer ty beft Pleafure. Be it to fly; To fwim, —- into the es to ride On the curld Clouds: To thy ftrong biddip Ariel, and all his Quality. : : = - Pro. Hatt, thou, Spirit, Perform’d tc point the Tempeft that I bad thee2 “ri, To wery Article, ; -_ ght a : "i 4 ' | ,. yi Wu f - ae | . i) : he 4 ; weir * ue ry ie “ amteocte, 4 ~ — “m5 = . Se ee ee Sn ne geen oe “> M a | } 4 - ¥ zi “4 iS ) | i} aoe | 4 t}| pees ! wi nae Hi re UR } ii aa - {} if et f I ii } oI Hid | an , Th ba AMD js if of bile Wi Mile! ee { & HP} if) Pad i it ' Wee ee Th Bs Barth | be 4 H ' coh Meat TWA te AME au Te Hi aaa AW i Ty ) } Ibe TEMPE ST. 19) Is poffeft with Guilt: Come from thy Ward, For I can here difarm thee with this Stick, And make thy Weapon drop. Mira, Beleech you, Father. Pro. Hence: Hang not on my Garments. Aira. Sir, have Pity; I'll be his Surety. Pro. Silence: One Word more Shall make me chide thee, if not hate thee, What, An Advocate for an Impoftor? Huth! | Thou think’ft there are no more fuch Shapes.as he, (Having feen but him and Caliban) foolith Wench, To th’ moft of Men this is a Caliban, And they to him are Angels. Mira, My Affe&ions Are then moft humble: I have no Ambition To fee a goodlier Man. Pro, Come on, obey: Thy Nerves are in their Infancy again, And have no Vigour in them. Fer. So they are: My Spirits, as ina Dream, are all bound up. My Father’s lofs, the Weaknefs which I feel, The Wrack of all my Friends, and this Man’s Threats, Lo whom I am fubdu’d, are but light to me, Might I but through my Prifon once a Day Behold this Maid: All Corners elfe o’ th’ Earth _ Let Liberty make ufe of; Space enough Have I, in fuch a Prifon, Pro. It works: Come on. Thou haft done well, fine Ariel: Follow me: Hark what thou elfe fhalt do me. Mira. Be of Comfort, My Father’s of a better Nature, Sir, Than he appears by Speech: This is unwonted Which now came from him. Pro. Thou fhalt be as free As Mountain Winds; but then exaétly. do All Points of my Command. Ari. To th’ Syllable. | Pro, Come follow: Speak not for him, [Exeunt. Ree es C2 wOT 20 The TEMPEST. Ake WeiAblie S&B NAB od Enter Alonfo, Sebaftian, Anthonio, Gonzalo, Adrians Francifco, and others. Gonz, gates you Sir, be merry: You have Caufe; (So have we all) of Joy; for our Efcape Is much beyond our Lofs; our Hint of Wo Is common, every Day, fome Sailor’s Wife, The Mafters of fome Merchant, and the Merchant Have juft our Theam of Wo: But for the Miracle, (1 mean our Prefervation) few in Millions Can {peak like us: Then wifely, good Sir, weigh Our Sorrow with our Comfort. | Allon. Prethee Peace. 3 Seb. He receives Comfort like cold Porridge. Ant. The Vifitor will not give o’er fo. Seb. Look, he’s winding up the Watch of his Wi, By and by it will ftrike. Gox. Sir. \ Seb, On: Tell. Gon. When every Grief is entertain’d That’s offer’'d; comes:to the Entertainer —— Seb. A Dollor. Gon. Dolour comes to him indeed, you have fpoken truer than you purpos’d. — Pres: Seb. You have taken it wifelier than I meant you fhould. Gon. Therefore, my Lord. . Ant. Fie, what a Spend-thrift is he of his Tongue? Alon. 1 prethee fpare. , Gon, Well, 1 have done: But yet——— Seb. He will be talking. Ant. Which of he, or Adrian, for a good Wager, Firft begins to crow? : Seb. The old Cock. Ant. The Cockrell. | Seb. Done: The Wager? Ant. A Laughter. Seb. A Match. 4dr, Though this Ifland feem to be defertr—. Seb. Ha, ha, ha. The TEM P-E ST , it Ant. So: You're paid. . Adr, Uninhabitable, and almoft inacceflible—— Seb, Yet. Adr. Yet Aut. He could not mifs’t. : _Adr, It muft needs be of fubtle, tender, and delicate Temperance. Ant, Temperance was a delicate Wench. Seb. Ay, and a fubtle, as he moft learnedly deliver’d. Adr, The Air breathes upon us here moft fweetly. . Seb. Asif it had Lungs, and rotten ones. Ant. Or, as *twere perfumed by a Fen, Gon. Here is every thing advantageousto Life. Ant, True, fave Means to live, Seb, Of that there’s none, or little. Gon. How luth and Jufty the Grafs looks? How’ green? Ant. The Ground indeed is tawny. Seb, With an Eye of green in’t. Ant, He miffes not much. Seb. No: He doth but miftake the Truth totally. Gon. But the Rarity of it is, which is indeed almoft be- yond Credit : Seb, As many voucht Rarities are, Gon. That our Garments, being (as they were) drenche in the Sea, hold notwithftanding their Frefhnefs and Glofles, being rather new dy’d than ftain’d with falt Water. Ant. If but one of his Pockets could fpeak, would it not fay he lies? Seb. Ay, or very falfely pocket up his Report. Gon. Methinks our Garments are now as frefh as when we put them on firft in 4ffrick, at the Marriage of the King’s fair Daughter Claribel, to the King of Tuais. Seb, *Twas a {weet Marriage, and we profper well in our Return. Adri. Tunis was never grac’d before with fuch a Paragon to their Queen. | Gon. Not fince Widow Dido’s time. | Ant. Widow? a Pox o’ that: How came that Widow in? Widow Dido! He Seb. What if he had faid Widower e4neas too? 3 Good Ree aN ad SS oo , : ee 2 oan a ee. a ae As = _ ~~= we ih 4 == ——— = > <= ———— — =; = = ee ee Bm 2 ™ : Seer — mae ; 7 Ps a { 22 Thee TEMPEST. Good Lord, how you take it! dr, Widow Dido, faid you? You make me ftudy of that: She was of Carthage, not of Tunis, Gon. This Tunis, Sir, was Carthage. Adri. Carthage. Gon, I aflure you Carthage. Ant, His Word is more than the miraculous Harp. Seb. He hath rais’d the Wall, and Houfes too. Ant. What impoffible matter will he make eafie next? Seb. 1 think he will carry this Ifland home in his Pocket, and give it his Son for an Apple. 4nt. And fowing the Kernels of it in the Sea, bring forth more Iflands. Gon, Ay. Ant. Why in good time. Gon, Sir, we were talking, that our Garments feem now as frefh as when we were at Tumis at the Marriage of your Daughter, who is now Queen, Ant, And the rareft that e’er came there. Seb. Bate, I befeech you, Widow Dido. Ant, O, Widow Dido? Ay, Widow Dido. Gox. Is not my Doubler, Sir, as freth as the fart Day I wore 1t¢ I mean in a fort. Ant, That fort was well fith’d for. Gon. When I wore it at your Daughter’s Marriage, | Ant. She that is Queen of Twxis; the that dwells 3 | Ten Leagues beyond Man’s Life; fhe that from Naples “a Can have no Note, unlefs the Sun were Poft, The Man i’ th’ Moon’s too flow, ’till new-born Chins Be rough, and razorable; the from whom | We all were Sea-fwallow’d, tho’ fome caft again, _ ) And by that Deftiny to perform an AG; Whereof, what's paft in Prologue, what to come | In yours, and my Difcharge | Seb, What Stuff is this? How fay you? ip koma fi ‘Tis true, my Brother’s Daughter’s Queen of Tunis, ‘ea So is fhe Heir of Naples, *twixt which Regions ™ There is fome Space. The TEMPEST. 27 Ant. A Space whofe ev'ry Cubit Seems to cry out, How fhall that Claribel Meafure us back by Naples? keepin Tunis, And let Scbaftian wake.. Say, this were Death That now hath feiz’d them, why they were no worfe Than now they are: There be that can rule Naples As well as he that fleeps; Lords, that can prate As amply, and unneceflarily 7 As this Gonzalo; I my felf could make A Chough of as deep Chat; O, that you bore The Mind that I do; what a Slecp were this For your Advancement? Do you underftand me? Seb. Methinks I do. Ant. And how does your Content Tender your own good Fortune ¢ Seb. I remember You did fupplant your Brother Pro/pero. Ant, True: And look how well my Garments fit upon me, Much feater than before. My Brother’s Servants Were then my Fellows, now they are my Men. Seb. But for your Confcience. Ant. Ay, Sits where lyes that? If ‘twerea Kybe "T' would put meto my Slipper: ButI feel not This Deity in my Bofom. Twenty Confciences That ftand *twixt me and AZillaz, candied be they, And melt e’er they moleft. Here lyes your Brother, No better than the Earth he lyes upon, If he were that which now he’s like, that’s dead; Whom I with this obedient Steel, three Inches of 18, Can lay to Bed for ever: Whilft you doing thus, To the perpetual Wink for ay might put This ancient Morfel, this Sir Prudence, who Should not upbraid our Courfe. For all the reft They'll take Suggeftion, as a Cat laps Milk; They'll tell the Clock, to any Bufinefs that We fay befits the Hour. | Seb. Thy Cafe, dear Friend, Shall be my Prefident: As thou got‘lt AZillan, I'll come by Naples. Draw thy Sword, one Stroke Shall free thee fromthe Tribute which thou payeft, oh £ ee es P 4 oi a e —, a ie 7 " i‘ _ “foie: © ‘ 5 7 ad Ao er gore aes a —— es -. anol hi Uae a a. i f Tre s eT ne es.) ea Sate o “ ihe ea si, tie pee aitat ee. es palate Anns an ee —~—-s > = = -- ++ 7 = ee _ 4 a . = Sh aot ite ~ 3 SS vy pare . aamanens = ———. — nm = ae - <= 2 Xe oars a He Se SSS eS “a — : a. ea a ‘> - eS FS % eee o = > = tp, St SS SSS ee SS eee - 3 pe Sl. . i ae Sa ee Ss — — SSS SS. Se > So Se —— Hy ss ——* - - ee = a = ~-~ io —— —= a es > _ = = = - So SSS eS SS ——— te <= = — = — = —— = ~ —— — SS <= —> =i ee ee ———--= - - “. a a - -= 3 & TENET Oey - = — a = = = = — - —— = — = — a eS - So = = ——— : 2S > SE - - == E = > . . 28 Thee TEMPEST. And I the King hall love thee. Ant. Draw together: And when I rear my-Handy do you the like To fall it on Goxzzala, Seb, O, but one Word. Emer Ariel with Adufick, and. Sougs Ari. My Matter through his Art forefees the Danger That you, his Friend, are in; and fends me forth (For elfe his Proje& dies) to keep them living. | Sings in Gonzalo’s Ears While you here do Snoaring lye, Open-ey'd Confpiracy His time doth take: If of Life you keep a Care, Shake off Slumber, and beware. Awake, awake. | Ant. Then let us both be fudden, Gon. Now, good Angels preferve the King. L They wake. lon. Why how now ho? awake 2 why are. you drawn 2 Wherefore this ghaftly Looking ? Gon. What’s the Matter? Seb. Whillt we ftood here fecuring your Repofe, Even now we heard a hollow Burft of bellowing - Like Bulls, or.rather Lions; did’t not wake you? It itrook mine Ear moft terribly. Allon. X heard nothing. _ Ant. O, "twas a Din to fright a Monfter’s Ear; To, make an Earthquake: Sure it was the Roar OF a whole Herd of Lions. Allon. Heard you this, Gonzalo? Gon. Upon mine Honour, Sir, I heard a Hummin And that a ftrange one too, which did awake me! I fhak’d you, Sir, and cry’d, as mine Eyes open’d, I faw their Weapons drawn: There was a Noife, That’s verily. ’Tis beit we ftand upon our Guard; Or that we quit this Place; let’s draw our Weapons, Alon. Lead off this Ground, and let’s make fuither.Search For my poor Son. | : Gon. Heav’ns keep him from thefe Beafts: For he is fure.i’th’ I{land, d Alon, Lead away. §3 @ . , “a [em « fi hoe a Th TEMPEST. 29 Ari. Profpero, my Lord, fhallknow what I have done. So, King, go fafely on to feck thy Sor. [ Exeunt. BSc IN. Biukhs Enter Caliban with a Burden of Vood; a Noife of Thunder heard. ? Cal, All the Infeétions that the Sm fucks up From Bogs, Fens, Flats, on Profper fill, and make him By Inch-meal a Difeafe: His Spirits lear me, And yet I needs muft curfe. But they'll not pinch, Fright me with Urchin fhews, pitchme i’th’ Mire, * Nor lead me, like a Fire-brand, in th: Dark Out of my way, unlefs he bid *em; but For every trifle are they fet upon me; Sometime like Apes, that moe and clatter at me, And after bite me; then like Hedg-logs, which Lye tumbling in my Bare-foot-way, and mount Their pricks at my Foot-fall; fometme am I All wound with Adders, who with doven Tongues Do hifs me into Madnef%. Lo! now! lo! [£zter Trinculo. Here comes a Spirit of his, and to tament me,» For bringing Wood in flowly: Pll fill flat, Perchance he will not mind me. . | Tri. Here’s neither Bufh nor Shnb to bear off any Wea- ther at al/, and another Storm brewing; I hear it fing rth’ Wind: Yond fame black Cloud, yoid huge one, looks like a foul Bumbard that would fhed hi: Liquor. If it fhould Thunder, as it did before, I know not where to hide my Head: Yond fame Cloud cannot chife but fall by Pailfuls. What have we here, a Manor a Fih? dead or alive? A Fith; he fmells like a Fifth: A very ancient and fifh-like Smell. A kindof, not of the newet Poor ‘foby: A ftrange Fifth; were I in England now, as orce I was, and had but this Fifh painted, not an Holy-dar-fool there but would give a piece of Silver; there would this Monfter make a Man ; any ftrange Beaft there makes a Man: When they will not give a Doit to relieve a lame Beggar, they will lay out ten to fee a dead Indian. Leg’d like a Man! and his Fins like Arms! warm o’my troth: I do now let lwofe my Opinion, hold it no longer; this is no Fifh, butan Iflander, that hath lately fuffer’d by a Thunderbolt: Alas ! the Storm is come t agains ee A ee rs caw = ee oe See 0 EE sine pe - ri - Sun ord ila phn. “4 ‘a +. iF = ob, uw * a = ron. < ie 5 eS be eae te oon vin —--.. = SS Se —S SS SS = pane —— = : — — = —— —— = = = = = = ee SS See SS SS See ==: = a — = SS = --s5 SS SSS = = SSeS SS = ==> SSSS= 2 === a SS -= ee SS ae SS Se =< See. SS SaaS BS > =. : — _ = z - = SS = SS r = — : os = ———— —— - 7 IT ny ee rrins -~- — oy ele er a 30 The TEMPE SF again. My beft way is to creep under his Gaberdine: There is no other Shelter hereabout; Mifery acquaints a Man with ftrange Bedfellows: I will here fhrowd till the Dregs of the Storm be paft. Enter Stephano Singing. Ste. J fhallno more to Sea, to Sea, here shall I die a-fhore, This isa very {curvy Tune to fing at a Man’s Funeral: Well, here’s my Comfort. [ Drinks. Sings. The Adafter, the Swabber, the Boat/wain and I, The Gunner, and his Mate, Lov'd Mall, Meg, and Martian and Margery, But none of us car’d for Kate; For fhe had a Tongue with a Tang, Would cry to a Sailor ko hang : She lov'd not the Savour of Tar nor of Pitch, Tet a Taylor might feratch her where-e er She did itch, Then to Sea, Boys, and let her £0 hang. That is a {curvy Tune too: But here’s my Comfort. [Drinks Cal. Do not Torment me: Oh! Ste. What’s the Matter? Have we Devils here 2 Do you put Tricks upon’s with Salvages, and Men of Jide? ha? I have not {cap’d drowning to. be afraid now of your four Legs; for it hath been faid, as proper a Man as ever ~ | went on four Legs cannot make him give Ground 3 and i als faid fo again, while Stephano breathes at No- rils. e | Cal. The Spirit torments me: Oh ! __ Ste. This is fome Monfter of the Ifle, with four Legs ; who has got, as I take ir, an Ague: Where the Devil fhould he learn our Language? I will give him fome Relief, if it be but for that: If I can recover him, and keep him tame, and get to Waples with him, he’s Prefent for any ° Emperor that ever trod on Neats-Leather, | Cal. Do not Torment me, prethee: Pl] bring my Wood home fafter, Ste. He’s in his Fit now ; and does hot talk after the Wij- ; feft: He thall tafte of my Bottle. If he have never drunk Wine afore, it will go near to remove his Fit: IfT can res cover him, and keep him tame, I will not take too much | tsar . : The TEMPEST. 31 for him; he fhall pay for him -that hath him, and. that foundly. . Cal. Thou doft me yet but little Hurt ; thou wilt anon, at it by thy Trembling: Now Pro/per works upon thee. Ste. Come on your ways; open your Mouth; here is that which will give Language to you, Cat; open your Mouth; ,this will fhake your fhaking, I can tell you, and that foundly: You cannot tell who’s your Friend; open your Chaps again. Tri. I fhould know that Voice: It fhould be, But he is drown’d; and thefe are Devils; O! defend me. Ste. Four Legs, and two Voices; a moft delicate Mon- fter: His forward Voice now is to {peak of his Friend; his backward Voice is to utter foul Speeches, and to detract. If all the Wine in my Bottle will recover him, I will help his Ague: Come! dmen, 1 will pour fome in thy other Mouth. Tri. Stephano. Ste. Doth thy other Mouth call me? Mercy! Mercy! This is a Devil, and no Monfter: I will leave him; I have no long Spoon. Tri. Stephano: If thou beeft Stephano, touch me, and fpeak to mes for I am Trinculo; be not afraid, thy good Friend Trinculo. Ste. If thou beeft Trinculo, come forth, I’ll pull thee by the leffer Legs: If any be Trinculo’s Legs, thefe are they. Thou art very Trinculo indeed: How cam'ft thou to be the Siege of this Moon-calf? Can he vent Trinculo’s! Tri. 1 took him to be kill’d with a Thunder-ftroke; but art thou not drown’d, Stephano? 1 hope now thou art not drown’d: Is the Storm over-blown? Ihid me under the dead Moon-calf’s Gaberdine, for fear of the. Storm: And art thou living, Stephano? O Stephano, two Neapolitanes {cap'dé Ste. Prethee do not turn me about, my Stomack is not conftant. Cal. Thefe be fine things, and if they be not Sprights: That’s a brave God, and bears Celeftial Liquor: I will kneel to him. Ste. How did’ft thou fcapeé » How ‘ + SS ~ — sate — : 4 _ . Pe & Se Peta . ‘ 3 Feit: TSE > oe a ee ae ro°or 22 29 ets aces Soe ‘. =~ Be noe ra = =, . = = = — — - iitndeeedeign sae eet ale a 2 a on rn ee 4a —_* ae Howes 75 ———s —~— jn a - ——— yo eS a —< ~ — —- ~ a : : : SS ee { mi . gh ee - mags ~. = = 2 Se Seen ae > eg ne ere ~ — SSS = = =>. — a, nese == = Se =~ = = SS = SS = oe tat es = = == 2 = or ——- —— = * ct eli A nee _ =n — as = SS Se SS a ———————_= ———— = = — SSS OLS SS SSS —, = = - iat SSS 2 SS SSS = —— =>=- - = “= SS = —= = a : = = = = = - = = SS = > a = + ~~ = Se~ e 2 = SSS = = : —SSS——S—SSSSz= = ? ee _ - _ -— ee _ — = - —~ —w es SS ee wees SS se ees ‘at FY 1 7 Ah | 7 a thi, ‘ bier aa Ts ait eat ip as an) 4 Ah | i i net 3 Bt +o 0 Sere ae Cr <0 Op cee — emetic 38 The TEMPEST. From me he got it. If thy Greatnefs will Revenge it on him, for I know thou dar’ft, But this thing dare not. Ste. That’s moft certain. Cal. Thou fhalt be Lord of it, and I'll ferve thee. Ste. How now fhall this be compatt ¢ | Canft thou bring me to the Party ¢ Cal. Yea, yea, my Lord, I'll yield him thee afleep, Where thou may’ft knock a Nail into his Head. Ari. Thou lieft, thou canft not. | Cal. What a pyde Ninny’s this? Thou fcurvy Patch! I do befeech thy Greatnefs give him Blows, And take his Bottle from him; when that’s gone, . He fhall drink nought but, Brine, for I'll not thew him Where the quick Frefhes are. | S:e. Trinculo, run into no further Danger: Interrupt the Monfter one Word further, and by this Hand rie turn my Mercy out o’ Doors, and make a Stock-fith of thee. . : Trin. Why, what did 12 I did nothing ; I'}] go no further off. Ste. Didft thou not fay he ly’d: Ari, Thou lieft. : | Ste. Do I fo? Take you that, [ Beats him. As you like this, give me the Lie another time. Trin. I did not give thee the Lie; out o’ your Wits and Hearing too? aes _ A pox o’ your Bottle, this can Sack and Drinking do: A murrrain on your Monfter, and the Devil take your. Fingers. = > | Cal. Ha, ha, ha. | : Ste. Now forward with your Tale; prethce ftand furs ther off. Cal. Beat him enough; after a little time T’ll beat him too. ~ Ste, Stand further; come proceed, ) Cal. Why, as I told thee, *tis a Cuftom with him I’ th’ Afternoon to fleep; there thou may’ft brain him Having firft feiz’d his Books; or with a Log ; Batter his Skull, or paunch him with a Stake, Or cut his Wezand with thy Knife. Remember Firft 7 The TEM PE ST. 3.9 Firft to poffefs his Books; for without them | He’s but a Sot, as I am; nor hath not One Spirit to command: They all do hate him As rootedly as I. Burn but his Books; He has brave Utenfils, for fo he calls them, Which when he has an Houfe, he'll deck withal, And that moft deeply to confider, 1s . The Beauty of his Daughter; he himfelf Calls her a Non-pareil: I never faw a Woman But only Sycorax my. Dam, and fhe; But fhe as far furpafleth Sycorax As greateft does the leait. Ste. Is it fo brave a Lafs? Cal. Ay, Lord; the will become thy Bed, I warrant, And bring thee forta. brave Brood. Ste. Monfter, I will kill this Man: His Daughter and I will be King and Queen, fave our Graces; and Trinculo and thy felf fhall be Vice-Roys. Doft thou like the Plot, Trinculo ? Trin. Excellent. Ste. Give me thy Hand; I am forry I beat thee: But while thou liv & keep a good Tongue in thy Head. Cal. Within this half Hour will he be afleep; Wilt thou deftroy him then? Ste. Ay, on mine Honour. | | Ari. This will I tell my Mafter. Cal. Thou mak’ft me merry; I am full of Pleafure : Let us be jocund. Will you troul the Catch You taught me but whileare ¢ Ste. At thy Requeft, Monfter, T will do Reafon, + And Reafon: Come on, Trixculo, let us fing. [ Sings. Flout’em, and cout ’em; and skout’em, and flout ’em; Thought is free. Cal. That’s not the Tune. [ Ariel plays the Tune on a Tabor and Pipe. Ste. What is this fame ¢ Trin. This is the Tune of our Catch, plaid by the Pi- &ure of No-body. | | Ste. If thou be’ft a Man, thew thy felf in thy Likenefs: If thou be'ft a Devi', take’t as thou lift, Tri, QO forgive me my Sin. es a D 4 Ste. : 4 40 The TEMPEST Ste. He that dies pays all Debts: I defie thee. Mercy on us. Cal. Art thou afraid 2 Ste. No, Montter, not I. Cal. Be not afraid; the Ifle is full of Noifes, Sounds, and fweet Airs, that give Delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thoufand twangling Inftruments Will hum about mine Ears; and fometimes Voices, That if I then had wak’d after long Sleep, Will make me fleep again; and then in dreaming, The Clouds methought would open, and fhew Riches Ready to drop upon me, that when I wak’d I cry'd to dream again. Ste. This will prove a brave Kingdom to me, Where I thall have my Mufick for nothing. Cal, When Pro/pero is deftroy’d. Ste. That fhall be by and by: I remember the Story. Trin, The Sound is going away ; Let’s follow. it, and after do our Work, Ste. Lead, Montfter ; We'll follow. I would I could fee this Taborer: He lays it on. Trin. Wilt come? 3 I'll follow Stephano. | , | Exennt, °§ CeBtNoE.— 1H. “. Enter Alonfo, Sebaftian, Anthonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francifco, ec. | Gon. By’r lakin, I can go no further, Sir, My old Bones ake: Here’s a Maze trod indeed Lhrough Porth-rights and Meanders: By your Patience, I needs muft reft me, 7 | a Alon, Old Lord, I cannot blame thee, Who am my felf attach’d with Wearinefs To th’ dulling of my Spirits; fit down and reft: Even here I will put off my Hope, and keep it No longer for my Flatterer: He is drown’d, Whom thus we ftray to find, and the Sea mocks Our fruftrate Search on Land, ‘ Well, let him go, hE ere , $a sre. SSeS re Bt eae) De TT a BR >. = - “e es — SS Ee * a Ant, Th TEMPEST. 41 Ant. 1am right glad that he’s fo out of Hope. Do not, for one Repulfe, forego the Purpofe That you refolv'd t’ effect. Seb. The next Advantage will we take throughly. Ant, Let it be to Night; For, now they are opprefs’d with Travel, they Will not, nor cannot ufe fuch Vigilance As when they are frefh. Solemn and ftrange Mufick, and Profpero on the Top invifible. Enter feveral ftrange Shapes, bringing in a Banquet; and dance about it with gentle Attions of Salutations, and in- viting the King, &c. to eat, they depart. . Seb. I fay to Night: No more. Alon. What Harmony is this? My good Friends, hark ! Gon. Marvellous fweet Mutfick ! ° Alon. Give us kind Keepers, Heav'ns; what are thefe? Seb. A living Drollery. Now I will believe That there are Unicorns; that in rabia There is one Tree, the Phoenix Throne, one Pheenix At this Hour reigning there. Ant. Vl believe both: And what does elfe want Credit, come to me, And I'll be fworn 'tis true. Travellers ne’er did lie, Though Fools at home condemn ‘em. Gon. If in Naples I fhould report this now, would they believe me ¢ If I fhould fay I faw fuch Iflanders: (For certes thefe are People of the Ifland) Who tho’ they. are of monftrous Shape, yet note Their Manners are more gentle kind, than of Our human Generation you fhall find Many, nay, almoft any. Pro. Honeft Lord, Thou haft faid well; for-fome of you there prefent Are worfe than Devils. a Alon. 1 cannot too much mufe, Such Shapes, fuch Gefture, and fuch Sound, exprefling, Although they want the ufe of Tongue, a kind OF excellent dumb Difcourfe. Pro. Peaife in departing. =~ Fra. ' ie OTe OTE MPS FT Fra. They vanith’d ftrangely. Seb. No matter, fince They have left their Viands behind; for we have Stomachs. Wilt pleafe you tafte of what is here? Alon. Not I. ! Gon. Faith Sir, you need not fear, When we were Boys, Who would believe that there were Mountaineers, Dew-lapt like Bulls, whofe Throats had hanging at ’em Wallets of Flefh2 or that there were fuch Men Whofe Heads ftood in their Breafts? which now we find Each Putter out of five for one will bring us Good warrant of. . Alon. I will ftand to, and feed, Although my Jaft; no matter, fince I feel The beft is paft. Brother, my Lord, the Duke, Stand to, and do as we. ‘od Thunder and Lightning. Enter Ariel like a Harpy, claps his Wings upon the Table, and with a queint Device the Ban- quet vanifhes. “fri. You are three Men of Sin, whom Deftiny, That hath to Inftruments this Jower World, And what is in’t, the never-furfeited Sea Hath caus’d to belch you up; and on this Ifland, Where Man doth not inhabit, you ’mongft Men Being moft unfit to live: I have made you mad; And even with fuch like Valour Men hang and drown Their proper felves: You Fools, I and my Fellows Are Minifters of Fate; the Elements Of whom your Swords are temper’d, may as well Wound the loud Winds, or with bemockt-at Stabs Kull the ftill clofing Waters, as diminith One Dowle that’s in my Plume: My Fellow-minifters Are like invulnerable. If you could hurt, ) Your Swords are now too maflie for your Strength, And will not be up-lifted. But remember, For that’s my Bufinefs to you, that you three > From Millan did fupplant good Profpero ; Expos’d unto the Sea, which hath requit ir, | Him and his innocent Child:. For which foul Deed The Powers delaying, not forgetting, have Incens’d a The TEMPEST. 43 Incens'd the Seas and Shores, yea, all the Creatures, Againft your Peace: Thee of thy Son, «dlonjo, They have bereft; and do pronounce by me, Lingring Perdition, worfe than any Death Can be at once, fhall Step by Step attend You and your Ways, whofe Wraths to guard you from, Which here, in this moft defolate Ifle, elfe falls Upon your Heads, is nothing but Heart’s-forrow, And a clear Life enfuing. He vanifbes in Thunder: Then, to foft Mufick, Enter the Shapes again, and dance with Mocks and Mowes, and car- rying out the Table. Pro. Bravely the Figure of this Harpy haft thou Perform’d, my Ariel; a Grace it had devouring: Of my Inftrution haft thou nothing bated In what thou hadft to fay: So with good Life, And Obfervation ftrange, my meaner Minifters Their feveral Kinds have done; my high Charms work, And thefe, mine Enemies, are all knit up In their Diftractions: They now are in my Power; And in thefe Fits I leave them, while I yifit Young Ferdinand, whom they fuppofe is drown'd, And his, and my lov’d Darling. Gon. th’ Name of fomething holy, Sir, why ftand you in this {trange Stare ¢ Alon. O, it is monftrous! monftrous! Methought the Billows fpoke, and told me of it; The Winds did fing it to me, and the Thunder, That deep and dreadful Organ-pipe, pronounc’d The Name of Profper: It did bafe my Trefpafs, Therefore my Son i’th’ Ooze is bedded; and I'll feek him deeper than e’er Plummet. founded, And with him there lye mudded. [ Exit. Seb. But one Fiend at a time, Vll fight their Legions over. _ Ant. Vil be thy Second. [Exeunt. Gon. All three of them are defperate; their great Guilt, Like Poifon giv’n to work a great time after, Now ‘gins to bite the Spirits. Ido befeech you, That are of fuppler Joints, follow them fwiftly, ; | An 44. the TEMPEST. And hinder them from what this Extafie May now provoke them to. Adri. Follow, 1 pray you. [ Exeunt omnes, hi hth AY, 2108 ASE NUE. I, Enter Profpero, Ferdinand, azd Miranda. Pro. [TF I have too aufterely punifh’d you, Your Compenfation makes Amends; for I Have given you here a Third of mine own Life, Or that for which I live; who once again I render to thy Hand: All thy Vexations Were but my Trials of thy Love, and thou Hatt {trangely ftood the Teft. Here afore Heav’n: I ratifie this my rich Gift: O Ferdinand, Do not {mile at me that I boaft her off; For thou fhalt find the will out-ftrip all Praife, And make it hale behind her. | Fer, I do believe it Againft an Oracle. 7 Pro, Then, as my Gift, and thine own Acquifition Worthily purchas’d, take my Daughter, If thou doft break her Virgin-knot before All fan@imonious Ceremonies may, — With full and holy Rite, be miniftred, No fweet Afperfions fhall the Heav’ns let fal! ; To make this Contra@ grow; but barren Hate, Sour-ey'd Difdain, and Difcord fhall beftrew The Union of your Bed with Weeds fo lothly That you fhall hate it both: Therefore take heed, As Hymen’s Lamps fhall light you. ! Fer. As I hope | | For quiet Days, fair Iffue, and long Life, With fuch Love as “tis now, the murkieft Den, The moft opportune Place, the ftrong’ft Sugeeftion, Our worfer Genius can, fhall never melt - Mine Honour into Luft, to take away The Edge of that Day's Celebration, 3 When I fhall think or Phebus Steeds are founder’d, Or Night kept chain’d below, ea Pre " = 2 - —— eT an i = hah en " 2 ee a eran - we te —- : A St = ; = wes Ss Sie came ra Pn er we nil mepeainet a - ee rar pam wemey mie z ++ ml ety iii aphiliceniesge mins a = = + badimal en Rw eee) + at, a RE i Re i alt lace ee eee Ps ee Urn scm aceaeso~ The TEMPEST. 45 Pro. Fairly {pokes Sit then, and talk with her, fhe 1s thine own. What, -driel; my induftrious Servant, Ariel. Enter Ariel. Ari.. What would my potent Mafter? here I am. Pro. Thou, and thy meaner Fellows, your laft Service Did worthily perform ; and I muft ufe you In fuch another Trick; go bring the Rabble, O’er whom I give thee Power, here, to this Place; Incite them to quick Motion, for I muft Beftow upon the Eyes of this young Couple Some Vanity of mine Art; 1t 1s my Promife, And they expe& it from me. Ari, Prefently ¢ Pro. Ay, with a Twink, Ari, Before you can fay Come, and go, And breathe twice; and cry, So, fo; Each one tripping on his Toe, Will be here with Mop and Mow. Do you love me, Mafter¢ No. ) Pro. Dearly, my delicate Ariel; do not approach Till thou do’ft hear me call. Ari. Well, I conceive. [ Exit. Pro. Look thou be true; do not give Dalliance Too much the Rein; the ftrongeft Oaths are Straw To th’ Fire i’th’ Blood: Be more Abftemious; Or elfe good-night your Vow. Fer. I warrant you, Sir, The white cold Virgin-Snow, upon my Heart, Abates the Ardours of my Liver. Pro. Well. | Now come my -4riel, bring a Corolary, Rather than want a Spirit, appear, and pertly.. [Soft Mufick. No Tongue; all Eyes; be filent. | Enter Iris. Iris. Ceres, moft bounteous Lady, the rich Leas Of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Fetches, Oats, and Peafe; Thy turfy Mountains, where live nibling Sheep, And flat Aedes thetch’d with Stover, them to keep; Thy Banks with pioned, and tulip’d Brims, | Which fpungy April, at thy Heit betrims, 46 The TEMPEST. To make cold Nymphs chafte Crowns; and thy Broom-proves, Whofe Shadow the difmiffed Batchelor loves, Being Lafs-lorn; thy pole-clipt Vineyard, And thy Sea-marge fteril, and rocky hard, Where thou thy felf do’ft Air; the Queen o’ th’ Sky, Whofe watry Arch, and Meflenger, am I, Bids thee leave thefe, and with her Sov raign Grace, Here on this Grafs-plot, in this very Place [Juno defcends. To come, and fport; her Peacocks Aly amain: Approach, rich Ceres, her to entertain. Enter Ceres. Cer. Hail many-colour'd Meffenger, that ne’er Do'ft difobey the Wife of Fupiter : Who, with thy Saffron Wings, upon my Flowers Diffufeft Honey Drops, refrefhing Showers, | And with each end of thy blue Bow do’ft Crown My bosky Acres, and my unfhrub’d Down, Rich Scarfto my proud Earth; why hath thy Queen Summon'd me hither, to this fhort-grafs'd Green? ris. A Contra& of true Love to celebrate, And fome Donation freely to eftate On the blefs’d Lovers. Cer. Tell me heav’nly Bow, If Venus or her Son, as thou dott know, Do now attend the Queen? fince they did plot The Means, that dusky Dis, my Daughter, gor: Her, and her blind Boy’s fcandal’d Company, I have forfworn. fris. Of her Society Be not afraid; I met her Deity Cutting the Clouds towards Paphos, and her Son Dove-drawn with her; here thought they to have done _ Some wanton Charm upon this Man and Maid, Whofe Vows are, that no Bed-right fhall be paid ‘Till Hymen’s Torch be lighted ; but in vain Mars’s hot Minion is return’d again ;° Her wafpith-headed Son has broke his Arrows, Swears he will fhoot no more, but play with Sparrows, And be a Boy right-out. Bes a ee Cer. Higheft Queeen of State, ae tee Great uno comes, I know her by her Gate, ines P | - lbs a The TEMPEST. 47 Fu. How does my bounteous Sifter? Go with me To blefs this Twain, that they may profperous be, And honour’d in their Iffue. [They fing. Ju. Hoxonr, Riches, Marriage Bleffing, Long Continuance and encreafing, Hourly Foys be frill upon you, Juno figs her Bleffings on you : Earth's Increafe, and Foyzon plenty, Barns and Garners never empty, Vines, with cluftring Bunches growing, Plants, with goodly Burthen bowing : Spring come to you at the fartheft, In the very End of Harveft : Scarcity and Want fhall fbun you, Ceres Bleffing fo is on you. Fer. This isa moft majeftick Vifion, and Harmonious charmingly; may I be bold To think thefe Spirits ¢ Pro. Spirits, which by mine Art I have from all their Confines call’d, to enact My prefent Fancies. Fer. Let me live here ever ; | So rare a wonder’d Father, and a Wife, Makes this Place Paradife. Pro, Sweet now, Silence: Funo and Ceres whifper ferioufly ; There’s fomething elfe to do; hufh, and be mute, Or elfe our Spell is marr’d. Juno and Ceres whifper, and fend Iris on Imployment. fris. You Nymphs call’d Nayades of the winding Brooks, With your fedg’d Crowns, ne ever-harmlefs Looks, Leave your crifp Channels, and on this Green-land Anfwer your Summons, #n0 does Command: Come, temperate Nymphs, and help to celebrate A Contraé of true Love; be not too late, Enter certain Nymphs. You Sun-burn’d Sicklemen, of uguf? weary, Come hither from the Furrow, and be merry ; Make Holy-day; your Rye-ftraw Hats put on, And thefe frefh Nymphs encounter every one In Country footing. Enter 48 The TEMPEST Enter certain Reapers, properly habited; they join with the Nymphs in a graceful Dance; towards the End whereof Profpero farts fuddenly, and fpeaks; after which toa firange, hollow and comfufed Noifé, they heavily vani fb. Pro. I had forgot that foul Confpiracy Of the Beaft Caliban, and his Confederates, Againit my Life; the Minute of their Plot Is almoft come. Well done, avoid; no more. Fer. This is ftrange; your Father’s in fome Paffion That works him ftrongly. Mira. Never ‘till this Day Saw I him touch’d with Anger, fo diftemper’d. Pro. You do look, my Son, in a mov’d fort, As if you were difmay’d; be chearful, Sir, Our Revels now are ended: Thefe our A@ors, As I foretold you, were all Spirits, and Are melted into Air, into thin Air; And like the bafelefs Fabrick of their Vifion, The Cloud-capt Towers, the gorgeous Palaces, The folemn Temples, the great Globe it felf, Yea, all which it inherit, thal! diffolve, And like this infubftantial Pageant faded, Leave not a Rack behind; we are fuch Stuff As Dreams are made on, and our little Life Is rounded with a Sléep. Sir, IT am vext; Bear with my Weaknefs, my old Brain is troubled = Be not difturb’d with my Infirmity ; - If you be pleas’d, retire into my Cell, _ And there repofe; aT urn or two I’ll walk ‘To {till my beating Mind: ; Fer, Mira. We with you Peace. [ Exit. Pro, Come witha Thought; I*thank thee, Ariel: Come. Enter Ariel. 7 | Ari. Thy Thoughts I cleave to; what’s thy Pleafurez Pro. Spirit, we muft prepare to meet with Caliban. 4ri, Ay, my Commander, when I Prefented Ceres I thought to have told thee of it, but I fear’d | Left I might anger thee. Ren Sith Pro. Say again, where didft thou leave thefe Varlets2 eC _ Lyi, The TEMPEST. 49 Ari, I told you, Sir, they were red hot with drinking; So full of Valour, that they {mote the Air For breathing in their Faces; beat the Ground For kiffing of their Feet; yet always bending Towards their Projet: Then I beat my Tabor, At which, like unbacke Colts, they prickt their Ears, Advance’d their Eye-lids, lifted up their Nofes; As they {melt Mufick;) fo I charm’d their Ears, That, Calf-like, they my Lowing follow’d through Tooth’d Briars, fharp Furzes, pricking Gofs and Thorns, Which enter’d their frail Shins: At laft I left them Ith’ filthy mantled Pool beyond your Cell, There dancing up to th’ Chins, that the foul Lake O’er-[tuok their Feet. Pro. This was well done, my Bird; Thy Shape invifible retain thou ftill; The Trumpry in my Houfe, go bring it hither, For ftale to catch thefe Thieves, | Ari, I go, I go. [ Exit. Pro. A Devil, a born Devil, on whofe Nature : Nurture can never ftick; on whom my Pains, Humanly taken, all, all loft, quite loft; And as, with Age, his Body uglier grows, So his Mind cankers; I will plague them all, Even to roaring: Come, hang them on this Line, Enter Ariel loaden with gliftering Apparel, &c. Enter Caliban, Stephano, aud Trinculo, all wet. Cal. Pray you tread foftly, that the blind Mole may not hear a Foot fall; we now are near his Cell. Ste. Monfter, your Fairy, which you fay is a harmlefs Fairy, Has done little better than plaid the Fack with us. Trin. Monfter, I do fmell all Horfe-pifs, at which My Nofe is in great Indignation. — Ste. So is mine: Do you hear, Monfter? If I fhould Take a Difpleafure againft you; look you Trin. Thou wert but a loft Monfter. Cal. Good my Lord, give me thy Favour ftill: Be patient, for the Prize I'll bring thee to Shall hood-wink this Mifchance; therefore {peak foftly; All's hufht as Midnight yet. Trin. Ay, but to lofe our Bottles in the Pool, ’ Vox. I. E Ste. bo 50 Th TEMPEST Ste. There is not only Difgrace, and Difhonour in that, Montter, but an infinite Lofs. Trin. That’s more to me than my wetting: Yet this is your harmlefs Fairy, Monfter. Ste. I will fetch off my Bottle, Tho’ I‘be o’er Ears for my Labour. Cal. Prethee, my King, be quiet: Seeft thou here This is the Mouth o’ th’ Cell; no Noife, and enter; Do that good Mifchief which may make this Ifland Thine own for ever; and I, thy Caliban, For ay thy Foot-licker. Ste. Give me thy Hand; I do begin to have bloody Thoughts. Trin. O King Stephano! O Peer! O worthy Stephano! Look what a Wardrobe here is for thee. Cal, Let it alone, thou Fool, it is but Trafh. Trin. Ob; ho, Monfter; we know what belongs to a Frip- pery, -O King Stephano. | Ste. Put off that Gown, Trinculo, by this Hand I'll have that Gown. : Trine Thy Grace fhall have it. Cal. The Dropfie drown this Fool; what do you mean , To doat thus on fuch Luggage? Let’s alone, And do the Murder firft: If he awake, From Toe to Crown he'll fill our Skins with Pinches; Make ‘us ftrange Stuff. Sre. Be you quiet, Monfter. Miftrefs Line, is not this my Jerkin? Now is the Jerkin under the Line: Now Jerkin you are like to lofe your Hair, and provea bald Jerkin. | Frin. Do, do; wetteal by Line and Level, and ’t like your Grace. | : Ste. T thank thee for that Jcft, here’s a Garment fort ; Wic fhall not go unrewarded while I am King of this Coun- try: Steal by Line and Level, is an excellent Pafs of Pate; there’s another Garment for’r._ Trin. Monfter, come put fome Lime upon your Fingers; and away with the reft. | Cal, 1 will have none on’t; ‘we fhall lofe our Time, And ‘all be turn’d to Barnacles, or to Apes, With Forcheads villanous low. — * ON Sth the TEMPEST. st, Ste. Monfter, lay to your Fingers; help to bear this away, where my Hogfhead of Wine is, or I'll turn you out of my Kingdom; go to, carry this. Trin. And this. Ste. Ay, and this. A Noife of Hunters heard. Enter divers Spirits in {bape of Hounds, hunting them about; Profpero and Aniel ferting them on. Pros Hey AZountain, hey, Ari. Silver; there it goes, Silvers Pro. Fury, Fury; there Tyrant, there; hark, hark; _Go, charge my Goblins that they grind their Joints With dry Convulfions, fhorten up their Sinews With aged Cramps, and more pinch-fpotted make them, Than Pard, or Cat 0’ Mountain: Ari, Hark, they roar. Pro. Let them be hunted foundly. At this Hour Lye at my Mercy all mine Enemies: Shortly fhall all my Labours end, and thou Shalt have the Air at Freedom; for a little Follow, and do me Service. [ Exeant. ————— A. Gesdest Maw She decal: 5 ocibee Enter Profpero in his Magick, Robes, and Aricl, freN OW does my Proje& gather to a head: | My Charms crack not; my Spirits obey, and Time Goes upright with his Carriage: How's the Day? ‘Ari, On the fixth Hour, at which time, my Lords You faid our Work fhould ceafe, Pro. I did fay fo — When firft I rais’d the Tempeft; fay, my Spirits How fares the King and’s Followers ¢ Ari, Confin'd together In the fame Fathion as you gave in charge, Juft as_you left them, all Prifoners, Sirs In the Lime-grove which weather-fends yout Cell; They cantot budge “till you reléafe. “Phe King: wis BE 2 ‘ ee eee Pa es ny — ./ WEE se erwin = ee a ee a a * ngs : ~ Ee ~ . > hag Wate = ae con hal . — a a > oft. MO ttm eee ~~ > = odadendhautas Weadipasioenanys ~ — aa ety eee a § 2 The TEM PE 8% His Brother, and yours, abide all three diftradcted 5 And the remainder mourning over them, Brim-full of Sorrow and Difmay ; but chiefly Him that you term’d, Sir, the good o'd Lord Gonzalo. His Tears run down his Beard, like Winter Drops From Eaves of Reeds; your Charm fo ftrongly works ’em, That if younow beheld them, your Affections Would become tender. ~ Pro, Do’ft thou think fo, Spirit 2 Mri. Mine would, Sir, were 1 human. Pro. And mine fhall. Haft thou, which art but Air, a Touch, a Feeling Of their Afflictions, and fhall not my felf, One of their Kind, that relifh all as tharply Paffion as they, be kindlier mov’d than thou art2 Tho’ with their high Wrongs I am {truck to th’ quick, Yet, with my nobler Reafon, againft my Fury, Do I take part; the rarer Action is In Virtue than in Vengeance; they being penitent, The fole Drift of my Purpofe doth extend Not a Frown further: Go releafe them, “iel; My Charms I’ll break, their Senfes I'll reftore, And they fhall be themfelves. Ari. I'll fetch them, Sir. [ Exit. Pro. Ye Elves of Hills, Brooks, ftanding Lakes and Groves, And yethat on the Sands with printlefs Foot Do Chafe the ebbing Neptune, and do fly him When he comes back; you Demy-puppets that By Moon-fhine do the green four Ringlets make, Whereof the Ewe not bites; and you whofe Paftime Ts to make Midnight Mufhrooms, that rejoice To hear the folemn Curfew, by whofe Aid, Weak Matters tho’ ye be, I have be-dimn’d The Noon-tide Sun, call’d forth the mutinous Winds, And ’twixt the green Sea and the azur’d Vault Set roaring War: To the dread ratline Thunder Have I given Fire, and rifted Fove’s ftout Oak With his own Bolt: The ftrong’d bas'd Promontory Have I made fhake, and by the Spurs pluckt up ~ The Pine and Cedar: Graves at my Command Have wak’d their Sleepers, op’d, and let ’em forth 4 : lhe TEMPEST: 53 By my fo potent Art, But this rough Magick I here abjure; and when I have requir’d Some heav’nly Mufick, which even now I do, To work mine end upon their Senfes, that This airy Charm is for, il break my Staff, Bury it certain Fadoms in the Earth, And deeper than did ever Plummet found I'll drown my Book. | Solemn Mufick. Here enters Ariel before; then Alonfo with a frantick Gefture, attended by Gonzalo. Sebaftian avd Anthonio ix like manner, attended by Adrian andFrancifco. They all enter the Circle which Profpero had made, and there fland charm a; which Profpero obferving, [peaks : A folemn Air, and the beft Comforter To an unfetled Fancy, cure thy Brains, Now ufelef:, boil within thy Skull; there ftand, For you are {pell-ftopr. Holy Gonzalo, honourable Man, Mine Eyes, even fociable to the fhew of thine, Fall fellowly Drops: The Charm diffolves apace, And as the Morning fteals upon the Night, Melting the Darknefs, fo their rifing Senfes Begin to chafe the ignorant Fumes that mantle Their clearer Reafon. O good Gozzalo, My true Preferver, and a loyal Sir To him thou follow’ft; I will pay thy Graces Home both in Word and Deed. Moft cruelly Didi thou, loxfo, ufe me, and my Daughter: Thy Brother was a Furtherer in the A&; Thou art pinch’d fort now, Sebaffian. Fiefh and Blood, ‘You, Brother mine, that entertain’d Ambition, Expell’d Remorfe and Nature, who with Sebaftian, Whofe inward Pinches therefore are moft ftrong, Would here have kill’d your King; I do forgive thee, Unnatural though thou art. Their Underftanding Begins to fwell, and the approaching Tide Will fhortly fill the reafonable Shore, That now lyes foul and muddy. Not one of them That yet looks on me, or would know me; riel, Fetch me the Hat, and Rapier in my Cell; : I 3 I ; 1) i} ! areca ae mp ai ei bagenoe aa eee Si ne ae ee UY! a Re, ak oe ea ao : os SO RE = a a SA the TEMPEST. I will difcafe me, and my {elf prefent, . AsI was fometime Adillan: Quickly, Spirit; Thou fhalt e’er long be free. Ariel fings, and helps to attire him. Where the Bee fucks, there fuck 1; In a Cowflip's Bell I lye: There I crouch when Owls do cry. Ox the Bat’s Back, I do fly After Summer. merrily. Merrily, merrily [ball I live now, Under the Bloffom that hangs on the Bow, Pre, Why that’s my dainty viel; I fhall mifs thee; But yet thou fhalt have Freedom. So, fo, fo. To the King’s Ship, invifible as thou art ; There fhalt thou find the Mariners afleep Under the Hatches ; the Mafter and the Boatfwain, Being awake, enforce them to this Place, And prefently, I prethee, Ari. 1 drink the Air before me, and return Or e’er your Pulfe twice beat. | | Exit. Gon. All Torment, Trouble, Wonder and Amazement Inhabits here; fome heav’nly Power guide us _ Out of this fearful Country, ¢ Pro. Behold, Sir King, ! The wronged Duke of Adillan, Profpero : For more Affurance that-a living Prince Does now {peak to thee, I embrace thy Body, And to thee, andthy Company, I bid A hearty Welcome. | Alon. Where thou beeft he or no, Or fome inchanted Trifle to abufe me, As late I have been, I not know; thy Pulfe Beats as of Flefh and Blood, and fince I faw thee Th’ Afilicion of my Mind amends, with which | I fear a Madnefs held me; this mutt crave, And if this be at all, a moft ftrange Story: Thy Dukedom I refign, and do intreat Thou pardon me my Wrongs: But how fh Be living, and be here? ee : ~ aly Pro, Firfty noble Friend, - Leg. The TEMPE ST. 55 Let me embrace thine Age, whofe Honour canhot Be meafur'd, or confin’d. Gon. Whether this be, Or be not, Vil not fwear. Pro. You do yet tafte Some Subtilties o’ th’ Ifle, that will not let you Believe things certain: Welcome, my Friends all; But you, my brace of Lords, were I fo minded, I here could pluck his Highnefs Frown upon yous And juftifie you Traitors; at this time I will tell no Tales. Seb. The Devil {peaks in him. ~ Pro. No! For you, moft wicked Sir, whom to cal] Brother Would even infeé& my Mouth, I do forgive Thy rankeft Faults; all of them; and require My Dukedom of thee, which perforce I know Thou mutt reftore, Alon, If thou beeft Pro/pera, Give us Particulars of thy Prefervation, How thou haft met us here, who three Hours fince Were wrackt upon this Shore? where I have loft, (How fharp the Point of this Remembrance is!) My dear Son Ferdinand. : Pro. Tl am wo for’t, Str. . Alon. Irreparable is the Lofs, and Patience Says, it is paft her Cure, Pro. I rather think You have not fought her Help, of whofe foft Grace, For the like Loft, I have her foveraign Aid, And reft my felf content. Alon. You the like Lofs 2 Pro. As great to me, as late, and infupportable To make the dear Lofs,ehave [ Means much weaker Than you may call to comfort you; for I Have loft my Daughter. Alon. A Daughter ¢ Oh Heavens! that they were ising both m Maples, The King and Queen there; that they were, I with My felf were mudded in that Oozy Bed | Where my Son lyes. When did you lofe your Daughter ¢ 13 4 fre 56 Th TEMPEST. Pro. In thig Jaft Tempeft. I perceive thefe Lords At this Encounter do fo much admire, That they devour their Reafon, and fcarce think Their Eyes do Offices of Truth, their Words Are natural Breath; but howfoever you have Been juftled from your Senfes, know for certain That I am Profpero, and that very Duke . Which was thruft forth of AZillan; who moft ftrangely Upon this Shore, where you were wrackt, was landed To be the Lord on’t. No more yet of this; For ’tis a Chronicle of Day by Day, Not a Relation for a Breakfaft, nor Bcfitting this firft Meeting. Welcome, Sir; This Cell’s my Court; here have I few Attendants, » And Subjects none abroad ; pray you look in; My Dukedom fince you have given me again, I will requite you with as good a thing, At Icaft, bring forth a Wonder, to content ye, As mu.h as me my Dukedom. fere Profpcio difcovers Ferdinand azd Miranda playing at Chefs. Mira. Sweet Lord, you play me falfe. fer. No, my deareft Love, I would not for the World. Mira, Yes, fora {core of Kingdoms you thould wrangle, And I would call it fair Play. | Alon, If this prove . A Vifion of the Iland, one dear Son | Shall I twice lofe. aes Seb. A mott high Miracle, | Fer. Though the Seas threaten, they are merciful: - I have curs’d them without Caufe. | : Adlon, Now all the Bleflings Of a glad Father compafs thee about ; Arife, and fay how thou cam’ft here. Mira. QO Wonder! How many goodly Creatures are there here? How beauteous Mankind is! O brave new World, That has fuch People in’, | Pro, ’Tis new to thee, | Alon: The TEMPEST. 57 Alon. What is this Maid, with whom thou waft at play ? Your eld’{t Acquaintance cannot be three Hours; Is fhe the Goddefs that, hath fever’d us, And brought us thus together? Fer. Sir, fhe is Mortal; But by Immortal Providence fhe’s mine; I chofe het when I could not ask my Father For his Advice; nor thought I had one: She Is Daughter to this famous Duke of Adillan, Of whom fo oftenI have heard Renown, But never faw before; of whom I have Receiv’d a fecond Life; and fecond Father This Lady makes him to me. Alon, Lam hers; , But O, how odly will it found, that I Mutt ask my Child Forgivenefs? Pro. There, Sir, ftop; Let us not burthen our Remembrances with An Heavinefs that’s gone. Gon. I have inly wept, . Or fhould have {poke e’er this. Look down, you Gods, And on this Couple drop a bleffed Crown: For it is you that have chalk’d forth the Way Which brought us hither, Alon. I fay Amen, Gonzalo. Gon. Was Aéillan thrult from Millan, that his [fue Should become Kings of Naples? O rejoyce Beyond a common Joy, and fet it down With Gold on lafting Pillars: In one Voyage Did Claribel her Husband find at Tuxis; And Ferdinand, her Brother, found a Wife, Where he himfelf was loft; Profpero, his oe In a poor Ifle; and all of us, our felves, When no Man was his own. Alon. Give me your Hands: Let Grief and Sorrow ftill embrace his Heart, That doth not wifh you Joy. Gon. Be it {o, Amen. Enter Ariel, with the Mafter and Boatfwain amazedly following. ~O look Sir, took, here is more of us! I prophefy'd, if a Gallows were on Land f This ae) T EMPRESS. This Fellow could not drewn: Now, Blafphemy, That fwear’ft Grace o’er-board, not‘an Oath on Shore. Haft thou no Mouth by Laad? What is the News? | Boat{: The beft News is, that we have fafe found : Our King and Company; the next, our Ship, Which but three Glaffes fince we gave out fplit, Is tite, and yare, and bravely rigg’d, as when We frft put out to Sea. Ari, Sir, all this Service Have I done fince I went. Pro. My trickfey Spirit. Aion. Vhefe are not natural Events; they ftrengthen From {trange to ftranger: Say, how came you hither? Boat/. If I did think, Sir, I were well awake, I'd ftrive to tell you: We were dead of fleep, And, how we know not, all clapt under Hatches, Where, but even now, with ftrange and feveral Noifes Of roaring, fhrieking, howling, gingling Chains, And more diverfity of Sounds, all horrible, We were awak’d; ftraightway at Liberty; Where we, in all our Trim, frefhly beheld Our royal, good, and gallant Ship; our Mafter Capring to eye her; on a trice, fo pleafe you, Evenina Dream, were we divided from them, And were brought moping hither. Ari. Was't well done? Pro, Bravely, my Diligence; thou fhalt be free. _ Alon, This is as ftrange a Maze as e’er Men trod, And there is inthis Bufinefs more than Nature Was ever Condué of; fome Oracle Mutt rectifie our Knowledge. Pro. Sir, my Liege, ~ - Do not infect your Mind with beating on The ftrangenefs of this Bufinefs; at pickt Leifure, Which fhall be thorthy fingle, I'll refalve you, Which to you fhall feem probable, of every Thefe happen’d Accidents; *till when, be chearful, And think of cach thing well. Come. hither, Spiric; Set Caliban and his Companions free: , Untie the Spell. How fares my gracious Sir? i | » There The TEMPEST. 59 There are yet mifling of your Company Some few odd Lads, that you remember not. _ Enter Ariel, driving in Caliban, Stephano, aad Trin- culo, iz their ftellen Apparel. - Ste. Every Man fhift for all the reft, and let No Man take care for himfelf; for all is But Fortune: Coragio, Bully-Montter,’ Coragia. Trin. If thefe be true Spies which I wear in my Head, Here’s a goodly Sight, Cal. O Setebos, thefe be brave Spirits indeed! How fine my Mafter is! I am afraid He will chaftife me. Seb. Ha, ha; What things are thefe, my Lord 4zthonio! Will Mony buy *em2 Ant. Very like; one of them Is a plain Fifh, and no doubt marketable. Pro. Mark but the Badges of thefe Men, my Lords, Then fay if they be true: This mifhapen Knave, His Mother was a Witch, and one fo ftrong That could controul the Moon, make Flows and Ebbs, And deal in her Command without her Power: Thefe three have robb’d’ me, and this Demy-Devil, For he’s a Baftard one; had plotted with them To take my Life; two of thefe Fellows you Mutt know and own, this thing of Darknefs I Acknowledge mine. Cal. I thall be pincht to Death, Alon. \s not this Stephano, my drunken Butler 2 Seb. He is drunk now: Where had he Wine é Alon. And Trincula is recling-ripe; where fhould they Find this grand Liquor that hath gilded *em? How camft thou in this pickle 2 Trin. I have been in fuch a pickle fince I faw you laft, That I fear me will never out of my Bones; | I fhall not fear fly-blowing. Seb. Why, how now Stephano ? Ste. © touch menot; I am not Stephano, buta Cramp. Pro. You'd be King o’th’Ifle, Sirrah? Ste. 1 fhould have been a fore one then. Alon, 60 Th TEMPEST. Alon, Tis a ftrange thing as e’er I look’d on, Pro. He is as difproportion’d in his Manners it As in his Shape: Go, Sirrah, to my Cell, Take with you your Companions; as you look To have my Pardon, trim it handfomly. Cal. Ay, that I will; and I’ be wife hereafter, And feek:for Grace. What a thrice double Af Was I to take this Drunkard for a God 2 And worthip this dull Fool 2 Pro. Go to, away. Alon. Hence, and beftow your Luggage where you found ir. Seb. Or ftole it rather, Pro. Sir, I invite your Highnefs and your Train To my poor Cell; where you fhall take your Reft For this one Night, which, Part of it, Til wafte With fuch Difcourfe, as I not doubt fhall make it Go quick away; the Story of my Life, And the particular Accidents gone by Since I came to this Ifle: And in the Morn I'll bring you to your Ship; and fo to Naples. Where I have hope to fee the Nuptials Of thefe our dear-beloved folemniz’d ; And thence retire me to my AZillan, where Every third Thought fhall be my Grave. Alon. 1 long | +¢ To hear the Story of your Life, which muft i AP Take the Ear ftrangely. | Pro. I'll deliver all, | And promife you calm Seas, aufpicious Gales, And Sail fo expeditious, that fhail catch Your Royal Fleet far off: My 4riel, Chick, That is thy Charge ; then to the Elements Be free, and fare thou well. Pleafe you draw near. [ Exeunt omnes. SSS — = — == oa —— = b —— Bare =: ‘ae — —— >a oe dma gett a t- EPILOGUE Spoken by Profpero. O W, now my Charms are all o’er-thrown, And what Strength I have’s mine own, | Which is moft faint: Now ’tis true I muft be here confin'd by you, Or fent to Naples. Let me not, Since I have my Dukedom got, And pardon’d the Deceiver, dwell In this bare Ifland by your Spell, But releafe me from my Bands, With the help of your good Hands. Gentle Breath of yours, my Sails Muft fill, or elfe my Project fails, Which was to pleafe. Now 1 want Spirits to enforce, Arts to enchant s And my ending 1s De/pair, Unle(s I be reliev’d by Prayer 5 Which pierces fo, that it affaults Mercy it felf, and frees all Faults. — As you from Crimes would pardon’d be, Let your Indulgence fet me free. Cd SO RES Sey ———s ee 25S See: = : iti en eh eter eerie im ene a OO RY ee SP ey ae - e b . fe - ee eee a = = ee ite an. ss = Lae Bae Sky a W 2 Oe mes > Oo Pe eR a ie o > 9 8 eo +S OS oe ve { f ith uhh IW § sees \ wat at a lips awe i “Th ity MRS ote oR: GENTLEMEN O F VERONA A COMEDY. See Printed in the YEAR 1709. Dramatis Perfone. UKE, Father to Silvia. Valentine, € the two Gentlemen. Protheus, Anthonio, Father to Protheus. Thurio, a foolifo Rival to Valentine. Eglamore, Agent for Silvia in her Efcape. Hoft, where Julia lodges. Out-laws with Valentine. Speed, @ clowni/b Servant to Valentine. Launce, the like to Protheus. Panthion, Servant to Anthonio. Julia, beloved of Protheus. Silvia, beloved of Valentine. _ Lucetta, Waiting-woman ‘to Julia. ) rE wonauts LAURA MAMAALAMMAAAL : Swe Aik © LS ies Se EEOaRSETET URES CPETECESESEOENE ee fae ek” a» aes GENTLEMEN OF Pete ROO No ACTL SCENEL Enter Valentine avd Protheus. V ALE MN ISPD eee E ASE to perfvade, my loving Protheus; Z| Home-keeping Youth have ever homely Wits; S| Wer't not Affection chains thy tender Days, | To the fweet Glances of thy honour’d Love, I rather would intreat thy Company, mewn" To fee the Wonders of the World abroad, han, living dully fluggardiz’d at home, Wear out thy Youth with fhapelefs Idlenefs. But fince thou lov’ft, love {till, and. thrive therein, Even as I would when I to love begin. Pro. Wilt thou be gone? Sweet Valentizxe, adieu; Think on thy Protheas, when thou haply feeft some rare Note-worthy Obje& in thy Travel: With me Partaker in thy Happinefs When thou doft meet good Hap; and in thy Danger, lf ever — do environ thee, ) Vou, I. F Com-- i | it} cil a int Hi il Me 46 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Commend thy Grievance to my holy Prayers; For I will be thy Bead’s-man, Valentine. Val. And on a Love-book pray for my Siccefs 2 Pre. Upon fome Book I love I'll pray for thee. Val. That’s on fome fhallow Story of deep Love, How young Leander crofs’d the Hellefpont. . Pro. That’s a deep Story of a deeper Love; For he was more than over Shoes in Love. Val. ’Tis true; for you are over Boots in Love, And yet you never fwom the Helle/pont. Pro. Over the Boots? Nay, give me not the Boots. Val. No, Iwill not; for it boots thee rot. Pro. What? Val. To be in Love where Scorn is bought with Groans, Coy Looks, with heart-fore Sighs ; one fading Moment’s Mirth, | With twenty watchful, weary, tedious Nights, If haply won, perhaps an haplefs Gain: If loft, why then a grievous Labour won; However, but a Folly bought with Wit, Or elfe a Wit by Folly vanquifhed. Pro. So, by your Circumftance, you call me Fool. Val. So, by your Circumftance, I fear you'll prove. Pro. *Tis Love you cavil at; I am not Love. Val. Love is your Mafter; for he mafters you. And he that is fo yoked by a Fool, Methinks fhould not be chronicled for Wile. Pro. Yet Writers fay, as in the {weeteft Bud The eating Canker dwells; fo eating Love Inhabits in the fineft Wits of all. Val.. And Writers fay, as the moft forward Bud Is eaten by the Canker, e’er it blow; Even fo by Love the young and tender Wit. Ts turn’d to Folly, blafting in the Bud, Lofing his Verdure even in the Prime, And all the fair Effects of future Hopes. But wherefore wafte I Time to counfel thee, That art a Votary to fond Defire? Once more adieu: My Father at the Road Expects my coming, there to fee me fhipp’d. *Pro, And thither will I bring thee, Valentine. Val. Sweet Prothens, no: Now let us take our Leave. ae . At The Two Gentlemen of Verona. . 67 At Adillan let me hear from thee by Letters Of thy Succefs in Love; and what News elfe Betideth here in Abfence of thy Friend: And I likewife will vific thee with mine, Pro. Ali Happiaefs bechance to thee in AZillan. Val. As much:o you at home; and fo farewel. [Exits Pro. He after Honours hunts, I after Love; He leaves his Friends, to dignifie them more; I love my felf,; my Friends, and all for Love. Thou Fulia, thou haft metamorphos’d me; Made me neglect my Studies, lofe my ‘Time, War with good Counfel, fet the World at nought; Made Wit, with Mufing, weak; Heart fick, with Thought. Enter Speed, Speed. Sir Protheus, fave you; faw youmy Matter? Pro. But now he parted hence to embark for Adillaz. Speed. Twenty to one then he is fhipp’d already, And I have plaid the Sheep in lofing him. Pro. Indeed a Sheep doth very often ftray, And if the Shepherd be a while away. Speed, You conclude that my Matter is a Shepherd then, and I a Sheep? Pro. 1 do. Speede Why then my Horns are his Horns, whether I wake or f{leep. Pro. A filly Aafwer, and fitting well a Sheep. Speed. This proves me ftill a Sheep. Pro, True; and thy Mafter a Shepherd. Speed. Nay, that I can deny by a Circumftance. Pro. Xt fhall go hard but I’ll prove it by another. Speed. The Shepherd feeks the Sheep, and not the Sheep the Shepherd; bur I feck my Mafter, and my Mafter feeks not me; therefore I am no Sheep, Pro, The Sheep for Fodder follow the Shepherd, the Shepherd for Food follows not the Sheep; thou for Wages followeft thy Matter, thy Mafter for Wages follows not thee; therefore thou art a Sheep. Speed.. Such another Proof will make me cry Bad. Pro. But doftthou hear? gaveft thou my Letter to Falia? Speed. Ay, Sit; I, a loft-Mutton, gave your Letter to her, a lac’d-Mutton; and fhe; a lac’d-Mutton, gave me, a laft-Mutton, nothing for my Labour. F 2 Pro. { | a ee ET a ges Tet we - : . EE ea ts Ue! A RL, ca hae PME ' , , Sm ey meee eek eee .- —— sie: G8 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Pro. Here’s too {mall a Pafture for fuch ftore of Mut- tons. | . Speed. If the Ground be over-charg’d, you were beft {tick ere Pro. Nay, in that you are aftray; *twere beft pound you. ~ Speed. Nay, Sir, lefs than a Pound fhall ferve me for car- rying your Letter, - : Pre. You miftake; I mean the Pound, a Pin-fold. | Speed. From a Pound to a Pin? fold it over and over, "Tis threefold too little for carrying a Letter to your Lover. Pro. But what faid the? » Speed. Ay. Pro. Nod-I; why, that’s Noddy. Speed. You miftook, Sir, I faid the did nod: And you ask me if fhe did nod, and I faid, Ay. Pro. And that fet together, is Noddy. Speed. Now you have taken the Pains to fet it together, take it for your Pains. Pro. No, no, you fhall have it for bearing the Letter. Speed. Well, I perceive I muft be fain to. bear with you. Pro. Why, Sir, how do you bear with me? Speed. Marry, Sir, the Letter very orderly, Having nothing but the Word Noddy for my. Pains. ° Pro. Befhrew me, but you have a quick Wit. Speed. And yet it cannot overtake your flow Purfe. eg Come, come, open the Matter in brief; what faid e¢ ae Speed. Open your Purfe, that the Mony and the Matter muy be both deliver’d. , - Pro. Well, Sir, here is for your Pains; what faid the2 Speed. Truly, Sir, I think you'll hardly win her. Pro. Why? could’ft thou perceive fo much from her? Speed. Sir, I could perceive nothing at all from her; No, not fo much as a Ducket for delivering your Letter, And being fo hard to me that brought your Mind, I fear fhe’ll prove as hard to you in telling her Mind. Give her no Token but Stones; for the’s ag hard as Steel. Pro. What faid fhes nothing 2 Speed. No, not fo much as take this for thy Pains: To teftifie your Bounty, I thank you, you have teftern’d me: in | The Two Gentlemen of Verona. —s-—s«469 In requital whereof, henceforth carry your Letter your felfs And fo, Sir, I'll commend you to my Matter. Pro. Go, go, be gone, to fave your Ship from wrack, - Which cannot perifh, having thee aboard, Being deftin’d toa drier Death on Shore. I muft go fend fome better Meflenger : I fear my Fulia would not deign my Lines, Receiving them from fuch a worthlefs Poft. [ Exesnt. SG .N-- B= dh Enter Julia ana VLucetta. Ful. But fay, Lucetta, now we are alone, Wouldft thou then counfel me to fall in Loveé Luc. Ay, Madam, fo yoy {tumble not unheedfully. Ful. OF all the fair Refort of Gentlemen, That every Day with Parle encounter me, In thy Opinion which is worthigft Love? Luc. Pleafe you repeat their Names, Pll thew my Mnd, According to my fhallow fimple Skull. Ful, What think’ ft thou of the fair Sir Eglamour ? Luc. As of a Knight well-fpoken, neat and fine; But were I you, he never fhould be mine, Ful. What think’ft thou of the rich AZercatio? Luc. Well of his Wealth; but of himfelf fo, fo. Ful. What think’ ft thou of the gentle Protheus ? Luc. Lord, Lord! to fee what Folly reigns in us. Ful. How now? what means this Paffion at his Nami ¢ Luc. Pardon, dear Madam; ’tis a pafling Shame, hat I, unworthy Body as I am, Siould cenfure thus on lovely Gentlemen. Ful. Why not on Protheus, as of all the reft 2 Luc, Then thus; of many good, I think him beft. Ful. Your Reafon¢ Tuc. | have no other but a Woman’s Reafon ; I think him fo, becaufe I think him fo. Ful. And wouldf thou have me caft my Love on him ¢ Luc. Ay, if you thought your Love not caft away, Ful. Why. he, of all the reft, hath never mov d me Luc. Yet he, of all the reft, I thiak beft loves ye. Ful. His little {peaking fhews his Love but fmall. . sae ' Eauc. 70. The Two Gentlemen of Verona Lwc.. Fire that’s clofeft kept burns moft of all. Ful. They donot love that do not fhew their Love. Luc. Oh, they love leaft that let Men know their Love. Ful. I would [ knew his Mind. | Luc. Perufe this Paper, Madam. Ful. To Fulia; fay, from whom? Luc. That the Contents will thew. 2 Ful. Say, fay; who gave it thee? | Luc. Sir Valentine's Page; and fent, I think, from Protheus. He would have given it you, but I being in the Way, Did in your Name receive it; pardon the Fault, I pray. | Ful. Now, by my Modefty, a goodly Broker ; Dere you prefume to harbour wanton Lines? To whifper and confpire againft my Youth? Now truft me, ’tis an Office of great Worth, And you an Officer fit for the Place. There; take the Paper; fee it be return’d, Or elfe return no more into my Sight. Luc. To plead for Love deferves more Fee than Hate. ‘Fal. Will ye be gone? Lac. That you may ruminate. -[ Exit. Ful. And yet I would I had o’er-look’d the Letter. I were a fhame to call her back again, And pray her toa Fault, for which I chid her. What Fool is fhe that knows I am a Maid, And would not force the Letter to my View? Since Maids, in Modefty, fay No to that Which they would have the Profferer conftrue, Ay, Fie, fie; how way-ward is this foolifh Love, That, like a tefty Babe, will fcratch the Nurfe, And prefently, all humbled, kifs the Rod 2 | How churlifhly I chid Lucerta hence, , When willingly I would have had her here? 3 How angerly I taught my Brow to frown, . When inward Joy enfore’d my Heart to {mile2 My Penance is, to call Lucerta back, And ask Remiflion for my Folly patt. What ho! Lacetta! 1 Re-enter Lucetta. Luc. What would your Ladythip?2 Ful, Ist near Dinner-time? Lue. The Toxo Gentlemen of Verona. - 7% Luc. 1 would it were; That you might kill your Stomach on your Meat, And not upon your Maid. | Ful. What is’t that you Took up fo gingerly ¢ Luc. Nothing. Ful. Why didft thou ftoop then ? Luc. To take a Paper up that I let fall. Ful. And is that Paper nothing ¢ Luc. Nothing concerning me. Ful. Then let it lye for thofe that it concerns. Luc. Madam, it will not lye where it concerns, Unlefs it have a falfe Interpreter. Ful. Some Love of yours hath writ to you in Rime, | Luc. That I might fing it, Madam, to a Tune; , Give a Note; your Lady fhip can fet. Ful. As little by fuch Toys as may be poflible; Beft fing it tothe Tune of Light O Love. Luc. It is too heavy for fo light a Tune. Ful. Heavy? belike it hath fome Burthen then. Luc. Ay; and melodious were it, would you fing it. Yul. And why not yous Luc. \ cannot reach fo high. Ful. Let’s fee your Song: : How now Minioné Luc. Keep Tune there ftill, fo you will fing it out: And yet methinks I do not like this Tune. Ful. You do not ¢ Luc. No, Madam, ’tis too fharp. Ful. You, Minion, are too fawcy- Luc. Nay, now you are too flat, And mar the Concord with too harfh a Defcant: There wanteth but a Mean to fill your Song. Ful. The Mean is drown’d with your unruly Bafe, Luc. Indeed I bid the bafe for Protheus. Ful. This Babble fhall not henceforth trouble me. Here is a Coil with Proteftation ! Go, get you gone; and let the Papers lye: You would be fingring them to anger me. Luc. She makes it ftrange, but fhe would be beft pleas’d To be fo anger’d with another Letter. | Exit. F 4 Ful. ( 72 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Ful. Nay, would I were fo anger’d with the fame! Oh hateful Hands, to tear fuch loving Words; Injurious Wafps, to feed on fuch {weet Honey, And k:'1 the Bees that yield it with your Stings! I'll ku's each feveral Paper for amends : Look, here is writ, kind Fulia; unkind Fulia! As in revenge of thy Ingratitude, I throw thy Name againft the bruifing Stones, Trampling contemptuoufly on thy Difdain. And here is writ, Love-wounded Protheus. Poor wounded Name; my Bofom, as a Bed, Shall lodge thee ’till thy Wound be throughly heal’d ; And thus I fearch it with a foveraign Kifs. But twice or thrice was Protheus written down: Be calm, good Wind, blow not a Word away; ‘Till I have found each Letter in the Letter, Except mine own Name: That fome Whirl-wind bear Unto a ragged, fearful, hanging Rock, Aad throw it thence into the raging Sea. Lo, here in one Line is his Name twice writ: Poor forlorn Protheus, paffionate Protheus : To the fweet Julia: That Vl) tear away; And yet I wiil not, fith fo prettily He couples it to his complaining Names : Thus will I fold them one upon another: Now kifs, embrace, contend, do what you will. Enter Lucetta. | 3 ; Luc, Madam, Dinner is ready, and your Father ftays, Ful. Well, let us go. . Luc. What, fhall thefe Papers lye, like tell-rales here? Fal. If you refpe& them, beft to take them up. Luc. Nay, I was taken up for laying them down: Yet here they fhall not lye for catching cold, Ful. T fee you havea Month’s mind to them. ae Luc. Ay, Madam, you may fay what Sights you fee: I fee things too, although you judge I wink, Ful. Come, come, wilt pleafe you goz [ Exeunt. ~ : ¥ -— Shree me ht a a er 1! “3 » - PRE By 5, aE ae Re es & Gad SD . . 2 ‘ z ~- ~~ — — oe - > - as a ->- . eee a ae - 4 era a SCENE: The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 73 § :GoBeNi Bis + Bib Enter Anthonio azd Panthion. Ant, Tell me, Panthion, what fad Talk was that Wherewith my Brother held you in the Cloyfter 2 Pant. Twas of his Nephew Prothews, your Son. Ant. Why, what of him? Pant. He wonder’d that your Lordfhip Would fuffer him to fpend his Youth at home, While other Men of flender Reputation Pur forth their Sons to feek Preferment out: Some to the Wars, to try their Fortune theres Some to difcover Iflands far away; Some to the ftudious Univerfities. For any, or for all thefe Exercifes, He faid, that Prothews, your Son, was meet; And did requeft me to importune you To let him fpend his time no more at home; Which would be great Impeachment to his Age; In having known no Travel in his Youth. Ant. Nor need’{t thou much importune me to that Whereon this Month I have been hammering. I have confider’d well his lofs of Time; And how he cannot be a perfect Man, Not being try’d, nor tutor’d in the World: Experience 1s by Induftry atchiev'd, And perfected by the {wife Courfe of time; Then tell me, whither were I beft to fend him¢ Pant. I think your Lordfhip is not ignorant, How his Companion, youthful Valentine, Attends the Emperor in his Royal Court. Ant, 1 know it. well. ‘Pant.’ Twere good, I think, your Lordfhip fent him thither 5. There hall he practife Tilts and Turnaments; Hear {weet Difcourfe, converfe with Noblemen, And be in Eye of every Exercife Worthy his Youth, and Noblenefs of Birth, Ant. like thy Counfel; well haft thou advis’d : ‘And that thou may’ft perceive how well I like it, The Ex cution of it fhall make known; _ acne a ven es The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Even with the fpeedieft Expedition I will difpatch him to the Emperor’s Court. Pant. To Morrow, may it pleafe you, Don Alplonfo, With other Gentlemen of good Efteem, Are journeying to falute the Emperor, And to commend their Service to his Will. “nt, Good Company: With them fhall Prothexs go, And in good time, now will we break with him. ~ Enter Protheus. Pro. Sweet Love, fweet Lines, fweet ‘Life: Here is her Hand, the Agent of her Heart; Here is her Oath for Love, her Honour’s Pawn. O that our Fathers would applaud our Loves, To feal our Happinefs with their Confents. Oh heav’nly Fulia! Ant, How now? What Letter are you reading there 2 Pro. May’t pleafe your Lordthip, *tis a Word or two Of Commendation ferit from Viulentine; Deliver’d by a Friend that came from him. Ant, Lend me the Letter; let me fee what News. Pro, There isno News, my Lord, but that he writes How happily he lives, how well belov’d, And daily graced by the Emperor; Withing me with him, Partner of his Fortune. dnt. And how ftand you affeéted to his Witk 2 Pro. As one relying on your Lordfhip’s Will, And not depending on his friendly With. Ant. My Willis fomething forted with his With: Mufe not that I thus fuddenly proceed; For what I will, I will; and there’s an End. } { am refolv’d that thou fhalt fpend fome time With Valentino in the Emp’ror’s Court : What Maintenance he from his Friends receives, Like Exinbition thou fhalt have from me: To Morrow be in readinef$ to go. Excufe it not, for I am peremptory. Pro. My Lord, I cannot be fo foon provided; Pleafe you deliberate a Day or two. Ant. Look what thou want’ft fhall be fent after thee: No more of Stay; to Morrow thou muft go, Come on, Panthion; you fhall be imploy’d —_ 7 ea ea. ~ oe oe . i ates | we “ eal >> ie ES ee. SS 2 Sy ea « a Rae ! —e Ere ee —» = Ih Hal if [ a ) ‘To The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 75 To haften on his Expedition. =" [ Exe. Ant. and Pant. Pro. Thus have I thunn’d the Fire for fear of burning, And drench’d me in the Sea, where 1 am drown'd: I fear’d to thew my Father fulia’s Letter, Left he fhould take Exceptions to my Loves And with the vantage of mine own Excule, Hath he excepted moft againft my Love. Oh, how this Spring of Love refembleth The uncertain Glory of an April Day, Which now fhews all the Beauty: of the Sun, And by and by a Cloud takes all away. Enter Panthion. Pant. Sir Protheus, your Father calls for you; He is in hafte, therefore I pray you go. Pro. Why this it is: My Heart accords thereto, And yet a thoufand times it anfwers no. [ Exeunt. a fae ORS i RS fs, GA AR Gh age Eater Valentine and Specd. Speed, S' R, your Glove. Val. Not mine; my Gloves are on. Speed. Way then this may be yours, for this is but-one. Val. Ha? let me fee: Ay, give it me, it’s mine: Sweet Ornament that decks a Thing divine. Ah Silvia, Silvia! Speed. Madam Silvia‘ Madam Silvia ! Val. How now Sirrah? Speed. She is not within hearing, Sir. Val. Why Sir, who bad you call her? Speed. Your Worfhip, Sir, or elfe I miftook. Val. Well, you'll ftill be too forward. Speed. And yet I was laft chidden for being too flow. Val. Go to Sir, tell: me, do you know Madam Silvia ? Speed. She that your Worfhip loves? | Val. Why; how know you that I am in Love¢ Speed. Marry, by thefe {pecial Marks: Firft, you have leara’d, like Sir Protheus, to wreath your Arms like a Male- content, to relifh a Love-Song like a Robin-red-breaff,. to | walk 76 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. walk alone like one that had the Peftilence, to figh like a School-boy that had loft his .4, B, C, to weep like a young Wench that had loft her Grandam, to faft like one that takes Diet, to watch like one that fears robbing, to {peak puling like a Beggar at Hollowmafi: You were wont, when you laugh’d, to crow like a Cock; when you walk’d, to walk like one of the Lions; when you fafted, it was pre- fently after Dinner; when you look’d fadly, it was for want of Mony: And now you are metamorphos'd with a Miftrefs, that when I look on you, I can hardly think you my Matter. Val. Are all thefe things perceiv’d in me2 Speed. They are all perceiv’d without ye. Val. Without me? they cannot. Speed. Without you? nay, that’s certain; for without you were fo fimple, none elfe would: But you are fo without thefe Follies, that thefe Follies are within you, and fhine through you like the Water in an Urinal; that not an Eye that fees you, but is a Phyfician to comment on your Ma- lady. Val. But tell me, doft thou know my Lady Silvia? Speed. She that you gaze on fo as fhe fits at Supper ? Val. Haft thou obferv’d that? Even fhe I mean, Speed. Why, Sir, I know her not. Val. Dott thou know her by gazing on her, ‘and yet know’ft her not? Speed. Is fhe not hard-favour'd, Sir2 Val. Not fo fair, Boy, as well favour’d. Speed. Sir, I know that well enough, Val. What doft thou know2 | Speed. That the is not fo fair, as of you well favour’d. Val, I mean that her Beauty is exquifite, But her Favour infinite, | Speed. That’s becaufe the one is Painted, and the other out of all Count, Val. How painted? and how out of Count? Speed. Marry Sir, fo painted to make her fair, that no Man counts of her Beauty. | Val. How efteem’ft thou me? I account of her Beauty. Speed. You never faw-her fince the was deform’d. Val. How long hath the been deform’d? ~ Gi Speed. The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 77 Speed. Ever fince you lov’d her. Val. I have lov’d her ever fince I faw her; And ftill 1 fee her beautiful. | Speed. If you love her, you cannot fee her. Val. Why 2 Speed. Becaufe Loveis blind. O that you had mine Eyes, or your own Eyes had the Lights they were wont to have, when you chid at Sir Prothens for going ungarter’d. Val. What thould I fee then¢ Speed. Your own prefent Folly, and her pafling Defor- mity: For he, being in Love, could not fee to garter his Hofe; and you, being in Love, cannot fee to put on your Hofe. Val. Belike, Boy, then you are in Love; for laft Morn- ing you could not fee to wipe my Shoes. Speed. True, Sir, I was in Love with my Bed; I thank you, you fwing’d me for my Love, which makes me the bolder to chide you for yours. | val. In Conciufion, I ftand affected to her. Speed. 1 would you were fet, fo your Affection would ceafe. , Val. Laft Night the enjoin’d me To write fome Lines to one fhe loves. Speed. And have you’ Val. 1 have. Speed. Are they not lamely writé Val. No, Boy, but as well as I can do them: Peace, here fhe comes. Eater Silvia. Speed. Oh excellent Motion! Oh exceeding Puppet! Now will he interpret to ber. Val. Madam and Miftrefs, athoufand Good-morrows. Speed. Oh! give ye Good-ev’n; here’s a million of Manners. Sil. Sir Valentine, and Servant, to you two thoufand. Speed. He fhould give her Intereft; and fhe gives it him. Pal. As you have-injoin’d me, | have writ your Letter Unto the fecret, namelefs Friend of yours; Which I.was much unwilling to proceed in, But for my Duty to your Lady fhip. | Sil. I thank you, gentle Servant, “tis very Clerkly done. - Kal. Now truft me, Madam, it came hardly off: . or 78 The Two Gentlemen of Verona, For being ignorant to whom it goes, T writ at random, very doubrfully. Sil, Perchance you think too much of fo much Pains? Val. No, Madam, fo it {teed you, I will write, Pleafe you command, a thoufand times as much, And yet Sil, A pretty Period; well, I guefs the Sequel ; And yet I will not name it, and yet I care not, And yet take this again, and yet I thank you; Meaning henceforth to trouble you no more, : Speed. And yet you will; and yet, another yet. { Afide. Val. What means your Ladythip? Do you not like it? Sil, Yess yes; the Lines are very quaintly writ; But, fince unwillingly, take them again; Nay, take them. Fal. Madam, they are for you. Sil Ay, Ay? you writ them, Sir, at my Requeft; But I will none of them; they are for you: . T would have had them writ more movingly, Val. Pleafe you, Vl write your Ladythip another. Sil, And when it’s writ, for my fake read it over ; And if it pleafe you, fo; if not, why fo. Val. Uf it pleafe me, Madam, what then 2 Sil. Why, if it pleafe you, take it for your Labour; And fo Good-morrow, Servant. ; [ Exit. Speed. Oh Jett unfeen, infcrutible, invifible, As a Nofe on a Man’s Face, or a Weathercock on a Steeple ; . My Mafter fues to her, and the hath taught her Sutor, He being her Pupil, to become her Tutor: Oh excellent Device! was there ever heard a better 2 That my Matter being Scribe, To himfelf fhould write the Letter? Val. How now, Sir2 : What are you reafoning with your felf? Speed. Nay, I was riming; ’tis you that have the Reafon. Fal. To do what 2 6 Speed. To be a Spokes-man from Madam Si/yjz, Val. To whom? Speed. To your felf; why, the woos you by a Figure, Val, What Figure? , 3 Speed The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 7D. Speed. By a Letter, I fhould fay. Val. Why, fhe hath not writ to me¢ Speed. What need fhe, When fhe hath made you write to your felf ¢ Why, do you not perceive the Jelté Val. No, believe me. : Speed. No believing you indeed, Sir: But did you perceive her Earneft ? Val. She gave me none, except an angry Word. Speed. Why, fhe hath given you a Letter. Val. That’s the Letter I writ to her Friend. Speed. And that Letter hath fhe deliver’d, and there’s an end. Val. would it were no worfe. Speed. V'll warrant you "tis as well: | For often have you writ to her, and fhe in Modefty, Orelfe for want of idle Time, could not again reply ; Or fearing elfe fome Meffenger that might her Mind difcover, Her felf hath taught her Love himfelf to write unto her Lover. All chis I {peak in Print; for in Print 1 found it. Why mufe you, Sir? *tis Dinner-time. Val. Vhave din’d, | Speed. Ay» but hearken, Sir; though the Cameleon Love can feedon the Air, I amone that am nourifh’d by my Victu- als; and would fain have Meat: Oh be not,like your Mi- ftrefs; be moved, be moved. [Excunt. SCENE UO. Enter Protheus' and Julia. Pro. Have Patience, gentle Julia. Ful. 1 muft, where is no Remedy. Pro, When poffibly I can, I will return. Ful. Tf you turn not, you will return the fooner: Keep this Remembrance for thy fulia’s fake. [Giving a Ring. Pro. Why then we'll make Exchange; Here, take you this. Ful. And feal this Bargain with a holy Kafs. Pro. Here is my Hand for my true Conftancy: ‘And when that Hour o’er-flips me in the Day, Wherein I figh not, ‘Fulia, for thy fake, ee The T 80 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The next enfuing Hour fome fou! Mifchance Torment me, for my Love’s Forgetfulnefs. My Father ftays my coming; anfwer not : The Tide is now; nay, not thy Tide of Tears; That Tide will ftay me longer than I fhould: [Exit Julie. Fulia, tarewel. What! gone without a Word 2 Ay, fo true Love fhould do; it cannot fpeak; For Truth hath better Deeds than Words to grace it. Exter Panthion. Pan. Sir Protheus, youare ftaid for. Pro. Go; I come, I come; Alas! this Parting ftrikes poor Lovers dumb, — [Exeunt, > ae Ns Enter Launce. Laun, Nay, ‘twill be this Hour e’er I have done weep- ing; all the Kind of the Lauuces have this very Fault: I have receiv'd my Proportion, like the prodigious Son, and am going with Sir Protheus to the Imperial’s Court: I think Crab, my Dog, be the fowreft natur’d Dog that lives: My Mother weeping, my Father wailing, my Sifter crying, our Maid howling, our Cat wringing her Hands, and all our Houfe in great Perplexity; yet did not this cruel-hearted Cur fhed one Tear: He is a Stone, a very Pibble-ftone, and has no more Pity in him than a Dog: A Yew would have wept to have feen our Parting; why, my Grandam, having no Eyes, look you, wept her felf blind at my Part-_ ing. Nay, Ill fhow you the manner of it: This Shoe is my Father; no, this left Shoe is my Father; no, no, this left Shoe is my Mother; nay, that cannot be fo neither ; yes, itisfo, it is fo; it hath the worfer Sole; this Shae with the Hole in it is my Mother, and this my Father; a Vengeance on’t, there ’tis: Now, Sir, this Staff is my Si- fter; for look you, fhe is as white asa Lilly, and as {mall as a Wand; this Hat 1s Maz, our Maid; I am the Dog; no, the Dog is himfelf, and I am the Dog: Oh, the Dog is me, and I am my felf; ay, fo, fo: Now come Ito my Fa. ther; Father, your Blefling: Now fhould not the Shoe {peak a Word for weeping; now fhould I kifs mv Father; well, he weeps on: Now come I to my Mother; oh that fhe could fpeak now like a Would-woman 3 well, I kifs her; why The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Si why there ’tis; here’s my Mother's Breath up and down: Now come I to my. Sifter; mark what Moan | fhe makes: Now the Dog all this while fheds not a Tear, nor fpeaks a Word; but fee how I lay the Duft with my ‘Tears. Enter Panthion. Pant. Launce, away, away, aboard; thy Mafter is fhipp’d and thou art to poft after with Oars: What’s the Matter? why weep’ft thou, Man? away Afs, you willlofe the Tid if you tarry any longer. | Laun. It is no matter if the Tide were loft, for it is the unkindeft Tide that ever any Man ty’d. Pant. What’s the unkindeft Tide? Laun, Why, he that’s ty’d here; Crab, my Dog. Pant. But, Man, I mean, thou'lt Iofe the Flood; and in lofing the Flood, lofe thy Voyage; and in lofing thy Voy: age, lofe thy Mafter; and in lofing thy Mafter, lofe thy Service; and in lofing thy Servicea———-Why doft thou ftop my Mouth2 | Laun, For fear thou fhould’f{t lofe thy Tongue. Pant. Where fhould I lofe my Tongue? Laun, In thy Tale. Pant. In thy Tail. | Laun. Lofe the Tide, and the Voyage, and the Matter, and the Service, andthe Tide; why, Man, if the River were dry, I am able to fill it with my Tears; if the Wind were down, I could drive the Boat with my Sighs. Pant, Come, come away, Man; I was {ent to call thee. Laun. Sit, callme what thou dar’ft. Pant. Wilt thou go? Laun. Well, I will go. | Exeunt , eG E: Neg kv. Enter Valentine, Silvia, Thurio and Speed. Sil. Servant. Val. Mittrefs. Speed. Matter, Sir Thario frowns on you. Val. Ay Boy, it’s for Love. Speed. Not of you. Val. Of my Mittrefs then. ue Vor. I. G Speed. 82 The Tavo Gentlemen of Veronh. Speed. “I were good you kaockt him. Sil, Servant, you are fad. Val. Indeed, Madam, I feem fo. Thw, Seem you that you are not? Val. Haply f do. Thu. So do Counterfeits. Val. So do-you. Fha. What feem E that I am not2 Val. Wile. Thu, What Inftance of the contrary? Val. Your Folly. Thu. And how quote you my Folly? Val. 1 quote it in your Jerkin. Thu. My Jerkin is a Doublet. Fal. Well then, Pil double your Folly. Thu. How 2 Sil, What, angry, Sir Thurio? do you changeColour? Wal. Give him leave, Madam; he isa kind of Camelion. Thu. That hath more mind to feed on your Blood,» than live in your Air. Val. You have faid, Sir, Thx. Ay Sir, and done too, for this time, Val. I know it well, Sir; you always end ¢’er you begir. Sil. A fine Volly of Words, Gentlemen, and quickly fhot off. ; Val.’ Tis indeed, Madam; wethank the Giver. Sil. Who is that, Servant2 | Val. Your felf, fweet Lady, for you gave the Fire: Sir Thurio borrows his Wit from your Ladythip’s Looks, And {pends what he borrows kindly in your Company. ‘Phu. Sir, if you fpend Word for Word with me, ‘I fhall make your Wit bankrupt. | Val. I know it well, Sir, you have ait Exchequer of Words, And, I think, no other Treafure to give your Followers: For it appears, by their bare Liveries, That they live by your bare Words, Sil. No more, Gentlemen, no more: Here comes my. Father. Enter the Duke.» ees Dake. Now, Daughter Silvia, you are hard befet, 2% Sir Valentine, your Father is in good Health: ; 2 NRE See v _— +, ake: ee * FY +R. = G ee Sites ere a yy at Ne - = —- — Ee Wilitasht mas eles Rene: Pyne em eeh — te ee Swe ats 4 ~~ 223.4i0~ apne < a > - — or 9 7s a ee > _ = ee "3 — : Pa ¢ > oe a¥ mt Fo Se + - a Fire Sree > Se 2 7 >—— = —— — . . —. _ \ # = Papa . ..<4— eae = — a — a << i 5 = == = ~ —=- — 2 = i 4 i ee - LSS 7 : — a - 5 =~. =, _— , ‘ fl b , i } . J ) aa ato. yr hee 5 helt el Vul iv ~ vip 34 i easel Pea iat | Te ae | | j H;.-18 1 p ) ‘ f 4 What The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 83. What fay you toa Letter from your Friends Of much good News? Val. My Lord, I will be thankful To atty Meffenger from thence. Duke. Know you Don Antonio, your Countryman? Val. Ay, my good Lord, I know the Gentleman To be of Worth, and worthy Eftimation, And not without Defert fo well reputed. Duke. Hath he not.a Son ? Val. Ay, my good Lord, a Son that well deferves The Honour and Regard of fuch a Father. Duke. You know him well? Val. { knew him as my felf, for from our Infancy We have converft, and ipent our Hours together: And tho’ my felf have been an idle Truant, Omitting the {weet Benefit of Time, To clothe mine Age with Angel-like Perfection ; Yet hath Sir Protheus, for that’s his Name, Made Ufe and fair Advantage of his Days: His Years but young, but his Experience old; His Head unmellow’d, but his Judgment ripe; And in a Word, for far behind his Worth Come all the Praifes that I now beftow, He is compleat in Feature and in Mind, With all good Grace to grace a Gentleman. Duke. Befhrew me, Sir, but if he make this good, He is as worthy for an Emprefs’ Love, As meet to be an Emperor’s Counfellor: Well, Sir, this Gentleman is come to me, With Commendation from great Potentates; And here he means to fpend his Time a while. I think ’tis no welcome News to you. Val. Should I have with’d a thing, it had been he: Duke. Welcome him then according to his Worth: Silvia, I {peak to you; and you, Sir Thario; For Valentine, I need not cite him to it: 7 I will fend him hither to you prefently. . — [Exit Duke. Val. This is the Gentleman I told your Ladythip Had come along with me, but that his Miftrefs Did hold his Eyes lockt in her Chriftal Looks. Sil. Belike that now fhe hath enfranchis’d them G 2 Upon 84 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Upon fome other Pawn for Fealty. | Val. Nay fure, I think fhe holds them Prifoners ftill, Sil. Nay, then he fhould be blind; and being blind, How could he fee his Way to feek out you? Val. Why Lady, Love hath twenty Pair of Eyes. Ths. They fay that Love hath not an Eye at. all. Val. To fee fuch Lovers, Thurio, as your felf: Upon ahomely Object Love can wink. Enter Protheus. s Sil.. dave done, have done; here comes the Gentleman. Val. Welcome, dear Protheus: Miftre!s, I befeech you Confirn this Welcome with fome fpecial Favour. Sil, His Worth is Warrant for his Welcome hither, If this be he you oft have with’d to hear from. Val. Miftrefs, it is: Sweet Lady, entertain him To be ny Fellow-fervant to your Ladyfhip. Sil, Too low a Miftrefs for fo high a Servant. Pro. Not fo, {weet Lady; but too mean a Servant To hav: a Look of fuch a worthy Miftrefs. Val. Leave off Difcourfe of Dufability: Sweet Lady entertain him.for your Servant. Pro. My Duty will I boaft of, nothing elfe. Sil, And Duty never yet did want his Meed: Servant, you are welcome to a worthlefs Miftrefs. Pro. lll die on him that fays fo but your felf- Sil, That you are welcome? | Pro, That you are worthlefs. Thx. Madam, my Lord, your Father, would {peak withyou. Sil, I wait upon his Pleafure: Come, Sir Thurio, Go withme. Once more, new Servant, welcome: I'll leave you to confer of home. Affairs; When you have done,. we look to hear from you. Pra. We'll both attend upon your Ladyhhip. | ~. [Ex. Sil. and Thu. Val. Now tell me how do all from whence you came? Pro. Your Friends are well,and havethem much commended. Val. And how do yours? . . Pro. | left them all in Health. . | ) Val. How does your Lady? and how thrives your Love? _ Pro. Vy Tales of Love were wont to weary you; I know you joy not in a Love-difcourfe. ese ee Oe J os z ? |i # i} ja) | i | i i i a j — — z " 3 X i. ats = “ SB et S Sete Se Se = ; = S—=9 : ; SSS : : - : Sy —— SS Se ee a : _ : == = == = —e re = 2 =f aes = = a = =e —— a ee “ Pel 0 en _-ee = : — = : = = = s.—- == “3 a jaan = a as: Se te° dee aa a : = = a = == oo = - 2 = > _—~ = —< : —— ’ = —s-— => =, — = -- = i — == a : =. ~ in Sen es — <3 5 = = ee =. = 32 : = —s og = -- = s = 2 — ae ee =~ = = > é " = = ee ee =~ SSS SSS : Tans s z : > = —— - <= z =x ———— = - Se as = ——~ =a =< 5 = - ——— B Ds SS ESS SS = — >> = = — ——$————_— —_— Rte <5 : 7 a - = 7 =< = = ia as — = ——————— = — 2 eis de aS TE SS — a Fal, ad The Two Gentlemen of Verona: 85 Val. Ay, Prothens, but that Life is alter’d now; - I have done Penance for contemning Love, | Whofe high imperious Thoughts have punifh’d me With bitter Fafts, with penitential Groans, With nightly Tears and daily heart-fore Sighs: For in revenge of my Contempt of Love, Love hath chac’d Sleep from my enthralled Eyes, And: made them Watchers of mine own Heart’s Soriow. O gentle Prothexs, Love's a mighty Lord, And hath fo humbled me, as I confefs There is no Wo to his Correction ; Nor to his Service, no fuch Joy on Earth. Now no Difcourfe; except it be of Love; Now can I break my Faft, dine, fup and fleep Upon the very naked Name of Love. Pro. Enough: I read your Fortune in your Eye. Was this the Idol that you worfhip fo¢ Val. F.ven the; and is fhe not a heawnly Sainté Pro. No; but fhe is an earthly Paragon. Val. Call her divine. Pro. I will not flatter her. Vul. O fistter me; for Love delights in Praife. Pro. When I was fick you gave me bitter Pills, And I mutt minifter the like to you. Val. Then {peak the Truth by her: If not divute, Yet let her be a Principality, Soveraign to all the Creatures on the Earth. Pro. Except my Mittrefs. Val. Sweet, except not any, Except thou wilt except againft my Love. Pro. Have I not Reafon to prefer mine own ¢ Val. And I will help thee to prefer her too: She fhall be dignify’d. with this high Honour, To bear my Lady’s Train, left the bafe Earth Should from her Vefture chance to fteal-a Kifs; And of fo great a Favour growing proud, Difdain to root the Summer-fwelling Flower, And make rough Winter everlaftingly. Pro, Why, Valentine, what Bragadifm is this? Val. Pardon me, Prothews; all I can is nothing, To her, whofe Worth makes other Werthies nothing: She'is alone. G 3 Pre 86s The Two Genilemen of Verona. Pro. Then let her alone. / Val. Not for the World: Why, Man, fhe is mine own, And I as rich in having fuch a Jewel, As twenty Seas, if all theirSand were Pearl, The Water Near, and th: Rock pure Gold. Forgive me that I do not dream on thee, Becaufe thou feeft me doat upon my Love. My foolifh Rival, that her Father likes, Only for his Poffeffions are fo huge, Ts gone with her along, and I mutt after; For Love, thou know’ft, is full of Jealoufie. \ Pro. But fhe loves you? Val. Ay,and we are betrothed ; nay more,our Marriage Hour, With all the cunning manner of our Flight, Determin’d of; how I mut climb her Window, _ The Ladder made of Cordi, and all the Means Plotted and ‘greed on for ny Happinefs. Good Prorheus go with meto my Chamber, In th:fe Affairs to aid me vith thy Counfel. Pro. Go on before; I fhill ; nquire you forth. f muft-unto the Road, to difimba k Some Neceffaries that I neels muft uf, And then J’'ll prefently attetd you. Val. Will you make hafte 2 Pro. I will. [Exit Val. Even as one Heat another Heat expels, Or as one Nail by Strengthdrives out another; So the Remembrante of my former Love Is by a newer Object quite forgotten: Ts it mine then, or Valentin’s Praife? Her true Perfection, or my falfe Tranfgreffion, That makes me reafonlefs, to reafon thus2 She is fair; and fo is Fulia, that I love; That I did love; for now ny Love is thaw’d, Which, like a waxen Image *gainft a Fire, Bears no Impreffion of the thing it was: Methinks my Zeal to Valemine is cold, And that I love him not as I was wont. O! but I love his Lady to» too much; And that’s the Reafon I love him fo little; How fhall I doat on her wth more Advice; / That The ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona. 87 That thus without Advice begin to love her? Tis but her Picture I have yet beheld, And that hath dazled fo my Reafon’s Light: But when I look on her Perfections, There is no Reafon but I fhall be blind. If I can check my erring Love, 1 will; If not, to compas her Vil ufe my Skill. [ Exit. § CG EN. bce¥s Enter Speed ana Launct Speed. Launce, by mine Honefty welcome to Padua. Laun. Forfwear not thy felf, {weet Youth; for I am not welcome: I reckon this always, that a Man is never un- done ’till he is hang’d, nor never welcome a to Place, “tll fome certain Shot be paid, and the Hoftefs fay Welcome. Speed. Come on, you Mad-cap; I'll to the Ale-houfe with you prefently, where, for one Shot of five Pence, thou fhalt have five thoufand Welcomes. But, Sirrah, how did thy Mifter part with Madam Fulia? Lana. Marry, after'they clos’d in earneft, they parted very fairly in Jeft. Speed. But fhall fhe marry him? Laun. No. Speed. How then? Shall he marry heré Laun, No, neither. Speed. Whit, are they broker 4 Laun. No, they are both as whole as a Fifh. Speed. Why then, how ands the Matter with themé © Lau, Marry thus; when ++ ftands well with him, 1t {tands well with her. Speed. What an Afs art thou! I underftand thee note Laun. What a Block art thou, that thou canft not < My Staff underftands me. Speed. What thou fay’ft 2 Laum Ay, and what I do too: Look thee, I'll but lean, and my Staff underftands me. Speed. I ftands under thee indeed. Laun, Why, ftand-under, aad underftand is all one. Speed. But cell me true, will't be a Match? G 4 Lawn. j 88 = The Two Gentlemen of Vetona. Laun. Ask my Dog: If he fay ay, it will; if he fay ro, it will; if he fhake his Tail, and fay nothing, it will. Speed. The Conclufion is then, that it will. Laxn. Thou fhalt never get fuch a Secret from me, but by a Parable. | Speed. ’Tis well that I get it fo: But, Lance, how fay’tt thou, that my Matter is become a notable Lover? Laun, JX never knew him otherwife. Speed, Than how? Laun. A notable Lubber, as thou reporteft him to be, Speed. Why, thou whorefon Afs, thou miftak’ft me. Laun. Why Fool, I meant not thee; I meant thy Ma- fter, Speed. I tell thee, my Mafter is become a hot Lover. Laun. Why, I tell thee, I care not tho’ he burn himfelf in Love: If thou wilt go with me to the Alehoufe, fo; if not; thou art aa Hebrew, a Few, and not worth the Name of a Chriftian. | Speed. Why? Laun. Becaufe thou haft not fo much Charity in thee as to go the Ale-houfe with a Chriftian: Wilt thou go? Speed. At thy Service. [ Exeunt, Savina N “EVI. Enter Protheus /folus. Pro. To leave my Fulia; thall I be forfworn2 To love fair Silvia; fhall I be forfwone To wrong my Friend, I fhall be much forfworn: And ev’n that Pow’r which gave me firft my Qath, Provokes me to this threefold Perjury. Love bad me {wear, and Love bids me forfwear: O {weet fuggefting Love, if thou haft finn’d, Teach me, thy tempted Subje&, to excufe it, At firft I did adore a twinkling Star, But now I worfhip a celeftial Sun: Unheedful Vows may heedfully be broken; ; And he wants Wit that wants refolved Will, To learn his Wit t’ exchange the bad for better: Fie, fie, unreverend Tongue, to call her bad, Whofe Sov’raignty fo oft thou haft preferr’d, Sas Ste SS ory -t- 2 ms a <= * —— 3 —_— SS =_ =e —S.- SS ee a ae a SS SS = : ~3_ 2 eo Ss : SS === = Ss a 8 = 5 = 2s r= se = = eee SS ; = ie = = = ca _ = . = - = 3 = - - —. - a 8 nn ee With The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 89 With twenty thoufand Soul-confirming Oaths. I cannot leave to love, and yet I do: But there I leave to love where I fhould love: Fulia I lofe, and Valentine I lofe: If I keep them, 1 needs mutt lofe my felf: If I lofe them, thus find I but their Lofs, For Valentine, my felf, for Fulia, Silvia: I to my felf am dearer than a Friend; For Love is {till moft precious in it felf : And Silvia, witnefs Heav’n that made her Fair, Shews Fulia but a {warthy Exhiope. I will forget that ‘Fulia is alive, Remembring that my Love to her is dead: And Valentine Vil hold an Enemy; Aiming at Silvia as a {weeter Friend: I cannot now prove conftant to my felf, Without fome Treachery us'd to Valentine: This Night he meaneth, with a corded Ladder, To climb celeftial Silvia’s Chamber-Window, My felf in Council his Competitor : Now prefently T’ll give her Father notice Of their difguifing, and pretended Flight; Who, all enrag’d, will banifh Valentine ; For Thurio he intends fhall wed his Daughter. But Valentine being gone, Vil quickly crofs, By fome fly Trick, blunt Thzrio’s dull Proceeding. Love lend me Wings, to make my purpofe {wift, As thou haft lent me Wit to plot his Drift. [ Exit. SGC abo, B.oVii. Enter Julia and Lucetta. Ful. Counfel, Lucetta; gentle Girl, affift me, And even in kind Love I do conjure thee, Who art the Table wherein all my Thoughts Are vifibly Character’d and Engrav’d, To leffon me, and tell me fome good Mean, How with my Honour I may undertake A Journey to my loving Protheus. Luc. Alas, the Way 1s wearifome and long. Ful. A rae devoted Pilgrim is not weary 90 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. To meafure Kingdoms with his feeble Steps, ‘ Much lefs fhall fhe, that hath Love’s Wings to fly ; And when the Flight is made to one fo dear, Of fuch divine Perfe&tion'as Sir Prorheus. Luc. Better forbear ’till Prothews make Return, Ful. Oh, know'ft thou not, his Looks are my Soul’s Food ? Pity the Dearth that I have pined in, By longing for that Food fo long a time: Didft thou but know the inly Touch of Love, Thou would’ft as foon go kindle Fire with Snow, As feck to quench the Fire of Love with Words. Luc. 1 do not feek to quench your Love’s hot Fire, But qualifie the Fire’s extream Rage, | Left it fhould burn above the Bounds of Reafon. Ful. The more thou dam’ft it up, the more it burns: The Current that with gentle Murmur glides, Thou know’ft, being ftopp’d, impatiently doth rage; But when his fait Courfe is not hindered, He makes {weet Mufick with th’ ennamel’d Stones, Giving a gentle Kifs to every Sedge \ He overtaketh in his Pilgrimage: . | And fo by many winding Nooks he ftrays, With willing Sport, to the wild Ocean. Then let me go, and hinder not my Courfe ; T’li be as patient as a gentle Stream, : And make a Paftime of each weary Step, Till the laft Seep have brought me to my Love; Z And there I’ll reft, as, after much Turmoil, A bleffed Soul doth in Elizium, Luc. But in what Habit will you go along? Ful. Not like a Woman; for I would prevent The loofe Encounters of lafcivious Men: Gentle Lacerta, fit me with fuch Weeds As may befeem fome well-reputed Page. Luc. Why then your Ladyfhip muft cut your Hair. Ful. No, Girl; Vil knit it up in filken Strings, With twenty odd-conceited true-love Knots: To be fantaftick, may become a Youth OF greater time than I fhall fhow to be, Luc. What Fafhion, Madam, fhall I make your Breeches 2 | Gul. That fits as well, as tell me, good my Lord, . ig What The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 91 What compafs will you wear your Farthingale ? Why, even what Fafhion thou beft likes, Lucettae Luc. Youmutt needs have them with a Cod-piece, Madam. Ful. Out, out, Lacerta, that will be ill-favour’d. Luc. A round Hofe, Madam, now’s not worth a Pin, Unlefs you have a Cod-piece to ftick Pins on. Ful. Lucetta, as thou lov’ft me, let me have What thou think’ft meet, and is moft mannerly: But tell me, Wench, how will the World repute me For undertaking fo unftaid a Journey? I fear me it will make me fcandaliz’d. Luc. If you think fo, then ftay at home, and go not. Ful. Nay, that I will not. Luc. Then never dream on Infamy, but gos If Protheus like your Journey when you come, No matter who’s difpleas’d when you are gone: I fear me he will fcarce be pleas’d with all. Ful. That is the leaft, Lucetta, of my Fear: A thoufand Oaths, an Ocean of his Tears, And Inftances as infinite of Love, Warrant me welcome to my Prothews. Luc. All thefe are Servants to deceitful Men. Ful. Bafe Men that ufe them to fo bafe Effect: But truer Stars did govern Prothens Birth; His Words are Bonds, his Oaths are Oracles, His Love fincere, his Thoughts immaculate, His Tears pure Meffengers fent from his Heart, His Heart as far from Fraud as Heav’n from Earth. Luc. Pray Heav’n he prove fo when you come to him. Ful. Now as thou lov’ft me, do him not that Wrong, To bear a hard Opinion of his Truth; Only deferve my Love by loving him. And prefently go with me to my Chamber, To take a Note of what I ftand in need of, To furnifh me upon my longing Journey: All that is mine I leave at thy Difpofe, My Goods, my Lands, my Reputation, Only in licu thereof difpatch me hence. Come, anfwer not; but to it prefently: I am impatient of my Tarriance. [ Exeunt. ro, Saat & — ——— 2 —s ~ a ==. = — - “ars = = ¥ Se ee = - a _ And fo unworthily difgrace the Man, 92 ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona. AVGvE oui: Se Aah Piee Enter Duke, Thurio azd Protheus. Duke. IR Thurio, give us leave, I pray, a while; We have fome Secrets to confer about. [Ex.Thu. Now tell me, Protheus, what’s your Will with me? ro. My gracious Lord, that which I would difcover The Law of Friendfhip bids me to conceal; But when I call to Mind your gracious Favours Done to me, undeferving as I am, My Daty pricks me on to utter that, Which elfe no worldly Good fiould draw from me. Know, worthy Prince, Sir Valentine, my Friend, This Night intends to fteal away your Daughter: My {elf am one made privy to the Plot. I know you have determin’d to beftow her On Thario, whom your gentle Daughter hates : And fhould fhe thus be ftoll’n away from you, It would be much Vexation to your Age. Thus, for my Duty’s fake, I rather chofe To crofs my Friend in his intended Drift, Than, by concealing it, heap or your Head A pack of Sorrows, which would prefs you down, Being unprepared, to your timelefs Grave. Duke. Protheus, I thank thee for thine honeft Care: Which to requite, command me while I live. This Love of theirs my felf have often feen, Haply when they have judg’d me faft afleep; And oftentimes have purpos’d to forbid Sir Valentine her Company, and my Court: But fearing left my jealous Aim might err, A Rafhnefs that I ever yet have fhunn’d; I gave him gentle Looks, thereby to find That which thy felf haft now difclos’d to me. And that thou may’ft perceive my Fear of this; Koowing that tender Youth is foon fuggefted, I nighly lodge her in an upper Tower, . — The The Two Gentlenen of Verona. 93 The Key whereof my felf hare ever kept; And thence fhe cannot be coivey’d away. Pro. Know, noble Lord, they have devis’d a mean How he her Chamber-Windw will afcend, And with a corded Ladder fech her down ; For which the youthful Lov:r now 1s gone, And this way comes he withit prefently: Where, if it pleafe you, you may intercept him. But, good my Lord, doit cunningly, That my Difcovery be not amed ats _ - For love of you, not hate uito my Friend, Hath made me Publifher of :his Pretence. Duke. Upon mine Honou, he fhall never know That I had any Light from thee of this. Pro. Adieu, my Lord; Sr Valentine is coming. | Ex. Pro. Enter Valentine. Duke. Sir Valentine, whether away fo falt 2 Val. Pleafe it your Grace there 1s a Meflenger That ftays to bear my Lettes to my Friends, And I am going to deliver hem. Duke. Be they of much -mport ¢ Val. The Tenure of then doth but fignifie My Haalth, and happy beng at your Court. Duke. Nay, then no mater; ftay with me a while; I am to break with thee of ome Affairs That touch me near; wherdn thou muft be fecret. Tis not unknown to thee, shat I have fought To match my Friend, Sir Thario, to my Daughter. Val. 1 know it well, my Lord, and fure the Match Were rich and honourable; befides, the Gentleman Is full of Virtue, Bounty, Worth and Qualities, Befeeming fuch a Wife as your fair Daughter. Cannot your Grace win he: to fancy him ? Duke. No, truft me, fh: is peevith, fullen, froward, Proud, difobedient, ftubban, lacking Duty, Neither regarding that fheis my Child, Nor fearing me, as if I wee her Father: And may I fay to thee, ths Pride of hers, Upon advice, hath drawn ny Love from her ; And where I thought the Remnant of mine Age Should have been cherifh’« by her Child-like Duty, ae ae otek ieee + Pee pe, - a Ta a re ma =e censnnp elie tle ES re 94 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I now am full refolv’d to take a Wife, And turn her out to who will take her in: Then let her Beauty be her Wedding-Dowre; For me and my Poffeffions, fhe efteems not. Val. What would your Grace have me to do in this? Duke. There isa Lady in Verova here Whom I affect; but fhe is nice and coy, And nought efteems my aged Eloquence: Now therefore would I have thee to my Tutor, For long agone I have forgot to Court; Befides, the Fafhion of the Time is chang’d, How, and which way I may beftow my felf, To be regarded in her Sun-bright Eye. Val. Win her with Gifts, if the refpects not Words; Dumb Jewels often in their filent kind, More than quick Words, do move a Woman’s Mind. Duke. But fhe did fcorn a Prefent that I fent her. Val. A Woman fometimes fcorns what beft contents her; Send her another; never give her o’er ; For Scorn at firft makes After-love the more. _If the do frown, ’tis not in hate of you, But rather to beget more Love in you: If fhe do chide, “tis not to have you gone; For why, the Fools are mad if left alone. Take no Repulfe, whatever fhe doth fay ; For, Get you gone, fhe doth not mean away: - Flatter, and praife, commend, extol their Graces; Tho’ ne’er fo black, fay they have Angels Faces. That Man that hath a Tongue, I fay, 1s no Man, If with his Tongue he cannot win a Woman. Duke. But fhe, I mean, is promis’d by her Friends Unto a youthful Geatleman of worth, And kept feverely from Refort of Men, That no Man hath Accefs by Day to her. Val.. Why then I would refort to her by Night. - Duke. Ay, but the Doors be lockt, and Keys kept fafe, That no Man hath Recourfe to her by Night. _ Fal. What lets but one may enter at her Window? Duke. Her Chamber is aloft far from che Ground, And built fo fhelving, that one cannot climb it | Without apparent hazard of his Life, — | | Fal. Ed The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 95 Val. Why then a Ladder,quaintly made of Cords, To caft up, with a pair of anchoring Hooks, Would ferve to fcale another Hero’s Tower, So bold Leander would adventure it. Duke. Now as thou art a Gentleman of Blood, Advife me where I may have fuch a Ladder. Val. When would you ufe it? pray Sir, tell me that. Duke. This very Night; for Love is like a Child That longs for every thing that he can come by. val. By feven a Clock I'll get you fuch a Ladder. Dake. But hark thee: I will go to her alone; How fhall I beft convey the Ladder thither Val, it will be light, my Lord, that you may bear it Under a Cloak that 1s of any length. Duke. A Cloak as Jong as thine will ferve the turn? Val. Ay, my good Lord. Duke. Then let me fee thy Cloak; I'll get me one of fuch another length. Val. Why any Cloak will ferve the turn, my Lord. Duke. How thall I fathion me to wear a Cloak? I pray thee let me feel thy Cloak upon me. What Letter is this fame? what’s here? to Silvia? And here an Engine fit for my Proceeding? I'll be fo bold to break the Seal for once. [ Duke Reads. My Thoughts do harbour with my Silvia nightly, And Slaves they are to me that fend them flying : Ob, could their Mafter come, and go as, lightly, Himfelf would lodge where, fenfelefs, they are lying : My Herald Thoughts in thy pure Bofom reft them, While I, their King, that thither them importune, Do curfe the Grace that with fuch Grace hath bleft them, Becaufe my felf do want my Servants Fortune : I curfe my felf, for they are fent by me, That they foould harbour where their Lord would be. What’s here? Silvia, this Night will 1 infranchife thee: Tis fo; and here’s the Ladder for the Purpofe. Why Phaeton, for thou art A4erep’s Son, Wilt thou afpire to guide the heav'nly Car ? And with thy daring Folly burn the World? Wilt thou reach Stars, becaufe they fhine on thee? t Go, 96 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Go, bafe Intruder, over-weeniag Slave, Beftow thy fawning Smiles on equal Mates, And think my Patience, more than thy Defert, Is Privilege for thy Departure hence: Thank me for this, more than for all the Favours Which, all too much, I-have beftowed on thee. But if thou linger in my Territories Longer than {wifteft Expedition Will give thee time to leave our Royal Court, By Heav’n, my Wrath fhall far exceed the Love I ever bore my Daughter, or thy felf : Be gone, I will not hear thy vain Excufe, But as thou lov’ft thy Life, make {peed from hence. [ Exit. Val. And why not Death, rather than living Torment? To die, is to be banith’d from my felf, And Silvia is my felf ; banith’d from her Is felf from felf: A deadly Banifhment! | What Light ts Light, if Silvia be not feen2 ' What Joy is Joy, if Silvia be not by? Unlefs at be to think that fhe is by, | And feed upon the Shadow of Perfection. _ Except I be by Silvia in the Night, There is no Mufick in the Nightingale: Unlefs I look on Silvia in the Day, — There is no Day for me to look upon: She is my Effence, and I leave to be, If I be not by her fair Influence Fofter’d, illumin’d, cherith’d, kept alive, I fly not Death to fly his deadly Doom ; Tarry I here, I but attend on Death; But fly I hence, I fly away from Life. Enter Protheus and Launce. Pro. Run, Boy, run, run, and feek him out. Laun. Soa-hough, Soa-hough——. Pro. What feeft thou? | Laun. Him we go to find: There’s not an Hair on’s Head but ’tis a Palentine. Pro. Valentine ? Val. No. Pro. Who then? his Spirit 2 Val. Neither. Pro. The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 97 Pro. What then2 od Val. Nothing. Laun. Can nothing fpeak? Mafter, fhall I ftrike? Pro. Whom wouldft thou ftrike @ Laun. Nothing. Pro. Villain, forbear. Laun. Why, Sir, Vl ftrike nothing; I pray you. Pro. Sirrah, I fay, forbear: Friend Valentine, a Word. Val. My Ears are ftopt, and cannot hear good News; So much of bad already hath poffeft them. Pro. Then in dumb Silence will I bury mine; For they are harfh, untuneable, and bad. Val. Is Silvia dead 2 Pro. No, Valentine. Val. No Valentine indeed, for facred Silvia: Hath fhe forfworn me? . Pro. No, Valentine. Val. No Valentine, if Silvia have forfworn me : What is your News? Laun. Sir, there is a Proclamation that you are vanifhed. Pro. That thou art banifh’d; oh that’s the News, From hence, from Silvia, and from me thy Friend. Val. Oh, I have fed upon this Wo already; And now Excefs of it will make me furfeit. Doth Silvia know that I am banifh’d 2 Pro. Ay, Ay; and fhe hath offered to the Doom, Which unrevers’d ftands in effectual Force, A Sea of melting Pearl, which fome call Tears : Thofe at her Father’s churlifh Feet fhe tender’d, With them upon her Knees, her humble felf, Wringing her Hands, whofe Whitenefs fo became them, As if but now they waxed pale for Wo. But neither bended Knees, pure Hands held up, Sad Sighs, deep Groans, nor filver-fhedding Tears, Could penetrate her uncompaflionate Sire; But Valentine, if he be ta’en, muft die. Befides, her Interceffion chaf’d him fo, When fhe for thy Repeal was fuppliant, That to clofe Prifon he commanded her, With many bitter Threats of biding there. Vou. d H Fal. 98 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Val. No more, unlefs thenext Word that thou fpeak’ft Have fome malignant Power upon my Life: If fo, I pray thee breathe it in mine Ear, As ending Anthem of my endlefs Dolour. Pro. Ceafe to lament for that thou canft not help, And ftudy Help for that which thou lamenr’ft. Time is the Nurfe and Breeder of all Good: Here if thou ftay, thou canft not fee thy Love; Befides, thy ftaying will abridge thy Life. Hope ts a Lover’s Staff, walk hence with that, And manage it again{ft defpairing Thoughts. Thy Letters may be here, tho’ thou art hence, Which, being writ to me, fhall be deliver’d Even in the milk-white Bofom of thy Love. The time now ferves not to expoftulate; Come, I'll convey thee through the City-gate, And, e’er I part with thee, confer at large Of all that may concern thy Love-affairs : As thou lov’ft Silvia, tho’ not for thy felf, Regard thy Danger, and along with me. Val. 1 pray thee Laance, and if thou feeft my Boy, Bid him make hafte, and meet me at the North-Gate. - Pro. Go Sirrah, find him out: Come Valentine. Val. O my dear Silvia! haplefs Valentine ! [ Exeunt. Laun. I am but a Fool, look you, and yet I have the. Wit to think my Mafter is a kind of a Knave: But that’s all one, if he be but one Knave. e lives not now that Knows me to be in love, yet I am in love; but a Teem of Horfe fhall not pluck that from me, nor who’tis I love, and yet ‘tis aWoman; but what Woman I will not tell my felf; and yet ’tisa Milk-maid; yet ’tis not a Maid, for the hath had Goffips; yet tis a Maid, for the is her Mafter’s Maid, and ferves for Wages: She hath more Qualities than a Wa- ter-Spaniel, which is much in a bare Chriftian. Here is the Cate-log [Pulling out a Paper| of her Conditions; Zmpri- mis, She can fetch and carry; why a Horfe can do no more, nay a Horfe cannot fetch, but only carry; therefore is fhe better than a Jade. Jrem, fhe can milk; look you, a fweet Virtue in a Maid with clean Hands. _ 7 ee "it he +. weer > To a wid i a > em ve — _ a eit ti th rat | fall ; (Mi M4 | ry sa hy hI | : a | Me i aa ! Enter the Two Gentlemen of Verona. 99 Enter Speed. Speed. How now Signior Lawavce? What News with your Malterthip 2 Laun. With my Mafterfhip?: Why, it 1s at Sea. Speed. Well, your old Vice ftill; miftake the Word: What News then in your Paper é Laun. The blackelt News that ever thou heard’ft. Speed. Why Man, how black? Laun, Why, as black as Ink. Speed, Let me read them. Laun. Fie on thee, Jolthead, thou canft not read. Speed. Thou lieft, 1 can. Laun. 1 will try thee; tell me this, who begot thee? Speed. Marry, the Son of my Grand-father. Laun. O illiterate Loiterer, it was the Son of thy Grand-mother; this proves that thou canft not read. Speed. Come Fool, come, try me in thy Paper. Laun. There, and S. Nicholas be thy Speed. Speed. Imprimis, fhe can milk. Laun. Ay, that fhe can. Speed. Item, the brews good Ale. Laun. And therefore comes the Proverb, Bleffing of your Heart, you brew good Ale. Speed. Item, fhe can fowe. Laun, That’s as much as to fay, Can fhe fo? Speed. Item, the can knit. Laun. What need a Man care for a Stock with a Wench, When fhe can knit him a Stock? Speed. Item, fhe can wafh and fcour. Laun, A {pecial Virtue, for then fhe need not to be wafh’d and fcour’d. Speed. Item, fhe can fpin. Laun. Then may I {et the World on Wheels, when fhe can {pin for her living. Speed. Item, fhe hath many namelefs Virtues. Laun, That’s as much as to fay Baftard Virtues, that. in- deed know not their Fathers, and therefore have no Names. Speed. Here follow her Vices. Laun, Clofe at the Heels of her Virtues. Speed. Item, fhe is not to be kift fafting, in refpect -of her Breath. H 2 Laun. — 100 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Laun, Well, that Fault may be mended with a Breakfaft: Read on. | Speed. Item, fhe hath a fweet Mouth. Laun. That makes amends for her four Breath. Speed. Item, fhe doth talk in-her Sleep. Laun. It’s no matter for that, fo fhe fleep notin her Talk. | Speed. Item, fhe is flow in Words. Laun. Oh Villain! that fet down among her Vices! To be flow in Words is a Woman’s only Virtue: I pray thee out with’r, and place it for her chief Virtue. Speed. Item, the is proud. Laun. Out with that too: It was Eve's Legacy, and cannot be ta’en from her. Speed. Item, the hath no Teeth. Laun. I care not for that neither,’ becaufe I love Crufts. Speeq. Item, the is curtt. Aes Laun. Well, the beft is the hath no Teeth to bite. Speed. Item, fhe will often praife her Liquor. Laun. If her Liquor be good, fhe fhall; if the will not I will, for good things fhould be praifed. ! Speed. Item, fhe is too liberal. Lawn, Of her Tongue fhe cannot, for that’s writ down the is flow of; of her Purfe the fhall not, for that I’ll keep fhut; now of another thing fhe may, and that cannot I help. Well; proceed. ) a Speed. Item, the hath more Hairs than Wit, and more Faults than Hairs, and more Wealth than Faults. Laun. Stop there; I'll have her; fhe was mine, and not mine, twice or thrice in that Article. Rehearfe that once more. ; Speed. Item, fhe hath more Hair than Wit. Laun, More Hair than Wit; it may be I'll prove it: The Cover of the Salt hides the Salt, and therefore it is more than the Salt; the Hair that covers the Wit is more than the Wit; for the greater hides the lefs. What's next 2 Speed. And more Faults than Hairs, Laun; That’s monftrous: Oh that that were out. Speed. And more Wealth than Faults. Laun. Why that Word makes the Faults gracious’: | Well, I'll have her; and if it be a Match, as nothing is impoflible—— | Specde The Two Gentlemen of Verona. FO! Speed. What then¢ Laun. Why then will I tell thee, that thy Mafter ftays for thee at the North-Gate. — Speed. For me¢ | ZLaun. For thee? ay; who art thou? He hath ftaid for a better Man than thee. ~ Speed. And mutt I go to him? Taun, Thou muft run to him; for thou haft ftaid fo long that going will fcarce ferve the turn. Speed. Why didit not tell me fooner? Pox on your Love- Letters. Laun. Now will he be fwing’d for reading my Letter: An unmanonerly Slave, that will thruft himfelf into Secrets. [ll after, to rejoice in the Boy’s Correction. [ Exeunt. SiG oR Ws: Bool. Enter Duke and Thurio. Duke. Sir Thurio, fear not, but that fhe will love you, Now Valentine is banifh’d from her Sight. Thu. Since his Exile fhe hath defpis’d me moft, Forfworn my Company, and rail’d at me, That I am defperate of obtaining her. Duke. This weak Imprefs of Love, is as a Figure Trenched in Ice, which with an Hour’s Heat Diffolves to Water, and doth lofe his Form. A little time will melt her frozen Thoughts, And worthlefs Vilentine fhall be forgot. Enter Protheus. How now, Sir Protheus; 1s your Countryman, According to our Proclamation, gone¢ Pro. Gone, my good Lord. Duke. My Daughter takes his going heavily. Pro. A little time, my Lord, will kill that Grief, Duke. So I believe; but Thario thinks not fo, Prothens, the ‘good Conceit I hold of thee, For thou haft fhown fome fign of good Defert, Makes me the better to confer with thee. | Pro. Longer than I prove loyal to your Grace, Let me not live to look upon your Grace. Duke. Thou know ft how willingly 1 would effe& 4 H 3 The - —s > 2 - -* _ , —_— a ~ 5 J i - »- aa ae, s a ae . i ma ee re aE LS Aen bn. Cy oe ES: Se ale me .> 2 Se ih 4 “te gee we soe emtamnnencies — Ree — ( 102 #The Tavo Gentlemen of Verona. The Match between Sir Thurio and my Daughter. Pro. I do, my Lord. Duke. And alfo I do think thou art not ignorant How fhe oppofes her againft my Will. Pro. She did, my Lord, when Valentine was here. Duke. Ay, and perverfely the perfeveres fo. What might we do to make the Girl forget The Love of Valentine, and love Sir Thurio? Pro. The beft way is to flander Valextine With Falfhood, Cowardife, and poor Defcent: Three things that Women highly hold in Hate. Duke. Ay, but the'll think that it is fpoken in Hate. Pro. Ay, if his Enemy deliver it: Therefore it muft with Circumftance be {poken By one whom fhe efteems as his Friend. Duke. Then you muft undertake to flander him. Pre. And that, my Lord, I fhall be loath to do; ’Tis an ill Office for a*Gentleman, Efpecially againft his very Friend. Duke. Where your good Word cannot advantage him, Your Slander never can endamage him; Therefore the Office is indifferent, Being intreated to it by your Friend, Pro. You have prevail'd, my Lord: If I can do it, By ought that I can {peak in his Difpraife, She fhall not long continue Love to him. But fay this wean her Love from Valentine, It follows not that the will love Sir Thurio. Tha. Therefore as you unwind her Love from him, Left it fhould ravel, and be good to none, You muft provide to bottom it on me: Which muft be done, by praifing me as much As you in Worth difpraife Sir Palentine. Duke. And, Protheus, we dare truft you in this kind, Becaufe we know, on Valentine's Report, You are already Love’s firm Votary, And cannot foon revolt and change your Mind, Upon this Warrant fhall you have Accefs, Where you with Silvia may confer at large : For fhe is lumpith, heavy, melancholy, And, for your Friend’s fake, will be glad of you; ‘ Where The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 13 Where you may temper her, by your Perfuafion, To hate young Valentine, and love my Friend. Pro. As much as I can do, I will effect. But you, Sir Thwrio, are not {harp enough; You mutt lay Lime, to tangle her Defires By wailful Sonnets, whofe compofed Rbimes Should be full fraught with ferviceable Vows. Duke. Ay; nuch isthe Force of Heav’n-bred Poefie. Pro. Say, that upon the Altar of her Beauty You facrifice your Tears, your Sighs, your Heart: Write ’till your Ink be dry, and with your Tears Moift it again, and frame fome feeling Line That may difcover fuch Integrity : For Orpheas Lute was ftrung with Poets Sinews, Whofe golden Touch could foften Steel and Stones, Make Tygers tame, and huge Leviathans Forfake unfounded Deeps, and dance on Sands. After your dire-lamenting Elegies, Vifit by Night your Lady’s Chamber-Window With fome {weet Confort: To their Inftruments Tune a deploring Dump; the Night’s dead Silence Will well become fuch fweet complaining Grievance. This, or elfe nothing, will inherit her. Duke. This Difcipline fhews thou haft been in Love. Thw, And thy Advice this Night PH put in practices Therefore fweet Prothews, my Diretion-givers Let us into the City prefently To fort fome Gentlemen well skilf'd in Mufick; I have a Sonnet that will ferve the turn To give the Onfet to thy good Advice, Duke. About it Gentlemen. Pro. We'll wait upon your Grace ’till after Supper, And afterwards determine our Proceedings. Duke. Even now about it. I will pardon you. [ Exeunt. H 4 A CT ¥ By af hg «ieee =e i ee ee eee 4 H i fi ~r a ee A De de Ps : A RASS - You take the Sum and Subftance that I have. | f . 104 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. A GQ Dk. SC ee Tee a SCENE a Foref. Exter certain Out-laws. 1 Out. T'Ellows, ftand faft: I fee a Paflenger. 2 Ost.A. If there be ten, thrink not, but down with ’em, Enter Valentine and Spee’. 3 Out. Stand, Sir, and throw us that you have about ye: Tf not, we'll make you, Sir, and rifle you. . ae Speed. Sir, we are undone; thefe are the Villains That all the Travellers do fear fo much. Val. My Friends. 1 Out. That’s not fo, Sir; we are your Enemies. 2 Out. Peace; we'll hear him. 3 Out. Ay by my Beard will we; for he is a proper Man, Val. Then konow that I have little to lofe : A Man I am, crofs’d with Adverfity; My Riches are thefe poor Habiliments; Ot which, if you fhould here disfurnifh me, 2 Out. Whither travel you? Fal. To Ferona., I Out. Whence came you? Fal. From Millan. 3 Out. Have you long fojourn’d there? - Val, Some fixteen Months, and longer might have ftaid, If crooked Fortune had not thwarted me. 1 Out. What, were you banifh’d thence? Val. I was. 2 Out, For what Offence? Val. For that which now torments me to rehearfe: I kill’d a Man, whofe Death I much repent; But yet I flew him manfully in Fight, ~ Without falfe Vantage, or bafe Treachery. 1 Oat, Why ne’er repent it, if it were doné fo. But-were you banifh’d for fo fmall a Fault 2 ‘| Val, Iwas, and held me glad of fuch a Doom. 2 Out. Have you the Tongues? Val. My youthful Travel therein made me happy; Or elfe I often had been miferable. = 3. Oni The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 105 3 Ont. By the bare Scalp of Robin Hood's fat Friar, This Fellow were a King for our wild Faction, + Out. We'll have him. Sirs, a Word. Speed. Mafter, be one of them: It’s an honourable Kind of Thievery. Val. Peace, Villain. > Out. Tell us this; have you any thing to take to? Val. Nothing but my Fortune. 3 Out. Know then, that fome of us are Gentlemen, Such as the Fury of ungovern’d Youth Thruft from the Company of awful Men: My felf was from Verona banifhed, For practifing to fteal away a Lady, An Heir, and Neice, ally’d unto the Duke. > Out. And 1 from AZantua, for a Gentleman, Who, in my Mood, I ftabb’d unto the Heart. 1 Out. And I for fuch like petty Crimes as thefe. But to the Purpofe; for we cite our Faults, That they may hold excus’d our lawlefs Lives; And partly feeing you are beautify’d With goodly Shape, and, by your own Report, A Linguift, and a Man of fuch Perfection As we do in our Quality much want. > Out. Indeed becaufe you are a banifh’d Man, ' Therefore, above the reft, we parley to you; Are you content to be our General ¢ To make a Virtue of Neceflity, And live as we do in the Wildernefs ¢ 3 Ont. What fay’ft thou? wilt thou be of our Confort 3 Say, Ay, and be the Captain of us all: We'll do thee Homage, and be rul'd by thee, Love thee as our Commander and our King. | 1 Out. But if thou fcorn our Courtefie, thou dy’ft. > Out. Thou fhalt not live to brag what we have offei’d. Val. 1 take your Offer, and will live with you, Provided that you do no Outrages | On filly Women, or poor Paflengers. "3 Out. Nos we deteft fuch vile bafe Practifes. Come, go with us, we'll bring thee to our Crews, And thew thee all the Treafure we have got; | Which, with our felves, all reft at thy Difpofe. [ Exeunt. , : SCENE d 106 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. i Ca el ipa Exter Protheus. Pro. Already have I been falfe to Valentine, And now I mutt be as unjuft to Thurio. Under the Colour of commending him, I have Accefs my own Love to prefer; But Silvia is too fair, too true, too holy, To be corrupted with my worthlefs Gifts. When I proteft true Loyalty to her, She twits me with my Falfhood to my Friend: When to her Beauty I commend my Vows, She bids me think how I have been forfworn _ In breaking Faith with Fzlia, whom I lov’d. And notwithftanding all her fudden Quips, The leaft whereof would quell a Lover’s Hope, Yet, Spaniel-like, the more fhe fpurns my Love, The more it grows, and fawneth on her ftill. - But here comes Thurio: Now mutt we to her W indow, And give fome Evening Mufick to her Ear. Enter Thurio and Muficians. Tha. How now, Sir Protheus, are you crept before us2 Pro. Ay, gentle Thxrio; for you know that Love Will creep in Service where it cannot go. Thu. Ay, but I hope, Sir, that you love not here. Pro. Sir, but I do; or elfe I would be hence. Thu. Whon, Silvia? Pro. Ay; Silvia, for your fake. Tha. 1 thank you for your own: Now Gentlemen Let’s turn, and to it luftily a while. Enter Holt, and Julia iz Boys Cloaths. Hoff. Now my young Guett; methinks you're allycholly : I pray what is it? Ful. Marry, mine Hof, becaufe I cannot be merry. Hoft. Come, we ll have you merry : I'll bring you where you fhall hear Mufick, and fee the Gentleman that you ask’d for. wind | Ful. But hall I hear him {peak 2 Hoft. Ay, that you fhall. Ful. That will be Mufick, Hoff. Hark, hark. : Ful. The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 107 Ful. Is he among thefe 2 Hoff. Ay; but Peace, let’s hear ‘em. : 7 SONG. Who is Silvia? what is fhe¢ That all our Swains commend her ? Holy, fair and wife is fhe, The Heau n {uch Grace did lend her, That {be might admired be. Is fhe kind as fhe is fair ? For Beauty lives with Kindnefs. Love doth to her Eyes repair, 0 help him of his Blindne/fs : And being help’d inhabits there. Then to Silvia let us fing, That Silvia is excelling; She excels each mortal thing Upon the dull Earth dwelling : To her let us Garlands bring. Hoft. How now? are you fadder than you were before? How do you, Man? the Mufick likes you not. Ful. You miftake; the Mufician likes me not. Hoff. Why, my pretty Youth ¢ Ful. He plays falfe, Father. Hoff. How, out of tune on the Strings? Ful. Not fo; but yet So falfe, that he grieves my very Heart-{trings. Hoff. You have a quick Ear. (Heart. Ful. Ay, 1 would I were deaf; it makes me have a flow Hoft. 1 perceive you delight not in Mufick, Ful. Not a whit, when it jars fo. Hoft. Hark what fine Change is in the Mufick. Ful. Ay; that Change is the Spight. Hoff. You would have them play always but one thing. Ful. 1 would always have one play but one thing, But, Hoft, doth this Sir Protheus, that we talk on, Often refort unto this Gentlewoman ? Hoff. 1 cell you what Launce, his Man, told me, He lov’d her out of all Nick, Ful. Where is Laance % Hof. : \ oat Ve 4) +s ™ it ' wih Aa) | ae | e454 BR ve 7 4 9 ‘7 % | } att ied |) p it “I " 7 - i il | i] alt | | | 1 } f | i 4 } a NB) : J . 108 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Hoff. Gone to feek his Dog, which to Morrow, by his Mafter’s Command, themuft carry for a Prefent to his Lady. Ful. Peace, ftand afide, the Company parts, Pro. Sit Thurio, fear not; I will fo plead, That you fhall fay, my cunning Drift excels. Thu. Where meet we? Pro. At Saint Gregory's Well. Thu. Farewel. ~ ‘| Exit Thu. and Mufic. Enter Silvia above. Pro. Madam, good Even to your Ladyfhip. Sil, I thank you for your Mufick, Gentlemen: Who is that that fpake 2 Pro. One, Lady, if you knew his pure Heart’s Truth, You would quickly learn to know him by his Voice. Sil, Sir Protheus ? | Pro. SirProtheus, gentle Lady, and your Servant. Sil, What’s your Will? Pro. That I may compafs yours. Sil. You have your With; my Will is ever this, > That prefently you hie you home to Bed. Thou fubtle, perjur’d, falfe, difloyal Man, Think’ft thou I am fo thallow, fo conceitlefs, To be fedueed by thy Flattery, ~ That halt deceiv’d fo many by thy Vows? Return, return, and make thy Love amends. For me, by this pale Queen of Night I fwear, I am fo far from granting thy Requeft, That I defpife thee for thy wrongful Suit; And, by and by, intend to chide my felf, Even for this time I {pend in talking to thee. Pro. I grant, fweet Love, that I did love a Lady, But fhe is dead, — : Ful. “Twere falfe, if I fhould {peak it; For I am fure fhe is not bury’d. e Sil. Say that the be; yet Valentine, thy Friend, Survives; to whom, thy felf art Witnefs, I am betroth’d: And art thou not afham’d | To wrong him with thy Importunacy 2 = Pro. I likewife hear that Valentine is dead. Sil. And fo fuppofe am I; for in his Grave, Affure thy felf, my Love is buried, = = Z | Pro. The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 109 Pro. Sweet Lady, let me rake it from the Earth. sil. Go to thy Lady’s Grave, and call her thence, Or, at the leaft, in hers fepulchre thine. Ful. He heard not that. Pro. Madam, if your Heart be fo obdurate, Vouchfafe me yet your Picture for my Love, The Pidture that is hanging 1n your Chamber; To that I'll fpeak, to that PI figh and weep: For fince the Subftance of your perfect felf Is elfe devoted, I am but a Shadow; And to your Shadow. will I make true Love. Ful. If *twere a Subftance you would fure deceive its And make it but a Shadow, as I am. | sil: I am very loath to be your Idol, Sir; But fince your Falfhood fhall become you well, To worthip Shadows, and adore falfe Shapes, Send to me in the Morning, and I'll fend it: And fo good Reft. Pro. As Wretches have o’er Nignt, That wait for Execution in the Morn. [ Exeunt Pro. ana Sil. Ful. Hoft, will you go% Ho/t. By my Hallidom, 1 was faft afleep. Ful. Pray you where lyes Sir Protheus ? Hoff. Marry, at my Houfe : Truft me, I think ’tis almoft Day. Ful. Not fo; butit hath been the longeft Night That eer I watch’d, andthe moft heaviett. [ Exeunt. SCENE IIL. Enter Eglamour. Egl. This is the Four that Madam Silvia * Entreated me to call, and know her Mind: There’s fome great Matter fhe’d employ me In. Madam, Madam. Enter Silvia above Sil. Who calls¢ | _ Egl. Your Servant and your Friend; One that attends your Lady{hip’s Command, \ Sil. Sir Eglamour, 2 thoufand times Good-morrow.e Egil. As many, worthy Lady, to your felf : ‘According to your Ladythip's Impofe, I 110 @©0—s The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I am thus early come, to know what Service It is your Pleafure to command me in. Sil, Oh Eglamour, thou art a Gentleman; Think not I flatter, for I fwear I do not; Valiant, wife, remorfeful, well-accomplith’d: Thou art not ignorant what dear good Will I bear unto the banith’d Valentine; Nor how my Father would enforce me marry Vain Thuario, whom my very Soul abhor’d. Thy felf haft lov’d, and I have heard thee fay, No Grief did come fo near thy Heart, As when thy Lady, and thy true Love dy’d; Upon whofe Grave thou vow’dft pure Chaftity. Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine To Atantua, where I hear he makes Abode: And, for the Ways are dangerous to pafs, I do defire thy worthy Company ; Upon whofe Faith and Honour I repofe. Urge not my Father’s Anger, Eglamour ; But think upon my Grief, a Lady’s Grief, And on the Juftice of my flying hence, To keep me from a moft unholy Match, Which Heav’n and Fortune ftill rewards with Plagues. I do defire thee, even from a Heart’ | ! As full of Sorrows as the Sea of Sands, To bear me Company, and go with me: If not, to hide what I have faid to thee, That I may venture to depart alone. Egl. Madam, I pity much your Grievances; Which, fince I know they virtuoufly are plac’d, I give Confent to go along with you, Wreaking as little what betideth me, As much I wifh all Good befortune you. When will you go? | Sil, This Evening coming. Egl. Where thall I meet you? Sil, At Friar Patrick's Cell ; Where I intend holy Confeffion. Egl. I will not fail your Ladythip: Good Morrow, gentle Lady. | . Sil. Good-morrow, kind Sir Eglamour. [ Exewnt. | SCENE The Two Gentlemen of Verona. L1t ¢ © EN Bea Iv Exuter Launce. Laun, LE Na Man’s Servant fhall play the Cur with him, look you, it goes hard! One that I brought up of a Puppy, one that I fav’d from drowning, when three or Four of his blind Brothers and Sifters went to it! I have taught him, even as one would fay precifely, thus I would teach a Dog. I was fent to deliver him asa Prefent to Mi- ftre(s Silvia, from my Mafter; and I came no fooner into the Dining-Chamber, but he fteps me to her Trencher, and fteals her Capon’s-Leg. O, ’tis a foul thing, when a Cur cannot keep himfelf 1n all Companies. I would have, as one fhould fay, one that takes upon him to bea Dog 1n- deed, to be, asit were, a Dog at all things. If I had not had more Wit than he, to take a Fault upon me that he did, I think verily he had been hang’d for’r, fure as I live he had {uffer'd fort; you fhall judge: He thrufts me himfelf into the Company of three or four Gentleman-like Dogs, under the Duke’s Table; he had not been there, blefs the Mark, a piffing while, but all che Chamber {melt him: Out with the Doz, fays one; what Cur is that¢ fays another ; whip him out, fays the third; hang him up, fays the Duke: I having been acquainted with the Smell before, knew it was Grab, and goes me to the Fellow that whips the Dogs; Friend, quoth I, you mean to whip the Dog? Ay marry do I, guoth he. You do him the more Wrong, quoth I; ‘twas I did the thing you wot of; he makes no more ado, but whips me out of the Chamber. How many Matters would do this for his Servant? Nay, Ill be fworn I have fate in the Stocks for Puddings he has ftoll’n, otherwife he had been executed ; I have ftood on the Pillory for Geefe he has kill'd, other- wife he had fuffer'd for’t: Thou think’ft not of this now. Nay, I remember the Trick you fery’d me when I took my Leave of Madam Silvia; did not I bid thee {till mark me, | and do as I do? When didft thou fee me heave up my Leg, and make Water againft a Gentlewoman’s Farthingale¢ Didift thou ever {ee me do fuch a Trickg Enter Protheus and Julia. Pro. Sebaftian is thy Name? lke thee well, . : An 112 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. And will imploy thee in fome Service prefently. Ful. In what you pleafe: Vildo, Sir, what I can. Pro. 1 hope thou wilt. ‘i How now, you Whore-Son Pefant, Where have you been thefe two Days loitering? Laun. Marry, Sir, I carry’d Mittrefs Silvia the Dog you bad me. : Pro. And what fays fhe to my little Jewel? “j. Laun. Marry, fhe fays, your Dog was a Cur, and tells you, currifh Thanks fs good enough for fuch a Prefent, Pro. But fhe receiv’d my Dog ? \ Laun. No indeed fhe did not: Here have I brought him back again. Pro. Whats did’ft thou offer her this from me2 Laun. Ay Sir; the other Squirrel was ftoll’n from me By the Hangman’s Boy in the Market-Placé; And then I offer’d her mine own, who is a Dog As big as ten"of yotirs,#and thereforethe Gift the greater. Pro. Go get thee hence, and find my Dog again, Or ne’er return again into my Sight: | | - Away, I fay; ftay’ft thou to vex me here? A Slave, that ftill an end turns me to Shame. [Exit Laun. Sebaftian, I have entertained thee, / Partly that I have need of fuch a Youth, That can with fome Difcretion do my Bufiness ; For ’tis no trufting to yon foolifh Lowr: But chiefly for thy Face and thy Behavior, Which, if my Augury deceive me not, Witnefs good bringing up, Fortune and Truth: Therefore know thou, for this I entertain thee. Go prefently, and take this Ring with thee; Deliver it to Madam Silvia: She lov’d me well, deliver’d it to me. Ful. It feems you lov’d not her, to leave her Token: She is dead belike. Saat Pro. Not fo: I think the lives. Ful. Alas! Pro. Why do’ft thou cry alas? Ful. I cannot chufe but pity her.’ Pro. Wherefore fhouldft thou pity here Ful. Becaufe, methinks, that the loy’d you as well t = eS 3 F HS =. Tee SS SS The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 113 As you do love your Lady Silvia: She dreams on him that has forgot her Loves You doat on her that cares not for your Love. *Tis pity Love fhould be fo contrary ; And thinking on it makes me cry alas. Pro. Well, give her that Ring, and therewithal This Letter; that’s her Chamber: Tell my Lady, I claim the Promife for her heav’nly Picture. Your Meflage done, hye home unto my Chamber, Where thou fhalt find me fad and folitary. | Exit Pro, Ful. How many Women would do fuch a Meflage? Alas, poor Prothews, thou haft entertain’d A Fox to be the Shepherd of thy Lambs: Alas, poor Fool, why do I pity him That with his very Heart defpifeth me? Becaufe he loves her, he defpifeth me; Becaufe I love him, I muft pity him. , This Ring I gave him when he parted from me, To bind him to remember my good Will; And now I am, unhappy Meffenger, To plead for that which 1 would not obtain ; To carry that which I would have refus’d ; To praife his Faith, which I would have difprais‘d. ‘Iam my Mafter’s true confirmed Love, But cannot be true Servant to my Matter, Unlefs I prove falfe Traitor to my felf: Yet will I woo for him, but yet fo coldly, _ As, Heav’n it knows, I would not have him fpeed. Enter Silvia. Gentlewoman, good Day; I pray you be my mean To bring me where to fpeak with Madam Silvia. Sil, What would you with her, if that I be the2 Ful. 1€ you be fhe, I do entreat your Patience To hear me fpeak the Meflage I am fent on. Sil. From whom Ful. From my Matter, Sir Prothexs, Madam. Sil, Oh! he fends you for a Pi€ture2 Ful. Ay, Madam. Sil. Urfula, bring my Picture there. Go, give your Mafter this; tell him-from me, One Fulia, that his changing Thoughts forgot, see VoL. I. Would 114 The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Would better fit his Chamber than this Shadow. Ful. Madam, pleafe you perufe this Letter. Pardon me, Madam, I have unadvis’d - Deliver’d you a Paper that I fhould not; This is the Letter to your Ladyfhip. . Sil. 1 pray thee let me look on that again. Ful. It may not be; good Madam, pardon me. Sil, There, hold; | | T will not look upon your Mafter’s Lines I know they are ftuft with Proteftations, And full of new-found Oaths, which he will break As eafie as I do tear his Paper. Ful. Madam, he fends your Ladyfhip this Ring. Sil. The more Shame for him that he fends it me; For I have heard him fay a thoufand times, His Fulia gave it him at his Departure: Tho’ his falfe Finger hath prophan’d the Ring, Mine fhall not do his Zulia fo much Wrong. Ful. She thanks you. Sil. What fay’ft thou? / Ful. I thank you, Madam, that you tender her; Poor Gentlewoman, my Matter wrongs her much. Sil, Doft thou know her? 3 Ful. Almoft as well as I doknow my felf, = To think upon her Woes, I do proteft, That I have wept an hundred feveral times. Sil. Belike the thinks that Protheus hath forfook her. Ful. Y think the doth; and that’s her caufe of Sorrow. Sil. Is the not paffing fair2 Ful. She hath been fairer, Madam, than the is; When fhe did think my Mafter lov’d her well, . She, in my Judgment, was as fair as you. But fince the did neglect her Looking-Glafs, And threw her Sun-expelling Mask away, The Air hath ftarv’d the Rofes in her Cheeks, And pinch’d the Lilly-Tin@ure of her Face, That now the is become as black as I. Sil. How tall was fhe? - Ful. About my Stature: For at Penticoft When all our Pageants of Delight were plaid, Our Youth got me to play the Woman’s Part, —————— — I ii vi F} / ’ | ! ee: ca ps i mal |i hy ee He A i {hi nl i ms et ’ ri Mit ls H Z oly i By f AR iat ee) |) f t, | Thi, i): Re + We j it Dai ye nl yh ‘ | wi | ii) iy i ii ai 4 a] f Ba) ity a)! } | a wit ata I) Miya |} mt lie, | a } nail) A ‘ | t ' ‘ | Ay Wh ih Mh REN! i! ) ee oli i i On l } y , j of) ea yi } } 7 | ih | al Wah bie Nh! + i ‘Sa ' bes ye ne Mn taut Cd It 1 1 A 4 |) | ’ UTE. j (eee jae. ir | i | hi Y } a), Hib 1 } iM . | 0 on OT j Deer |! alli 4M a r ve mt | ‘ 1 j th) Mh if P | ¢ i ; Wl Hl! { til ‘| mitt Holle a 2 th at ait) ill, tH id ‘ it oh} | iH By ii ' ' 4 wt an ih Vin ' i iH nT fi WH ah hs Hi VA ee Tig: He |) + 1 aa rH) ii an a i] nr i] Wun ba i 1 P eet def ag i | 1 Wied | ott ay ATP) tia ; | f Ait i} 5 ae | mt | ine wiih ai if | a 2h Set Ee - = ee Soe et ores b a _ eee ET eS -- — SSS ae SS Z = ‘And The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 115 And I was trim’d in Madam Felia’s Gown, Which ferved me as fit, by all Mens Judgments, As if the Garment had been made for me; Therefore I know the is about my height. And at that time I made her weep agood, For I did play a lamentable Part. Madam, "twas Ariadne paflioning For Thefeus Perjury, and unjuft Flight; Which I fo lively acted with my Tears, That my poor Miftrefs, moved therewithal, Wept bitterly ; and would I might be dead, If I in Thought felt not her very Sorrow. Sil, She is beholding to thee, gentle Youth. Alas, poor Lady! defolate and left; I weep my felf to think upon thy Words, Here Youth, thereis a Purfe; 1 give thee this For thy fweet Miftrefs fake, becaufe thou lov’ft her: Farewel. | [ Exit Silvia. Ful. And fhe fhall thank you for’t, if e’er you know her. A virtuous Gentlewoman, mild and beautiful. I hope my Mafter’s Suit will be but cold, Since fhe refpeéts my Miftrefs Love fo much. Alas! how Love can trifle with it felf! Here is her PiGture; let me fee; I think, If I had fuch a Tire, this Face of mine Were full as lovely as is this of hers. And yet the Painter flatter’d her a little, Unlefs I flatter with my felf too much. Her Hair is Auburn, mine is perfect Yellow. If that be all the Difference in his Love, I'll get me fuch a colour'd Perriwig. Her Eyes are grey as Grafs, and fo are mine; Ay, but her Forehead’s low, and mine’s as high. What fhould it be that he refpeéts in her, But I can make refpective in my {felf, If this fond Love were not a blinded God? Come, Shadow, come, and take this Shadow up; For ’tis thy Rival. O thou fenfelefs Form, Thou fhalt be worfhip’d, kifs’d, lov’d and ador’d; And were there Senfe in this Idolatry, My Subftance fhould be Statue in thy ftead. , = I 2 r £16 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I'll ufe thee kindly for thy Miftre!s fake; That us’d me fo; or elfe, by ‘Jove I vow, I fhould have fcratch’d out your unfeeing Eyes, To make my Mafter out of Love with thee. [ Exit. A CA, 3¥i9 bo ae Enter Eglamour. ene E. San begins to gild the Weftern Sky; . And now it is about the very Hour That Silvia, at Friar Patrick’s Cell, fhould meet me. — - She will not fail; for Lovers break not Hours, Unlefs it be to come before their tume; So much they fpur their Expedition. See where fhe comes. Lady, a happy Evening. . Exter Silvia. Sil. Amen, Amen: Goon, good Eglamoar, Out at the Poftern by the Abby-wall; I fear I am attended by fome Spies. Egl. Fear not; the Foreft is not three Leagues off; If we recover that, we are fure enough. [ Exeunt. SA BoE 7 I. Enter Thurio, Protheus and Julia. Tha. Sit Prothens, what fays Silvia to my Suit? Pre. Oh, Str, I find her milder than the was, And yet fhe takes Exceptions at your Perfon. Thu. What, that my Leg is too long? Pro. No; that it is too little, . Thu. Vl wear a Boot to make it fomewhat rounder. Pro. But Love will not be fpurr’d to what it loath:. Thu. What fays fhe to my Face? Pro. She fays it is a fair one. Thu. Nay, then the Wanton lies; my Face is black. Pro. But Pearls are fair; and the old Saying is, | Black Men are Pearls in beauteous Ladies Eyes. Ful. Tis true, fuch Pearls as put out Ladies Eyes; For _ The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 117 For I had rather wink than look on them. [ Afide. Thu. How likes fhe my Difcourfe 2 Pro. Ul, when they talk of War, But well when I difcourfe of Love and Peace. Ful. But better indeed when you hold your Peace, Thu. What fays the to my Valour é Pro. Oh, Sir, fhe makes no doubt of that. Ful. She needs not, when fhe knows it Cowardife. Thu. What fays fhe to my Birth 2 Pro. That you are well deriv’d. Ful, True; from a Gentleman to a Fool. Thu. Confiders fhe my Pofleflions ¢ Pro. Oh, ay, and pities them. Thu. Wherefore ¢ Ful. That fuch an Afs fhould owe them. Pro. That they are out by Leafe. Ful. Here comes the Duke. Enter Duke. Duke. How now, Sir Protheus? how now, Thurio? Which of you faw Sir Eg/amour of late 2 Thu. Not Ie Pro. Not I. Duke, Saw you my Daughter ? Pro. Neither. Duke. W hy then Sh.’s fled unto the Pefant Valentines And Eglamour is in her Company : >Tis true; for Friar Laurence met them both, As he, in Penance, wander’d through the Foreft : Him he knew well, and gueft that it was fhe; But being mask’d, he was not fure of it. Befides, the did intend Confeffion At Patrick’s Cell this Even, and there fhe was not: Thefe likelihoods confirm her Flight from hence. | Therefore I pray you ftand not to difcourfe, But mount you prefently, and meet with me Upon the Rifing of the Mountain Foot 7 That leads toward AZantua, whither they are fled. Difpatch, fweet Gentlemen, and follow me. (Exit Duke. Thu. Why this it is to be a peevifh Girl. ky That flies her Fortune where it follows her: . } 113 The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I'll after, more to be reveng’d on Eglamour, Than for the Love of wrecklefs Silvia. Pro. And I will follow, more for Silvia’s Love, Than Hate of Eglamour that goes with her. Ful. And I will follow, more to crofs that Love, Than Hate for S:/via, that is gone for Love. [ Exeunt, SE NE ee A Enter Silvia avd Out-laws. 1 Out. Come, come, be patient; We mutt bring you to our Captain. Sil, A thoufand more Mifchances than this one Have learn’d me how to brook this patiently. 2 Ont. Come, bring her away. 1 Out, Where is the Gentleman that was with her 2 3 Oxt. Being nimble footed, he hath out-run us; But AZoyfes and Valerius follow him. Go thou with her to the Weft end of the Wood, There is our Captain: We'll follow him that’s fled. The Thicket is befct, he cannot “cape. 1 Out. Come, I muft bring you to our Captain’s Cave. Fear not; he bears an honourable Mind, And will not ufe a Woman lawlefly. Sil. O Valentine! this I endure for thee. [ Exeunt, oS CO BeNe-E dV. Enter Valentine. Val. How Ufe doth breed a Habit in a Man! This fhadowy Defart, unfrequented Woods, I better brook than flourifhing peopled Towns, Here can I fit alone, unfeen of any, And to the Nightingale’s complaining Notes Tune my Diftreffes, and record my Woes, O thou that doft inhabit in my Breaft, Leave not the Manfion fo long Tenantlefs, Left, growing ruinous, the Building fall, And leave no Memory of what it was, Repair me with thy Prefence, Silvia; | Thou gentle Nymph, cherifh thy forlorn Swain, What Hollowing, and what Stir is this to Day 2 Thefe are my Mates, that make their Wills their Law} Have The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 119 Have fome unhappy Paflenger in chafe. They love me well, yet I have much to do To keep them from uncivil Outrages. Withdraw thee, Valentine: Who's this comes here 2 Enter Protheus, Silvia avd Julia. Pro. Madam, this Service have I done for you, Tho’ you refpect not ought your Servant doth, To hazard Life, and refcue you from him That wou’d have forc’d your Honour and your Love. Vouchfafe me for my Meed but one fair Look, A {maller Boon than this I cannot beg, And lefs than this I am fure you cannot give. val. How like a Dream isthis? I fee and hear: Love, lend me Patience to forbear a while. sil. © miferable unhappy that I am! Pro. Unhappy were you, Madam, e’er I came; But by my coming I have made you happy. Sil. By thy Approach thou mak’{t me moft unhappy. Ful. And me, when he approacheth to your Prefence. [ Afide. sil. Had I been feized by a hungry Lion, I would have been a Breakfaft to the Beatt, Rather than have falfe Prothews refcue me. Oh Heav’n be Judge how I love Valentine, Whofe Life’s as tender to me as my Soul; And full as much, for more there cannot be, I do deteft falfe perjur’d Prorhens ; Therefore be gone, follicit me no more. | Pro. What dangerous Action, ftood it next to Death, Would I not undergo for one calm Look 2 Oh, ’tis the Curfe in Love, and {till approv’d, When Women cannot love where they’re belov'd. sil. When Protheus cannot love where he’s belov’d. Read over Fulia’s Heart, thy firft beft Love, For whofe dear Sake thou didft then rend thy Faith Into a thoufand Oaths; and all thofe Oaths D o— ~ » Re he OG Oe © : SNR FREPHY \ tas NS MB U1 pp ttl tta YAITTLTLS fo iif G Z 7 AZ YY if iY iY Hy we), me oe ee nae CAs - 7g, a 7 ee, thle, a — ——. sie sae) Merry Wives OF 0 Oo Y) pe! — — = Printed in the YEAR 1709. SS ee a —— — = > — === = = } 1 } ih Wer Py sii ih i 4 Beret i) a Dramatis Perfone. IR John Falftaff. Fenton, a young Gentleman of {mall fortune, in Love with Mrs. Anne Page. Shallow, a Country Fu/ftice. | Slender, Coufin to Shallow, a foolifo Country Sguire, Mr. Page, 1 | San oe: Mr Fosd: : two Gentlemen, dwelling at Windfor. Sir Hugh Evans, a Welch Par/on. } Dr. Caius, a French Doéfor. Hoft of the Garter, @ merry talking Fellow. Bardolph, Piftol, eShaper attending on Falttaff. Nym, . Robin, Page to Falftaft. William Page, 2 Boy, Son to Mr. Page. simple, Servant to Slender. Rugby, Servant to Dr. Caius. Mrs. Page, Wife to Mr. Page. Mrs. Ford, Wife to Mr. Ford. Mrs. AnnePage, Daughter to Mr. Page, in Love with Fenton. Mrs. Quickly, Servant to Dr. Caius. | Servanis to Page, Ford, &-. SCENE Pindfr. 7 Lott 87) COCACICACACA CRO CICIE CORI? COCA CICRE CID LOO CD NicolocloooooetorooMoeMooMoes Nlealoooooowo ooo oe sooo weet colooi(o*onlecdée co er Se SHE SZ SE S.A SNY2 SY SSE S74 B74 NA SA SNe wy WZ wy >» 4 S72 SY Se Wes i I ee SORTS UNAS TIN TAS TAS TAS ISSO 7a mx STS ro VS TAS TAS TOASTS, OS TASS OSAHOT TORRESEN OSG Ga SGI te i oS SORT TRIS INTIS TATE TIS TS TIS TS DS TSAS THOGP/OFOP OP OHO SOF OFT) OF) OF OPOPL SPO GOGJPOFI OF JOYOPL JOSPO ,-POGOGE LS CGII GD IDIOTS GIGIGO CSCIC IGIOCI GIGS GIGI TH & Merry Wives of indfor. ACTI SCENEL Enter Fujtice Shallow, Slender. and Sir Hugh Evans. SHALLOW. SII R Hugh, perfuade me not > I will make a Star-Chamber Matter of it: If he weretwen- | ty Sir Fobn Falftaffs, re fhall not abufe Ko- bert Shallow, Efq; Slen. In the County of Glocefter, Jultice of Peace, and Coram. Shal. Ay, Coufin Slender, and Cufalorum. : Slen. Ay» and Rato-lerum too; atd a Gentleman born, Matter Parfon, who writes himfelf srmigero, in any Bill, Warrant, Quittance, or Obligation, drmigero. Shal. Ay that I do, and have don: any time thefe three hundred Years. 7 Slen. All his Succeflors, gone belore him, have don’t; and all his Anceftors, that come afterhim, may; they may ive the dozen white Luces in their Coat. | Shal. It is an old Coat. Eva. The dozen white Lowfes cb become an old Coat well; it agrees well Paflant; it is a familiar Beaft to. Man, and fignifies Love. Shal. The Luce is the Frefh-fifh, the Silt-fith is an old Coat. , Slens ta fas BS oA ° at - é tp Bail < * 3 2 a 22 a meee = es mee kid SS: = — a . > = =. at <—=s" z= = 126 The Merry Wives of W indfor. Slen, I may quarter, Coz. Shal You may, by marrying, Eva. \t is marring indeed, if he quarter it. Shale Not a whit. Eva. Yes per-lady; if he has a quarter of your Coat there is but three Skirts for your felf, in my imple Con- je&tures; but that is all one: If Sir Fohn Falftaff have com- mitted Difparagements unto you, I am of the Church, and will be glad to do my Benevolence, to make Atonements and Compremifes between you. Shale The Council: fhall hear its it is a Riot. Eva. It is not meet the Council hear of a Riot; there is no Fear of Got in a Riot: The Council, look you, fhall defire to hear the Fear of Got, and not to hear a Riot; take you viza-ments in that. Shal. Ha; 0’ my Life, if I were young again, theSword fhould end it. Eva. It is petter that Friends is the Sword, and end it; and there is alfo another Device in my Prain, which perad- venture prings good Difcretions with it: There is Anne Page, which is Daughter to Matter Thomas Page, which is pretty Virginity. Slen. Mittrefs Axne Page? the has brown Hair, and {peaks like a Woman. Eva. It is that ferry Perfon for all the Orld, as jult as you will defire; and feven hundred Pounds of Monies, and Gold, and Silver, is her Grand-fire upon his Deaths-bed (Got deliver to a joyful Refurrections) give, when fhe is a ble to overtake feventeen Years old: It were a good Mo- tion, if we leave our pribbles and prabbles, and defire a Marriage between Mafter Abraham, and Miftrefs Anne Page. ee. Did her Grand-fire leave her feven hundred Pound 2 Eva. Ay, and her Father is make her a petter Penny. Slen. I know the young Gentlewoman; fhe has good Gifts. Eva. Seven hundred Pounds, and poll; Gifts. Shal. Well; let us fee honeft Mr. Page: Is Falftaff there 2 bility is goot Eva. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 127 Eva. Shall I tell you a Lie? I do defpife a Liar as I do defpife one that 1s falfe; or as 1 defpife one that 1s not true. The Knight, Sir Fobn, 1s there; and I befeech you be ruled by your Well-withers. I will peat the Door [ Knocks] for Malter Page. What hoa? Got blefs your Houfe here. Enter Adr. Page. Page. Who's there¢ Eva. Here is Got’s plefling, and» your Friend, and Ju- ftice Shallow ; and here’s young Malter Slender; that per- adventures fhall tell you another Tale, if matters grow to your likings. Page. 1 am glad to fee your Worfhip’s well: Ithank you for my Venifon, Matter Shallow. Shal. Matter Page, 1 am glad to fee yous much good do it your good Heart: I with’d your Venifon better; it was 1] kill’d. How doth good Miftrefs Page? And I thank you~ always with my Heart, la; with my Heart. Page. Sir, 1 thank you. Shal. Sir, I thank you; by yea and no I do. Page. 1 am glad to fee you, good Matter Slender. | Slen. How do’s your fallow Greyhound, Sir? I heard fay, he was out-run on Cot fale. Page. It could not be judg’d, Sir. slen. You'll not confefs, youll not confefs. Shal. That he will not, "tis your fault, tis your fault; *tis a good Dog. Page. A Cur, Sir. Shal. Sir, he’s,a good Dog, and a fair Dog; can there be more faid? He is good and fair. Is Sir ‘fohn Falftaff here ¢ 7 Page. Sir, he is within; and I would I could do a good Office between you. Eva. It is fpoke as a Chriftians ought to fpeak. shal. He hath wrong’d me, Mafter Page. Page. Sir, he doth in {ome fort confefs it. Shal. If it be confefs’d, it 1s not redrefs’'d; is not that fo, Mr. Page? He hath wrone’d me, indeed he hath, at a word he hath, believe me, Robert Shallow, Efquire, faith, he is wrong'd. Page, Here comes Sir Zohn. Enter 128 The Mervy Wives of Windfor. Enter Sir John Falftaff, Bardolph, Nym and Piftol. Fal. Now, Matter Shallow, you’ll complain of me to the King? Shal. Knight, you have beaten my Men, kill’d my Deer, and broke open my Lodge. : Fal. But not kifs’d your Keeper’s Daughter. Shal. Tut, a pin; this fhall be anfwer'd. Fal. I will anfwer it ftraight: I have done all this. That is now anfwer’d. Shal. The Council fhall know this. Fal. *Iwere better for you if it were known in Council; You'll be laugh’d ar, | Eva. Pauca verba, Sir Fohn, good Worts. Fal, Good Worts? Good Cabage. Slender, 1 broke your Head: What Matter have you againft me ? Slen. Marry Sir, I have Matter in my Head againft you, and againft your Cony-catching Rafcals, Bardolph, Nym and Pijfol. | Bar. You Banbury Cheefe. Slen. Ay, it is no matter. Pift, How now, ALephoftophilus? Slen. Ay, it is no matter. WNym. Slice, I fay, pauca, pauca: Slice, that’s my Hu- mour. | Slen. Where's Simple, my Man 2 Can you tell, Coufin2 Eva. Peace, I pray you: Now let us underftand; there is three Umpires in this matter, as I underftand; that Is, Mafter Page, fidelicet, Matter Page; and there is my felf, fide- ‘Geet, my felf; and the three Party is, laftly, and finally, mine Hoft of the Garter. é Page. We three to hear it, and end it between them, Eva. Ferry goot; I will make a Prief of it in my Note- book, and we will afterwards orke upon the Caufe with as great difcreetly as we can, Ls Fal, Piffol. — Piff. He hears with Ears. Eva. The Tevil and his Tam; what Phrafe is this, he hears with Ear? Why, it is A ffe@ations, \ | Fal. Piftol, did you pick Mr. Slender’s Purfe 2 “= Slen. Ay, by thefe Gloves did he, or I would I might ne- ver come in mine own great Chamber again elfe, of feven Groats The Mevry Wives of Windfor. 129 Groats in Mill-fixpences, and two Edward Shovelboards, that coft me two Shilling and two Pence a piece, of Yeaa Miller; by thefe Gloves. Fal. Is this true, Piftol? Eva. No; it is falfe, if it is a Pick-purfe. Pift. Ha, thou Mountain Foreigner: Sir Fobn, and Ma- {ter mine, I combate Challenge of this Latin Bilboe: Word of Denial in thy Labras- here; word of Denial; Froth and Scum, thou ly’ft. | Slen. By thefe Gloves, then ’twas he. Nym. Be advis'd; Sir, and pafs good Humours: I will fay marry. trap with you, if you run the Nut-hooks Humour on me; this is the very Note of it. Slen. By that Hat, then he in the red Face had it; for tho’ I cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk, yet I am not altogether an Afs. 7 Fal. What fay you, Scarlet and ‘Fohn ? Bard. Why, Sir, for my part, I fay, the Gentleman had drunk himf-lf out of his five Sentences. Eva. It is his five Senfes: Fie, what the Ignorance is! Bard. And being fap, Sir, was, as they fay, cafhier’d ; and fo Conclufions paft the Car-eires, Slen, Ay, you f{pake in Latin then too; but tis no matter ; [ll ne’er be drunk whil'ft I live again, but in honeft, civil, godly Company for this Trick: If I be drunk, I'll be drunk with thofe that have the Fear of God, and not with drunken Knaves. Eva. So Got udg me, that is a virtuous Mind. Fal. You hear all thefe Matters deny’d, Gentlemen, you hear it. Enter Miftrefs Anne Page, with Wine. Page. Nay, Daughter, carry the Wine in; we ll drink within. Slen. Oh Heav’n! this is Miftrefs Anne Page. Enter Miftrefs Ford and Miftrefs Page. Page. How now Miftrefs Ford ? Fal. Miftrefs Ford, by my Truth you are very well met; by your leave, good Mittrefs. | Page. Wife, bid thefe Gentlemen Welcome : Come, we have a hot Venifon Pafty to Dinner; Come, Gentlemen, I hope we fhall drink down all Unkindnefs. | Ex. Fal. Page, ec. V¥ on. K Manent 130 The Merry Wives of W indfor. Manent Shallow, Evans and Slender. Slen. V had rather than forty Shillings, I had my Book of Songs and Sonnets here. . Enter Simple. How now; Simple, where have you been? I muft wait on my felf, muft I? You have not the Book of Riddles a- bout you, have you? an Simp. Book of Riddles! Why, did you not lend it to Alice Short-cake upon Alhollowmas lait, a Fortnight afore Adéicha- elmas. Shal. Come Coz, come Coz; we ftay for you: A word with you Coz: Marry this, Coz, there is, as ’twere, a Ten- der, a kind of Tender, made afar off by Sir Hugh here: Do © you underftand me? Slen. Ay Sir, you fhall find me reafonable: Ifit be fo, I fhall do that is Reafon. Shal. Nay, but underftand me. Slen. So I do, Sir. Eva. Give ear to his Motions, Mr. Slender: I will de- {cription the Matter to you, if you be Capacity of it. Slens Nay, I will do as my Coufin Shallow fays: I pray you pardon me; he’s a Juftice of Peace in his Country, fimple tho’ I ftand here. Eva. But that is not the Queftion: The Queftion is con- cerning your Marriage. | Shal. Ay, there’s the point, Sir. | Eva. Marry is it; the very point of it, to Mrs. dune Page. i : Slen, Why, if it be fo, I will marry her upon any rea- fonable Demands, | Eva. But can you affeGion the oman? Let us com- ; mand to know that of your Mouth, or of your Lips: For divers Philofophers hold, that the Lips is Parcel of the Mouth: Therefore precifely, can you marry your good Will to the Maid? , Shal. Coufin Abraham Slender, can you love her? Sien. I hope, Sir; I will do as it fhall become one that would do Reafon. | : eat ear = Eva. Nay, Got’s Lords and his Ladies, you muft fpeak poflitable, if you can carre-her your Defires towards her. is Shal. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 131 Shal. That you muft: Will you, upon good Dowry, marry her? Slen. 1 will doa greater thing than that upon your Re- gueft, Coufin, in any Reafon. Shal. Nay, conceive me, conceive me, fweet Coz, what I dois to pleafure you, Coz: Can you love the Maid? Slen, I will marry her, Sir, at your Requeft: Butif there be no great Love in the beginning, yet Heav’n may de- creafe it upon better Acquaintaince, when we are marry‘d, and have more occafion to know one another; I hope upon Familiarity will grow more Content: But if you fay, marry her, I will marry her, that 1 am freely diflolved, and diffo- lutely. Bua. It isa ferry difcretion Anfwer; fave the fall is in th’Ord diffolutely: The Ort is, according to our meaning, refolutely; his meaning is good. Shal. Ay, 1 think my Coufin meant well. Slen. Ay, or elfe I would I might be hang’, Ia. Enter Adiffrefs Anne Page. Shal. Here comes fair Miftrefs dune: Would I were Young for your fake, Miftrefs duxe. Anne. The Dinner is on the Table; my Father defires your Worfhip’s Company. Shal. Y will wait on him, fair Miftrefs Anne. Eva. Od’s pleffed Will, I will not be abfence at the Grace. [ Ex. Shallow and Evans. Anne, Will’t pleafe your Worfhip to come in, Sir? Slen. No, Uthank you Forfooth heartily ;. Iam very well. Anne. The Dinner attends you, Sir. Slen. 1 am not a-hungry, I thank you Forfooth: Go Sir- rah, for all you are my Man, go wait upon my Coufin Shaj- low; a Juftice of Peace fometime may be beholding to his Friend tor a Man. I keep but three Men and a Boy yet, ‘tll my Mother be dead; but what though, yet I live a poor Gentleman born. | Aunt. | may not go in without your Worfhip; they will not fit *till you come. . Slen. Vfaith, I'll eat nothing; I thank you as much as though I did. | K 2 Anne. 132 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Anne. I pray you, Sir, walk in. Slen. Uhad rather walk here, I thank you: I bruis’d my Shin th’ other Day, with playing at Sword and Dagger with a Mafter of Fence, three Veneys for a Dith of Rew’d Prunes, and by my troth I cannot abide the imell of hot Meat fince. Why do your Dogs bark fo? be there Bears i th’ Town? Anne. V think there are, Sir, I heard them talk’d of. Slen. I love the Sport well, but I fhall as foon quarrel at it as any Man in England. You are afraid if you fee the Bear loofe, are you not? Anne. Ay indeed, Sir. Slen. That’s Meat and Drink to me now; T have feen Sackerfon loofe twenty times, and have taken him by the Chain; but, I warrant you, the Women have fo cry’d and fhrickt at it, that it paft: But Women indeed cannot abide vem, they are very ill-favour’d rough things. | Enter Afr. Page. Page. Come, gentle Mr. Slender, come; we {tay for you. Sien. Vl eat nothing, I thank you, Sir. é Page. By Cock and Pye you fhall not chufe, Sir; come, come. | Slen. Nay, pray you lead the Way. Page. Come on, Sir. ) Slen. Miftrefs Anne, your (elf fhall go firft. Anne. Not I, Sir, pray you keep on. Slen, Traly L will not go firft, truly-la: I will not do you that wrong. | | Anne. I pray you, Sir. , Slen. Vil rather be unmannerly than troublefome; you do your felf wrong, indeed-la. [ Exeunt. oe Bee eB? Th Enter Evans and Simple. Eva. Go your ways, and ask of Doctor Caius Houle which is the Way; and there dwells one Miftrefs Qxickly, which is in the manner of his Nurfe, or his dry Nurfe, or his Cook, or his Laundry, his Wafher, andhis Ringers Simp. Well, Sir. | | : + EVAe -< The Merv y Wives of Windfor, 133 Eva. Nay, it is petter yets give her this Letter; for itisa ‘oman that altogethers Acquaintance with Miftrefs Avne Page and the Letter is to defire, and require her to follicit your Malter’s Defiresto Miftrefs dane Page : I pray you be gone; I will make an end of my Dunner ; there’s Pippins and Cheefe to come. [ Exeunt. SCG EeNs Be silt. Enter Falltaff, Holt, Bardolph, Nym, Piftol and Robin. Fal, Mine Hoft of the Garter. Hot. What fays my Bully Rock 2? {peak {chollarly, and wifely. Fal. Truly, mine Hoft, I muft turn away fome of my Followers. Hoft. Difcard, Bully Hercules, cafhier; Ict them wag; ‘trot, trot. Fal. 1 fit at ten Pounds a Week. Hof. Thou’rt an Emperor, Cafar, Keifar and Phaexer. I will entertain Bardolph, he will draw, he will tap, faid b well, Buily Heétor ¢ Fal. Do fo, good mine Hoft. - Hoff. 1 have fpoke, let him follow; let me fee thee froth ad live: Lam ata word; follow. [Exit Hoft. Fal. Bardolph follow him, a Tapfter is a good Trade ; an old Cloak makes a new Jerkin; a wither'd Serving-man, afreth Tapfter; ge, adieu. Bard. Itis a Life that I have defir’d: I will thrive. [Exit Bard. Pift, O bafe HunzarianWight, wilt thou the Spigot wield. Nym. He was gotten in Drink: isnot the Humour conceited. Fal. Lam glad [ am fo acquit of this Tinderbox; his Thefts were too open, his Filching was like an unskilful Singer, he kept not time. Nym. The eood Humour ‘sto fteal at a Minute’s reft. Pit. Convey, the Wife it call: Steal? foh; a fico for the Phrafe. Fal. Well, Sirs, I am almoft out at Heels. Pift. Why then let Kibes enfue, Fal. There isnoremedy: 1 mutt conicatch, I muft fhift. Pift. Young Ravens mutt have Food. Fal. Which of you know Ford of this Town? ° K 3 Pif. 134 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Pift. I ken the Wight, he is of Subftance good. Fal. My honeft Lads, I will tell you what I am about. Pifft. Two Yards and more. Fal. No Quips now, Piffols Indeed I am in the Wafte two Yards about; but I am now about no Wafte, I am 2 bout Thrift. Briefly, I do mean to make Love to Ford's Wife: I fpy Entertainment in her; the difcourfes, fhe carves, fhe gives the Leer of Invitation; I can conftrue the Action of her familiar Stile, and the hardeft Voice of her Behaviour, tobe englith’d right, is, Z am Sir John Falftaff’s. Pift. He hath ftudy’d her Will, and tranflated her Will, out of Honeftyinto Englith. Nym. The Anchor is deep; will that Humour pafs2 Fal. Now, the Report goes, fhe has all the Rule of her Husband’s Purfe: He hath a Legend of Angels. Piff. As many Devils entertain; and to her, Boy, fay I. Nym. The Humour rifes; it is good; humour me the Angels. Fal. I have writ me here a Letter to her; and here a- nother to Page's Wife, who even now gave me good Eyes too, examin’d my Parts with moft judicious Illiads; fome- times the Beam of her view guided my Foot, fometimes my portly Belly. : Pift. Then did the Sun on Dung-hill thine. Nym. 1 thank thee for that Humour. _ Fal. O the did fo courfe o’er my Exteriors with fuch a greedy Intention, that the Appetite of her Eye did feem to . fcorch me up like a Burning-glafs: Here’s another Letter to her; the bears the Purfe too; fhe isa Region in Guiana, all Gold and Bounty. I will be Cheaters to them both, and they thall be Exchequers to me; they fhall be my Eaft and Weft-Indies, and I will trade to them both. Go, bear thou this Letter to Miftrefs Page;-and thou this. to Mi= ftrefs Ford : We will thrive, Lads, we will thrive. Pift,-Shall I Sir Pandarus of Troy become; And by my Side wear Steel? Then Lucifer take all. Nym. Twill run no bafe Humour: Here take the Hu- mour-Letter, I will keep the Haviour of Reputation. Fal. Hold, Sirrah, bear you thefe Letters rightly, Sail like my Pinnace to thefe golden Shores. ges Se : —— = = A = ae — a te ~ Gt = _ 7, += 7 = 2 : = "a Se 4 7 . an > oo aes > “S&S <= Nee 8c, .> a ak SS i Ne : , >. "7 ey rao Ge - P aiha A n>" <= ° ‘ Ti ms . ol — == : + SS 5 SS ——— 5 === ———— = A Skike ae x 1 — Fre = = 5 2 7 == ——— - - E = : — -¥- a oa ~. = SS — — —— = 5 7 : = i — ee — ee == -~ - == eas " ee = == ~ : — > = —— >= — S = Ms = so ae ee SSS ae. —_ a = = =—- : = 5 ——— =_% — ity = - ets . 4 = 3 += s ~~ Sa a ere ee —$<——— ——— a —_ er SS SS * ne _ Zoey a = 1 : diy ee z . : Rogues, mee as ———=>=s = aes Get sePS ts: Se resee NOES SSSR = == gens PRR sre nelige = sce —— —————— = = a x ene ee, .c-— >, The Merry Wives of Windlor. 135 Rogues, hence, avaunt, vanith like Hail-ftones; go» Trudge, plod away oth’ hoof, feek fhelter, pack: Falftaff will learn the Honour of the Age, : French Thrift, you Rogues, my felf, and skirted Page. ee [ Exit. Falftaft and Boy- Pift. Let Vultures eripe thy Guts 5 for Gourd, and Fal. lam holds ; and high and low beguiles the rich and poor. Tefter I'll have in Pouch when thou fhalt lack, Bafe Phrygian Turk. Nym. { have Operations, Which be Humours of Revenge. Pift. Wilt thou revenge ¢ Nym. By Weilkin and her Star. Pie With Wit, of Steel 2 Nym. With both the Humours, I: I will difcufs the Humour of this Love to Ford. Pift. And I to Page fhall eke unfold How Falftaff Varlet vile, His Dove will prove, his Gold will hold, And his foft Couch defile. Nym. My Humour fhall not cool; I will incenfe Ford to deal with Poifon, 1 will poflefs him with Yellownefs, for the Revolt of mine is dangerous: That is my true Hu- mour. Pit, Thou art the Jars of Afale-contents: 1 fecond thee; troop on, [ Exeunt. ¢ GB Newel ¥. Enter Miftre(s Quickly, Simple and John Rugby. Onic. What, ‘fohn Rughy! Lpray thee go to the Cafement, and fee if you can fee my. Malter; Matter Do¢tor Caias, coming; if he do, faith, and find any body in the Houfe, here will bean old abufing of God’s Patience, and the King’s Engli fb. 7 Rug. I'll go watch. | Exit Rugby. Quic. Go, and we'll have a Poffet fort foon at Night, in Faith, at the latter end of a Sea-coal Fire: An honeft, willing, kind Fellow, as ever Servant fhall come in Houfe withal, and I warrant you no Tell-tale, nor no Breed-bate; his worft Faule is that he is given to Pray’, he 1s fome- K 4 thing —_. .’ ~ it 3 ue) “ = Lane a aE ee ees we. Le . ie — — > a ze: = SS a See a Soe ee = = = =— -—#: = : - + —_-— =4 == = “SS an a St ——e ——— any hn ST a : : — fue = 2 z = Sa ag? aS aS SSS Se a e é 2 : - ee en i oe ae ro me ish Tess % ms ey z _ : "4 a. » F ~~. — = a SP = SS SS ee ee oe eee Se = J = ee Bes ee eS te: a oe < ots Pea = = 7 — =— > = a r 5) - :- SA ae sci ae - ) Ss ms . — ees a. ———. =e me __ sie te Ts mass a as eS So ~ = ~ — - eae =—— ——: — - —— a 7 a " — SS oS = ~ eS = a : SSeS See SS eee - — a ——— ——$——— -~- ee - i 3 Fi = Se eS ae ee a . ——SE——E SS SS = : Se = = : = : — = = = x 136 06s Th Merry Wives of Windfor. thing peevifh that way; but no body but has his Fault ; but let that pifs. Peter Simple you fay your Name is, Simp. Ay, ‘or fault of a better, Quic. And Matter Slender’s your Matter 2 Simp. Ay, 7orfooth. Quic. Doeshe not wear a great round Beard, like a Glo- ver’s Pairing-kiife 2 Simp. No, orfooth; he hath but a little Wee-face, with a little yellow Beard, a Cain-colour’d Beard. Quic, A foitly-fpirited Man, is he not2 | Simp. Ay, Forfooth; but he is as tall a Man of his Hands, asany 1s between this and his Head; he hath fought with a Warrener. . | Quic. Howfay you? Oh, I fhould remember him; does he not hold u> his Head, as. it were? And ftrut in his Gate 2 Simp. Yes irdeed does he. Quic. Well, Heav’n fend Anne Page no worfe Fortune. Tell Mafter Pafon Evans, I will do what I can for your Matter: Ayne isa good Girl, and I with —— Enter Rugby. Rug. Out, aas! here comes my Matter. Quic. We flall all be fhent; run in here, good young Man; 20 Nto tas Clofet; [ (buts Simple ix the Clofer.| He will not ftay lorg. What, Fohn Rugby ! Fohn ! What Fobn! I fay; go Fobn; go enquire for my Mafter, I doubt he be not well, that he comes not home; and down, down, a- dow a, &c. | Exter Dotter Caius. Caius. Vat i: you fing? I do not like des Toys; pray you go and vetchme in my Clofet, ux boitier verds Box, a green-a Box; do intend vat I foeak2 4 green-a Box. Quic. Ay Forooth, Tl fetch it you, Tam glad he weit not in himfelf; if he had found the young Man, he would aave been horn-mad, | Cains. Fe, fe, ‘e, fe, ma foi, Il fait fort chaud, je men va a la Cour——la grinde Affaire. Ouic. Is it ths Sir? Cains. Ony, mete le au mon Pocket, Depéch Quickly z Vere is dat Knave Rugby ? Quic The Merry Wives of Windfor. 137 Oxic. What, Sohn Rugby! Fohn ! Rug. Here sur. Caius. You are Sohn Rughy, and you ire ‘Fack, Rugoy 5 come, take-a your Rapier, and come afte: my Heel to the Court. | Rug. > Tis ready, Sir, here in the Porch Caius. By my Trot I tarry too long: Od’s me: Que ay je oublie: Dere 1s fome Simples in my Cloet, dat 1 will noc for the Varld I fhall leave behind. Quic. Ay-me, he'll find the young Man there, and be mad. Cains. O Diable, Diable; vat is in my Clofet 2 Villacie, Larron. Rugby, my Rapier. Quic. Good Matter be content. Cains. Wherefore fhould I be content-a; Quic. The young Man is an honeft Ma. Cains. What fhall de honeft Man do in my Clofet; dere ‘sno honeft Man dat fhall come in my Cbfer. | Quic. I befeech you be not fo flegmatick; hear the truth of it. He came of an Errand to me from Parfon Hugh. Caius. Vell. Simp. Ay Forfooth, to defire her to QOuic. Peace, I pray you. Caius. Peace-a your Tongue, fpeak-a your Tale. Simp. To defire this honeft Gentlewoman, your Maid, to {peak a good Word to Miftrefs Aue Page for my Mafter in the way of Marriage. Quic. This is all indeed-la; but I'll n’er put my Finger in the Fire, and need not. Cains. Sir Hugh fend-a-you ? Rugby; lillow me fome Pa- per; tarry you a little-a-while. Oxic. Tam elad he is fo quiet; if he sad been through- ly moved, you fhould have heard him {c loud, and fo me- lancholy: But notwithftanding, Man, I’]} do for your Ma- fter what good I can; and the very yea,and the no Is, the French DoGtor my Matter, 1 may call hin my Mafter, look you, for I keep his Houfe, and I wafh, ring, brew, bake, fcour, drefs Meat and Drink, make the Beds, and’ do all my felf. - — Tis a great Charge to come under one body’s and. Oxuic. >}... 138 The Merry Wives of Windbor. Quic. Are you a-vis'd o’chat? you fhall find it a- great Charge ; and to be up early, and down late. But notwith- {tanding, to tell you in your-Ear, I would lave no words of it, my Mafter himfelf is in Love with Miftrefs ane Page; but notwithftanding that, I know znes Mind, -that’s neither here nor there. Cains, You, Jack’Nape; give’a this Lette: to Sir Hugh, by gar it-is a Shallenge: I will cut his Troa in de Parke, and I will teach a fcurvy Jack-a-nape Prieft to meddle or make.——You may be gone, it is not good you tarry here; by gar I will cut all his two Stones, by gar, he fhall’not have a Stone to trow at his Dog. [ Exit Simple. Quic. Alas, he {peaks but for his Friend. Caius. It is no matter’a ver dat; do not you tell-a-me dat I fhall have Anne Page tor my felf?2 by var, I vill kill de Jack Prieft; and I have appointed mine Hct of de ‘Far- tere to meafure our Weapon: By gar I will my felf have Anne Page. Oxic. Sir, the Maid loves you, and all fhall be well: We mult give Folks leave to prate; what the goodjer. Caius. Rugby, come to the Court with me; by gar, if I have not dune Page, T hall turn your Heac out of m Door; follow my Heels, Rugby. —[ Ex. Caits and Rugby. Quit. You fhall have Asne Fools-head of yoir own. No, I know Anne's Mind for that; that never a Woman In Wind- for knows more of Aane’s Mind than I do, nor can do more than I do with her, I thank Heav’n. Fent. | within] Who's within there, hoa2 Quic. Who’s there, I trow? Come near the Houfe, I pray you. Exter Ar. Fenton. Fent. How now, good Woman, how doft tlou?2 = The better that it pleafes your good Wosthip to ask. | Fent. What News? how does pretty Miftrefs 4une2 Quic. In truth’Sir, and the is pretty, and honeft, and gentle, and one that is your Friend, I can tel] you that by the Way, I praife Heav’n for it. Fent, Shall Ido any good, think’ thou? fhil I not lofe my Suit 2 7 S Oxnic, con The Merry Wives of W indfor. 139 Ouic. Treth, Sir, all is in: his Hands above; but not- withitanding, Mafter Fenton, 1'll be {worn on a Book fhe loves you: Eavenot your Worfhipa Wart above your Eye¢ Fent. Yes, marry have 1; what of thaté Quic. Wal, thereby hangs a Tale; good Faith, it is fuch another Wav; but, I deteft, an honeft Maid as ever broke Bread; we tad an Hours talk of that Wart: 1 fhall never ~ laugh but in that Maid’s Company; but, indeed, fhe is gi- ven too much to Allicholly and Mufing, but for you Well goto. Fent. Wel, 1 thall fee her to Day; hold, there’s Mony for thee: Lame have thy Voice in my behalf; if thou feeft her before me, commend me. Onic. Will 12 Ay faith that we will: And I will tell your Worlhip more of the Wart, the next time we have confi- dence, and of other Wooers. Fent. Wal, farewel, I am in great hafte now. | Exit. Quic, Fariwel to your Worthip. Truly an honeft Gentle- man, but dzne loves him not; for I know -Aune’s Mind as wellasanother does. Out upon’t, what have I forgot ¢| Exit. ACT 42} Gee Enter Adiftrefs Page with a Letter. Mrs. Page. HAT, have I ’fcap’d Love-Letters in the Holy-day-time of my Beauty, and am I now a Subj: for them? let me fee: Ask me 10 Reafon why I love you; for tho Love ufe Rea- fon for his Irecifian, he admits him not for his Counfellor : You are not yourg, no more am I; go to then, there's Sympathy : You are mew), foam; ha! hal then there's more Sympathy : You love Sak, and fo do 1; would you defire better Sympathy % Let it [uffic: thee, Miftrefs Page, at the leaft, if the Love of 4 Soldier can fuffice, that I love thee. I will not [ays Pity me, tis not a Soldier-like Phrafe; but I fay, Love me: By me, 'hine own true Knight, by Day or Night, - Or any vind of Lights with all his Adight, : For thee to fight. John Falftaff. W hat . 140 The Merry Wives of Windfor. What a Herod of Fury is this? O wicked, wicked World! One that is well nigh worn to pieces with Age, ; To fhow himfelf a young Gallant? What unwayed Behaviour hath this Flemi/b Drunkard pickt, I’ th’ Devil’s Name, out.of my Converfation, that he dares inthis manner aflay me? Why, he hath not been thrice inmy Company: What fhould I fay to him? I was then frugalof my Mirth, Heav’n forgive me: Why, Ill exhibit a Bill in the Parliament for the putting down of Men; how fhall I be reveng’d on him? for reveng’d I will be, as fure as his Guts are made of Puddings. Enter Mrs, Ford. Mrs. Ford. Mittrefs Page, truft me, I was going to ‘your Houfe. | Mrs. Page. And truft me, I was coming to you; you look very 1ll. Mrs. Ford. Nay, I'll ne’er believe that; I have to thew to the contrary. Mrs. Page. ’Faith you do, in my Mind. Mrs. Ford. Well, I dothen; yet I fay, I could thew you to the contrary: O Miftrefs Page, give me fome Counfel. Mrs. Page. What's the matter, Woman? : Mrs. Ford. O Woman! if it were not for one trifling Re- {fpect, I could come to fuch Honour. Mrs. Page. Hang the Trifle, Woman, take the Honour ; what isit2 difpenfe with Trifles; what is it 2 Mrs. Ford. Hf I would but go to Hell for an eternal Mo- ment, or fo, I could be knighted. _ Mrs. Page. What, thou lieft! Sir Alice Ford! thefe Knights will hack, and fo thou fhouldft not alter the Article of thy Gentry, Mis. Ford. We burn Day-light, here; read, read, per- ceive how I might be knighted: I fhall think the worfe of fat Men as long as I have an Eye to make difference of Men’s liking; and yet he would not fwear, praife Wo- men’s Modefty, and gave fuch orderly and well-bx haved Re- _ proof to all Uncomelinefs, that I would, have fworn his Di- {pofition would have gone to the Truth of his Words; but they dono more adhere, and keep Place together, than the hundredth Pfalm to the Tune of Green Sleeves. What Tempett, The Merry Wives of Windfor. 141 Tempeft, I trow, threw this Whale, with fo many Tun of Oilin his Belly, a’ fhore at Windfor 2. How fhall I be re- veng’d on him? I think the beft way were to entertain him with Hope, “till the wicked Fire of Luft have melted him in his own Greafe.. Did you ever hear the like? Mrs. Page. Letter for Letter, but that the Name of Page and Ford differs. To thy great Comfort in this myftery of ii] Opinions, here’s the Iwin-brother of thy Letter; but let thine inherit firft, for I proteft mine never fhalJ. I war- rant he hatha thoufand of thefe Letters, writ with blank- {pace for different Names, nay more; and thefe are of the fecond Edition: He will print them out of doubt, for ke cares not what he puts into the Prefs, when he would put us two. I had rather be a Giantefs, and lye under AZount- Pelion. Well, 1 will find you twenty lafcivious Turtles, eer one chafte Man. Mrs. Ford. Why, this is the very fame, the very Hand, the very Words; what doth he think of us¢ Mrs. Page. Nay, I know not; it makes me almoft rea- dy to wrangle with mine own Honefty. Vil entertain my felf like one that I am not acquainted withal; for fure, unlefs he kaew fome Strain in me, that I know not my felf, he would never have boarded me in this Fury- Mrs. Ford. Boarding, call it you? Ill be fure to keep him above Deck. Mrs. Page. So will 1; if he come under my Hatches, Pll never to Sea again. Let’s be revene’d on him, let’s appoint - hima Meeting, give him a fhow of Comfort in his Suit, and lead him on with a fine baited Delay, “ull he hath pawn’d his Horfes to mine Hoft of the Garter. Mrs. Ford. Nay, I will confent to act any Villany againft him that may not fully the Charinefs of our Honefty: Oh that my Husband faw this Letter, it would give eternal Food to his Jealoufie. Mrs. Page. Why, look where he comes, and my good Man too; he’s as far from Jealoufie as I am from gi- aes him Caufe, and that, I hope, is an unmeafurable Di- ance, Mrs. Ford. You are the happier Woman. Mrs. Page. 14 2 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Mrs. Page. Let’s confult together againft this greafie Knight. Come hither. | Enter Ford with Piftol, Page with Nym. Ford. Well, 1 hope it be not fo. Pift. Hope is a Curtal-dog in fome Affairs. Sir John affe&s your Wife. Ford. Why, Sir, my Wife is not young. — | Pifit. He woos both high and low, both rich and poor, both young and old, and one with another, Ford; he loves thy Gally-mawfry, Ford, perpend. \ ford. Love my Wife? Pift. With Liver burning hot: Prevent, Or go thou, like Sir _Afeon, with | Ring-wood at thy Heels: O, odious is the Name. ford. What Name, Sir2 Piff. The Horn, I fay: Farewel. eet Take heed, have open Eye; for Thieves do foot by Night. Take heed e’er Summer comes, or Cuckoo-birds do fing, © Away, Sir Corporal Nym, Believe it, Page, he {peaks Senfe. [Exit Piftol, Ford. 1 will be patient; I will find out this. Nym. And this is true: I like not the Humour of lying; he hath wrong’d me in fome Humours: I fhould have born the humour’d Letter to her; bur I have a Sword, and it thall bite upon my Neceflity. He loves-your Wife; there’s the thort and the long. My Name is Corporal Wym; I {peak it, and I avouch ’tis true, my Name is Nym, and Falfaff loves your Wife. Adieu; I love not the Humour of Bread and Cheefe: Adieu, [ Exit Nym. Page. The Humour of it, quoth °a2 here’s a Fellow frights Exglifh out of his Wits. Ford. I will feek out Falftaff. Page. 1 never heard fuch a drawling, affecting Rogue. _ Ford. If I do find it: Well. , Page. 1 will not believe fuch 4 Cataian, tho’ the Prictt 0’ th’ Town commended him for a true Man, : Ford. *Twas a good fenfible Fellow: Well. Page. How now, Meg? Mrs. Page. Whither go you, George? hark you. Mrs. Ford. How now, {weet Frdzk, why art thou me- lancholly 2 | ~ The Merry Wives of Windfor. 127 Ford. I melancholy! 1 am not melancholy. Get you home, go. Mis. Ford. Faith thou haft fome Crotchets in thy Head. Now will you go, Miftrefs Page ? Mrs. Page. Have with you. You'll come to Dinner, George? Look who comes yonder; fhe thall be our Meflenger to this paultry Knight. Enter Miftre/s Quickly. Mrs. Ford. Truft me, I thought on her; fhe’ll fit it. Mrs. Page. You are come to fee my Daughter Anne? Quick, AYs Forfooth; and I pray how does cood Milirefs Anne ? Mrs. Page. Go in with us and fee; we have an Hour's Talk with you. [ Ex. Ars. Page, J4rs. Ford and Mrs. Quic. Page. How now, Matter Fora? | Ford. You heard what this Knave told me, did you not¢ Page. Yes; and you heard what the other told me Ford. Do you think there is Truth in them? Page. Hang om, Slaves, I do not think the Knight would offer it; but thefe that accufe him in his Intent towards our Wives are a Yoke of his: difcarded Men, very Rogues now they be out of Service. Ford. Were they his Men? Page. Marty were they. Ford. 1 like it never the better for that. Does he lye at the Garter? Page. Ay marry does he. If he fhould intend this Voy- age toward my Wife, I would turn her loofe to him; and what he gets more of her than fharp Words, let it lye on my Head. Ford. I do not mifdoubt my Wife, but I would be loath to turn them together; a Man may be too confident; I would have nothing lye on my Head; I cannot be thus fa- tisfy'd. Page. Look where my ranting Hoft of the Garter comes; there is either Liquor in his Pate, or Mony in his Purfes when he looks fo merrily. How now, mine Hoft? Enter Hoft and Shallow. Hoft. How now, Bully Rock? Thou’rt a Gentleman, Ca- valerio-Juftice, I fay. Shal. 1 follow, mine Hoft, I follow. Good Even, and twentys — — a Eee == . so = == aS Bin —s ss —— ae —S Se *, . . + = — — mn : a — su - ne — oe penne a Se — See ie =, = ‘ Be = ws — = =< — =. = a we. ~ <= Sy . = =" ee = ~ — —~ _— a — a = = —— ne SSS SSS SS a ——. = —— = < = — * — vs = = te SSS SS = F i Se as oo Hs a 2 er SS - = ~ = = 2 = SS =———ss —— — =a = ee ae AS ee ee oe — er is = *. = = Se oS ee eee ao ~ 5 a oe = Peery. 22 a pr ae > pe Aa eee > ——— = =. =e : = z ao — as SS ; =| == = A - — ~ _— - = : = Sra"4 =r - 3 = 6 ~~ - ee see " Sere t eee 3 = ——— : —- —— = _ ——- — -~-—-+—- — —— - =. > ee SSS SS SSS 9 a t=, Sua ———_— — : = = SS —— = 3 SS - = =< = ——— Se a — S27 <= —- Se Se —S= == SS Se US 4 ie << = pao or eas = — — ————— : = ~ = — a SS =. = = ——~ — oS AES — ~— = le < ——— a = ——= =— SSS - 2 < = S = SS eS eee = a —— a Se = a eee = 144 The Merry Wives of Windfor. twenty, good Mafter Page. Mafter Page, will you go with us? we have Sport in hand. Hoff. Tell him, Cavaliero-Juftice; tell him, Bully Rock, Shal. Sir, there is a Fray to be fought between Sir Hugh, the Wel/b Prieft, and Caius, the French DoGor. Ford. Good mine Hott o’ th’ Garter; a Word with you. Foft. What fay’{t thou, Bully Rock ? Shal. Will you go with us’to behold it2 My merry Hoft hath had the meafuring of their Weapons, and, I think, hath appointed them contrary Places; for, believe me, I | hear the Parfon is no Jefter. Hark, I will tell you what our Sport fhall be. Hoff. Hatt thou no Suit againft my Knight, my Gueft- Cavalier? | Ford. None, I proteft; but P'll give you a Pottle of burnt Sack to give me Recou:fe to him, and tell him my Name is Broom; only fora Jeft. Hoft. My Hand, Bully; thou fhalt have Egrefs and Re- grefs; faid I well? andthy Name fhall be Broom. It isa merry Knight. Will you go an-heirs 2 Shal. Have with you, mine Hoft. | Page. I have heard the Frenchman hath good Skill in his Rapier ca 1 Shal. Tut, Sir, I could have told you more; in thefe times you ftand on Diftance, your Paffes, Stoccado’s, and I know not what: ’Tis the Heart, Mafter Page; °tis here, "cis here. I have feen the time, with my long Sword, I would have made you four tall Fellows skip like Rats. _Hoft. Here Boys, here: Shall we wag? Page. Have with you ; I had rather hear them {cold than fight. [Exeunt Holt, Shallow und Page. Ford. Tho’ Page be a fecure Fool, and ftand fo firmly on his Wife’s Frailry, yet I cannot put off my Opinion fo eafi- ly. She was in his Company at Page’s Houfe, and what they made there I know not. Well, I will look further into tc; and T have a Difguife to found Falftaff: If 1 find, her ho- neft, I lofe not my Labour; if the be otherwife, ‘tis Labour well beftow’d. h | [Exit SCENE The Merry Wives of Windfor. 145 Sede EIN: te i. Enter Falftaff avd Piftol. _ Fal. 1 will not lend thee a Penny. Pift. Why then the World’s mine Oyzter, which I with Sword will open. Fal, Not a Penny. I have been content, Sir, you fhould lay my Countenance to Pawn; I have grated upon my good Friends for three Reprieves for you, and your Coach-fel- low, Nim; or elfe you had look’d through the Grate, like a Geminy of Baboons. I am damn’d in Hell for {wearing to Gentlemen, my Friends, you were good Soldiers, and tall Fellows. And when Miftrefs Briget loft the Handle of her Fan, I took’t upon mine Honour thou had{ft it not. Pift. Didft thou not fhare? Hadft thou not fifteen Pence é Fal. Reafon, you Rogue, Reafon: Think’ ft thou Tl endanger my Soul gratis? Ata Word; hang no more about me, I am no Gibbet for you: Go, a fhort Knife, and a Throng, to your Manor of Pickt-hatcht; go, you'll not bear a Letter for me, you Rogue; you ftand upon your Ho- nour. Why, thou unconfinable Bafenefs, it is as much as I can do to keep the Term of my Honour precife. 1, I, I my felf fometimes, leaving the Fear of Heaven on the left Hand, and hiding mine Honour in my Neceflity, am fain to fhuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; and yet, you Rogue will enfconfe your Rags, your Cat-a-Mountain Looks, your Red-Lattice Phrafes, and your bold-beating Oaths, under the Shelter of your Honour! You will not do it, you! , Pift. 1 do relent; what would thou more of Man? | Enter Robin. Rob. Sir, here’s a Woman would fpeak with you. Fal. Let her approach, Enter Miftre/s Quickly. Quic. Give your Worfhip Good-morrow. Fal, Good-morrow, good Wife. Quic. Not fo, and’t pleafe your Worthip. Fal. Good Maid then. Qxic. Vil be {worn, As my Mother was the firft Hour I was born, Vor. f, I. Fal. 146 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Fal. I do believe the Swearer: What with me? Quic. Shall I vouchfafe your Worfhip a Word or two? Fal. Two thoufand, fair Woman, and Vil vouchfafe thee the hearing. Quic. There is one Miftrefs Ford, Sir: 1 pray come a little nearer this ways: I my felf dwell with Mr. Do&or Cains. Fal. Well, on: Miftrefs Ford, you fay. Quic. Your Worfhip fays very true: I pray your Wor- fhip come a little nearer this ways. Fal. I warrant thee no body hears; mine own People, mine own People, Quic. Are they fo? Heav’n blefs them, and make them his Servants. Fal. Well: Miftrefs Ford, what of her? Quic. Why, Sir, fhe’s a good Creature. Lord, Lord, your Worfhip’s a Wanton; well, Heav’n forgive you, and all of us, I pray-———— Fal. Mittrefs Ford, come, Miftrefs Ford. Quic. Marry, this is the thort and the long of it; you have brought her into fuch a Canaries as ’tis wonderful: The beft Courtier of them all, when the Court lay at Wind- for, could never have brought her to fuch a Canary. Yet there has been Knights, and Lords, and Gentlemen, with their Coaches; I warrant you Coach after Coach, Letter after Letter, Gift after Gift, fmelling fo fweetly; all Musk, and fo rufhling, I warrant you, in Silk and Gold, and in fuch alligant Terms,and in fuch Wine and Sugar of the beft, and the faireft, that would have won any Woman’s Heart; and I warrant you they could never get an Eye-wink of her. I had my felf twenty Angels given me this Morning; but I defie all Angels, in any fuch fort as they fay, but in the way of Honefty; and I warrant you they could never get her fo much as f1p on a Cup with the proudeft of them all; and yet there has beeh Earls, nay, which is more, Penfio- ners, but I warrant you all is one with her, Fal, But what fays fhe to me? Be brief, my good fhe- Mercury. Quic. Marry, fhe hath receiv’d your Letter, for the which fhe thanks you a thoufand times; and fhe gives you to notifie, that her Husband will be abfence from his Houfe between ten and eleven. Fal. The Merry Wives of W indfor. 147 Fal. Ten and eleven. Quic. Ay, Forfooth; and then you may come and fee the Pidure, fhe fays, that you wot of: Matter Ford, her Huf- band, will be from home. Alas! the {weet Woman leads an ill Life with him, he’s a very jealoufie- Man; fhe leads a very frampold Life with him, good Heart. Fal. Ten and eleven: Woman, commend me to her, I will not fail het. Quic. Why, youfay well: But I have another Meffenger to your Worfhip; Miftrefs Page has her hearty Commen- dations to you too and let me tell you in your Ear, fhe’s as fartuous a civil modeft Wife, and one (1 tell you) that will not mifs you Morning and Evening Prayer, as any Is in Windfor, who-e’er be the other; and fhe bad me tell your Worfhip that her Husband is feldom from home, but fhe hopes there will come atime, I never knew a Woman fo doat upon a Man; furely I think you have Charms, la; yes in Truth. Fal. Not I,’ I affure thee; fettiag the Attraétion of my good Parts afide, I have no other Charms. Quic. Bleffing on your Heart for't. Fal. But I pray thee tell me this; has Ford’s Wife and Page's Wife acquainted each other how they love me? Quic. That were a Jelt indeed; they have not fo little Grace, I hope; that were a Trick indeed! But Miftrefs Page would defire you to fend her your little Page, of al] Love: Her Husband has a marvellous Infection to the little Page; and truly Mafter Page is an honeft Man. Never a Wife in Windfor \eads a better Life than fhe docs; do what fhe will, fay what fhe will, take all, pay all, go to Bed when the lift, rife when fhe lift, all is as fhe will; and truly fhe deferves it, for if there be a kind Woman in Wind/or truly fhe is one. You mutt fend her your Page; no Remedy. Fal, Why, 1 will. Quic. Nay, but do fo then; and, look you, hemay come and go between you both; and, in any cafe, have a Nay- word, that you may know one anothers Mind, and the Boy never need to underftand any thing; for ’tis not good that Children fhould know any Wickednefs: Old Folks, you know, have Difcretion, as they fay, and know the World. : SS tes Fal. ee er 7 SS es = —— =3 = = it piers oS ~t- 3 5, 2 Se - o~<—- 2 . - ——— : = 2 > eS oo 45d > FW i | \ y } y Y i ind} f ; iH Tt : hie 5] + A x M p : ity , Halt 8 rir ‘ ily ny } rit { 4/8! Wh ee + Be | nit Dine 2 \ Ni ee | ; a eee ae == SS == = eg Oe 149 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Ful. Fare thee well; commend me to them both: There’s my Purfe, I am yet thy Debtor. Boy, go along with this Woman. This News diftraéts me. | Exit Quic. and Robin Pift. This Punk is one of Cupid's Carriers: Clap on more Sails; purfue; up with your Fights; Give Fire; fhe is my Prize, or Ocean whelm them all. [ Exit Piftol. Fal. Say’ft thou fo, old Fack? go thy ways; Ill make more of thy old Body than I have done; will they yet look after thee? Wilt thou, after the Expence of fo much Mony, be nowa Gainer? Good body, I thank thee; let them fay, °tis grofly done, fo it be fairly done, no matter. Enter Bardolph. Bard. Sir Fohu, there’s one Mafter Broom below would fain fpeak with you, and be acquainted with you; andhath fent your Worfhip a Morning’s Draught of Sack. Fal, Broom, 1s his Nameé Bard. Ay Sir. Fal. Call him in; fuch Brooms are welcome to me that .oerflows fuch Liquor. Ah! ah! Miftrefs Ford and Mittrefs Page, have I encompafs’d you’ Go to, via. Enter Ford difguis'd. Ford. Bicfs you, Sir. 3 Fal. And you, Sir; weuld you fpeak with me? — Ford. I make bold to prefs with fo little Preparation up- on, you. Fal. You're welcome; what's your Will? Give us leaves Drawer. Ford. Sir, I am a Gentleman that have fpent much; my Name 1s Broom. Fal. Good Maller Broom,I defire more Acquaintance of OU. : Ford. Good Sir oha, I fue for yours; not to charge you; for I muft let you underftand, I think my felf in better Plight for a Lender than you are, the which hath fome- thing embolden’d me to this unfeafon’d Intrufion; for they fay, if Mony go before, all Ways do lye open. Fal. Mony isa good Soldier, Sir, and will on. ° Ford. Troth, and I have a Bag of Mony here troubles me; if you will help to bear it, Sir ‘fohn, take all, or half, for eafing me of the Carriage. : Fal. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 149 Fal. Sir, 1 know not how I may deferve to be your Porter. Ford. Twill tell you, Sir, if you will give me the hearing. Fal. Speak, good Mafter Broom, I fhall be glad to be your Servant. Ford. Sir,’ 1 hear you are a Scholar, } will be brief with you, and you have been a Man long known to me, tho’ I had never fo good Means as Defireto make my felf acquaint- ed with you: I fhall difcover a thing to you, wherein I muft very much lay open mine own Imperfection; but, good Sir Fohn, as you have one Eye upon my Follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn another into the Regifter of your own, that I may pafs with a Reproof the eafier; fith you your felf know how eafie it is to be fuch an O ffen- der. Fal. Very well, Sir, proceed. | Ford. There is a Gentlewoman in this Town, her Hul- band’s Name is Ford. Fal. Well, Sirs Ford. 1 have long lov’d her, and, I proteft to you, be- fow’d much on her, follow’d her with a doating Obfer- vance, ingrofs’d Opportunities to. mect her, feed every flight Occafion that could but niggardly give me fight of her; not only bought many Prefents to give her, but have given largely to many, to know what fhe would have gt- ven: Briefly, I have purfu’d her, as Love hath purfu’d me, which hath been on the Wing of all Occafions. But what- foever I have merited, either in my Mind, or in my Means, Meed I am fure I have received none, unlefs Experience be a Jewel I have purchas’d at an infinite rate, and that hath taught me to fay this. « Love like a Shadow flies, when Subftance Love pur{ites; «© Pur{wing that that flies, and flying what purfues. Fal. Have you receiv’d no Promife of Satisfa@tion at her Hands? Ford. Never. . Fal. Have you importun’d her to fuch a Purpofe ¢ Ford. Never. Fal, OF what Quality was your Love then? Se Se Ford. ; "bg 7 7 150 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Ford. Like a fair Houfe built on another Man’s Ground, fo that I have loft my Edifice, by miftaking the Place where I erected it. - _ Fal. To what purpofe have you unfolded this to me2 . Ford. When I have told you that, I have told you all. Some fay, that tho’ the appear honeft to me, yet in- other Places fhe enlargeth her Mirth fo far, that there is fhrewd Conftruction made of her. Now, Sir Fohn, here is the Heart of my Purpofe: You are a Gentleman of excellent Breeding, admirable Difcourfe, of great Admittance, aus thentick in your Place and Perfon, generally allow’d for your many War-like, Court-like, and learned Preparations, Fal, O Sir! : ford, Believe it, for you know it; there is Mony, fpend it, {pend it, {pend more, {pend all I have, only give me fo much of your time in exchange of it, as to lay an amiable Siege to the Honefty of this Ford's Wife; ufe your Art of Wooing, win her to confent to you; if any Man may, you” May asfoon as any. es Fal. Would it apply well to the Vehemence of your Af- fection, that I thould win what you would enjoy? Me- thinks you prefcribe to your felf very prepofteroufly. Ford. O, underftand my drift; the dwells fo fecurely on the Excellency of her Honour, that the Folly of my Soul - dares not prefent it felf; the is too bright to be look’d 2- gainft. Now could I come to her with any Dete@ion in my Hand, my Defires had Inftance and Argument to com- mend themfelves; I could drive her then from the Ward of her Purity, her Reputation, her Marriage-Vow, and a thoufand other her Defences, which now are too ftrongly embattail’d againft me, What fay you to’t, Sir Fobn? Fal. Mafter Broom, 1 will firlt make bold with your Mo- ny; next, give me your Hand; and Jaft, as I am a Gentle- man, you fhall, if you will, enjoy Ford’s Wife. Ford. O good Sir! fal. I fay, you fhall. | 7 . Ford. Want no Mony, Sir Yobn, you thall want none. Fal, Want no Miftrefs Ford, Matter Broom, you fhall want none; I fhall be with her, I may tell you, by her own Appointment. Even as you came in to me, her ge ss * or : : . af Pole ul U f a) lye a it aT aK } i 14 At a = —= wise = ’ = The Mevry Wives of Windfor 151 Go-between, parted from me: I fay, I fhall be with her be- tween ten and eleven; for at that time the jealous rafcally Knave, her Husband, will be forth; come you to me at Night, you fhall know how I {peed. | Tord, I am bleft in your Acquaintance: Do you know Ford, Sir? Fal, Hang him, poor cuckoldy Knave, I know him not: Yet I wrong him, to call him poor; they fay, the jealous wittolly Knave hath maffes of Mony; for the which his Wife feems tome well-favourd. 1 will ufe her as the Key of the Cuckold-Rogue’s Coffer ; and there’s my Harvelt- home. Ford. I would you knew Ford, Sir, that you might avoid him, if you faw him. Fal. Hang him, mechanical-falt-buttcr Rogue; I will ftare him out of his Wits; I will awe him with my Cud- gel; it fhall hang like a Meteor o’er the Cuckold’s Horns. Matter Broom, thou fhale know I will predominate over the Pefant, and thou fhalt lye with his Wife: Come to me foon at Night; Ford's a Knaves and I will aggravate his Stile : Thou, Matter Broom, {halt know him for Knave and Cuckold ; come to me fooa at Night. [ Exit. Ford. What a damn’d Epicurean Rafeal is this¢ My Heart is ready to crack with Impatience. Who fays this is improvident Jealoufie? My Wife hath fent to him, the Hour is fixt, the Match is mde: Would any Man have thought this?. See the Hell of having a fife Woman; my Bed fhali-be abus’d, my Coffers ranfack’d, my Reputation gnawn at, and I fhall.not only receive this villainous Wrong, but ftand under the adoption of abominable Terms, and by him that does methis Wrong. Terms, Names; Amaimon founds well, Lucifer well, Barbafon well, yet they are Devils additions, the Names of Fiends; but Cuckold, Witrol-Cuckold! the Devil himfelf hath not fuch a Name. Page is an AG, a fecure Afs, he will truft his Wife; he will not be jealous: I will rather truft a Fleming with my Botter, Parfon Hugh, the Welch- ~- man, with my Cheelc, an Trifh-man with my Aqua-vite Bot- tle, or a Thief to walk my ambling Gelding, than my Wife with her felf: Then the plots, then fhe ruminates, then fhe devifes: and what they think in their Hearts they may ef- fed, they will break their Hearts but they will effect. Hea- L 4 ven <= th} J i | W) 4 "| i ee | Fa ah} 4 raat ain S| | 4) as 4 : ee ae |) be i ' \ i ti ah! ’ " Vi ] \ ag J — pin Pia 5 = SSS Shei s — ay =: I } \ 0 | ny f { "i ] iy iT ei olf Hy 4 1» } Hil ty i if M 4 . ae 152 The Merry Wives of Windfor. ven be prais’d for my Jealoufie. Eleven o’Clock the Hour; I will prevent this, dete my Wife, be reveng’d on Fal. Staff, and laugh at Page: I will about it; better three Hours too foon than a Minute too late. Fie, fie, fie; Cuckold, Cuc- kold, Cuckold. 7 (Exit, DAG ENE: - HI. Enter Caius and Rugby. Caius. Fack Rugby! Rug. Sir. Caius. Vat is de Clock, Fack? Rug. Tis paft the Hour, Sir, that Sir Hugh promis'd to meet. Cains. By gar, he has fave his Soul, dat he is no come; he has pray his Pible well, dat he is no come: By gar, Fack Rugby, he is dead already, if he be come. Aug. He is wife, Sir; he knew your Worthip would kill him, if he came. | Cains. By gar, de Herring is no dead fo as I vill kill him; take your Rapier, Yack, I yill tell you how I vill kill him. Rug. Alas, Sir, I cannot fence. Caius. Villany, take your Rapier. Kug. Forbear; here’s Company. | Enter Holt, Shallow, Slender and Page. Hoft, *Blefs thee, Bully-Do@or. Shal. “Save you, Mr. Do@or Gaius. Page. Now, good Mr. Door. Slen, Give you Good-morrow, Sir. | | Caius. Vat be all you, one, two, tree, four, come for 2 Hoft. To fee thee fight, to fee thee foigne, to fee thee traverfe, to feethee here, to fee thee there, to fee thee pafs thy Punéto, thy Stock, thy Reverfe, thy Diftance, thy Montant. Is he dead, my Ethiopian? Is he dead, my Fran- cifco? Ha, Bully? What fays My Efculapins ? my Galen? By Heart of Elder? Ha? is he dead, Bully-ftale2 is he ead 2, | Caius. By gar, he is de Coward Fack-Prieft of de Vorld; he is not fhow his Face. Hof. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 153 Hoff. Thou art a Caftalion-king-Urinal : Hettor of Greece, my Boy. Cains. 1 pray you bear Witnefs, that me have ftay fix or feven, two tree Hours for him, and he is no come. Shal, Heis the wifer Man, Mr. Doéor; he is a Curer of Souls, and you a Curer of Bodies: If you fhould fight, you go againft the hair of your Profeffions: Is it not true, Mafter Page Page. Mafter Shallow, you have your felf been a great Fighter, tho’ now a Man of Peace. Shal. Body-kins, Mr. Pages tho’ I now be old, and of peace, if I fee a Sword out, my Finger itches to make one; tho’ we are Juftices, and Doors, and Church-men, Mr. Page, we have fome Salt of our Youth in us; we are the Sons of Women, Mr. Pages Page. Tis true, Mr. Shallow. Shal. It will be found fo, Mr. Page. Mr. Doctor Cains, I am come to fetch you home; I am {worn of the Peace; you have fhew’d your felf a wife Phyfician, and Sir Hugh hath fhown himfelf a wife and patient Church-man: You muft go with me, Mr. Doctor. | Hoff. Pardon, Guelt-Juftice; a Monfieur Mock-water. Caius, Mock-water? Vat is dat 2 Hoft. Mock-water, ‘in our Englifo Tongue, is Valour, Bully. Cains, By gar, then I have as much Mock-water as de Ex- glifh-man : Scurvy-Jack-dog-Prieft; by gar, me vill cut his Ears. | Hoft. He will clapper-claw thee tightly, Bully. Cains. Clapper-de-claw? Vat is dat? Hoff. That is, he will make thee amends, Cains. By gar, me do look he fhall clapper-de-claw me; for by gar, me vill have it. Hoff. And I will provoke him to’t, or let him wag. Caius. Me tanck you for dat. Hoff. And moreover, Bully ; but firft, Mr. Gueft, and Mr. Page, and eck Cavalerio Slender, go you through the Town to Frogmore. Page. Sit Hugh is there, is he? Hoff. He is there; fee what Humour he is in; and I will bring the Dodtor. about the Fields: Willit do well? Shal. 154 ‘The Merry Wives of Wind{or. Shal. We will do it. ‘ All, Adieu, good Mr. Doctor. [Ex. Page, Shal. andSlen, Caius. By gar, me vill kill de Prieft; for he {peak for a ack-an Ape to une Page. ” Hoft. ‘Let him die; fheath thy Impatience ; throw cold Water on thy Choler; go about the Fields with me through Frogmore; I will bring thee where Mittrefs Anne Page is, ata Farm-Houfe a feafting, and thou fhalt woo her Cride-game; faid I well? | | Caius. By gar, me dank you vor dat: By gar I love you; and I fhall procure ’a you de good Gueft; de Earl, de Knight, de Lords, de Gentlemen, my Patients. Hoft. For the which I will be thy Adverfary toward “Ane Page: Said I well? Caius. By gar, ’tis good; vell faid. Hoff. Let us wag then, Come at my Heels, Fack Rugby. | [Exeunt, ~ Ae Goi ua SACEON Boe Enter Evans and Simple. Se eS a a ate ES ee SS — = =" —— = ~ : i — === —— SS > ee Sop oat: n= = SS a os = ; = = == -—=>5 = : : ——— SS = = => aa mi ——— oa - — ~~ <= —-> SE 5 “=< e > = == fe = Se =a = : = : > = = ss : = = a 2 = — SS = = [aes > = > SS SS See ae == = a =e — Ss Se ee — ~~ =: + ac eg ——— == i = = ~ = == hoe — > “gas = oS = = -- = < St ee = 2 ee ee == = SSeS ‘ Eva. ¥ Pray you now, good Mafter Slexder’s Serving-man, and Friend Simple by your Name, which way have you look’d for Mafter Caius, that calls himfelf Doctor of- Phyfick. Simp. Marry Sir, the Pitty-wary, the Parkoward, every way, old Windfor way, and every way but the Town way. Eva. 1 moft: fehemently defire you, you will alfo look that way. Simp. 1 will, Sir. . Eva. “Plefs my Soul, how full of Chellars I am, and _ trempling of Mind! I fhall be glad if he have deceiv'd me; how melanchollies I am! I will knog his Urinals about his Knaves Coftard, when I have good opportunities for the Orke: ’Plefs my Soul: To fhallow Rivers, to whofe Falls melo- dious Birds fings Madrigalls; There sill we make our Peds of Rofes, and a thoufand fragrant Pofies. To fhallow ; Mercy on me, I have a great difpofition to cry. Aelodious Birds jug Madrigal When as I fat in Pabilon; and a thoufand va- gram Pofies, To fhallow, &c. Simp. 4 == = — + : «~ I ty sae 1! ott AM q a PT 49 Delta! ‘ ' nil} iy | ¢ Wy ' ae th 4) Mit, 1H ne “ay i) = Ss oo = St oo ae en oem = 3 et a > SS eS = Se Se _ Sse 2 SS % The Merry Wives of Windfor. 155 Simp. Yonder he is coming, this way, Sir Hugh. Eva. He’s welcome. To fhallow Rivers, to whofe Falls---- Heaven profper the Right: What Weapons is he? Simp. No Weapons, Sir; there comes my Matter, Mr. Shallow, and another Gentleman, from Frogmore, over the Stile, this way. Eva. Pray you give me my Gown, or elfe keep it in your Arms. Enter Page, Shallow and Slender. Shal, How now, Matter Parfon? Good-morrow, good Sir Hugh. Keep a Gamefter from the Dice, and a good Stu- dent from his Book, and it 1s wonderful. Slen. Ah {weet Anne Page. Page. Save yous good Sir Hugh. Eva. ’Plefs you from his Mercy-fake, all of you. Shal. What? The Sword and the Word? Do you ftudy them both, Mr. Parfon ¢ Page. And youthful ftill, in your Doublet and Hofe, this raw-rumatick Day ¢ Eva. There is Reafonsand Caufes for it. Page. We are come to you, to do a good Office, Mr. Parfon. Eva. Ferry well: What is it? Page. Yonder is a moft reverend Gentleman, who, belike, having receiv'd Wrong by fome Perfon, is at moft odds with his own Gravity and Patience, that ever you faw. Sha, I have liv'd fourfcore Years, and upward; I never heard a Man of his Place, Gravity and Learning, fo wide of his own Refpect. Eva. What is he? Page. 1 think you know him; Mr. Doctor Cains, the re- nowned French Phyfician. Eva. Got’s Will, and his Paflion of my Heart, I had as lief you fhould tell me of a mefs of Porridge. Page. Why? | Ev. Hehas no more Knowledge in Hibocrates and Galen; and he is a Knave befides, a cowardly Knave as you would defire to be acquainted withal. Page. 1 warrant you, he’s the Man ‘fhould fight with im. Slen. O fweet Anne Pages Enter 156 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Enter Hoft, Caius and Rugby. Shal, It appears fo by his Weapons: Keep them afunder; here comes Doctor Caius. Page. Nay, good Mr. Parfon, keep in your Weapon. Shal. So do you, good Mr. Doétor. Hoff. Difarm them, and let them queftion; let them keep their Limbs whole, and hack our Exgli/p. | Caius, I pray you let-a me {peak a Word with your Ear: Wherefore vill you not meet-a me2 Eva. Pray you ufe your Patience in good time. Caius. By gar, you are deCoward, de Fack Dog, Fobn Ape. | | roa Pray you let us not be Laughing-ftocks to other Mens Humours; Idefire you in Friendfhip, and will one way or other make you amends: I will knog you your Uri-. nal about your Knave’s Cogs-comb. Caius. Diable Fack Rugby, mine Hott de Farteer, havel not {tay for him, to kill him? have I not at de Place I did appoint ¢ Eva. AsI ama Chriftian’s-foul, now look you, this is the Place appointed; I'll be judgment by mine Hoft of the Garter. | Hoft. Peace, 1 fay, Gallia and Gaul, French and Welch, Soul-curer and Body-curer. Cains. Ay dat is very good, excellant. Hoft. Peace, I fay; hear mine Hoft of the Garter. Am I Politick¢ am I Subtle? am I a ALachivel 2 Shall I lofe my Dotor? No; he gives me the Potions and the Motions. Shall I lofe my Parfon? my Prieft? my Sir Hugh ? No; he gives me the Proverbs and the No-verbs. Give me thy Hand, Celeftial, fo. Boys of Art, I have de- ceived you both: I have dire&ed you to wrong Places; your Hearts are mighty, your Skins are whole, and let burn’d Sack be the Iffue. Come, lay their Swordsto pawn. Follow me, Lad of Peace, follow; follow, follow. Shal. Truft me, a mad Hoft. Follow, Gentlemen, fol- low. Slen, O {weet Anne Page. [| Ex. Shal. Slen.Page and Holt. Cains. Ha’ do I perceive dat? Have you make a-de-fot of ‘us, ha, ha? ee | | Eva. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 157 Eva. This is well, he has made us his Vlowting-ftog: 1 defire you that we may be Friends; and let us knog our Prains together, to be revenge on this fame fcall Scurvy- cogging Companion, the Hoft of the Garter. Caius. By gar, with all my Heart; he promife to bring me where is Anne Pages by gar, he deceive me too. Eva. Well, I will {mite his Noddles; pray you follow. 6 GEN. Ese Enter AMiftrefs Page and Robin. Mrs. Page. Nays keep your way, little Gallant; you were wont to be a Follower, but now you are a Leader. Whe- ther had you rather lead mine Eyes, or eye your Matter's Heels ¢ Rob. I had rather, Forfooth, go before you like a Man, than follow him like a Dwarf. Mrs. Page. O you are a flattering Boy; now, I fee you'll be a Courtier. Enter Ford. Ford. Well met, Miftrefs Page; whether go you? Mrs. Page. Truly Sir, to fee your Wife; is fhe at home? Ford. Ay, and as idle as fhe may hang together for want of Company; | think if your Husbands were dead, youtwo would marry. Mrs..Page. Be fure of that, two other Husbands. Ford. Where had you this pretty Weather-cock 2 Mrs. Page. I cannot tell what the dickens his Name ts my Husband had him of: What do you call your Knights Name; Sirrah? Rob. Sir Fohn Falftaff. 3 Mrs. Page. He, he; I can never hit on his Name; there is fuch a League between my good Man and he. Is your Wife at home, indeed 2 Ford. Indeed fhe is. Mrs. Page. By your leave, Sir; Tam fick till I fee her. [Exeunt Mrs. Page and Robin. Ford. Has Page any Brains? hath he any Eyes? hath he any thinking? fure they fleep; he hath no ufe of them. Why, this Boy will carry a Letter twenty Mile, as eafie as a Cannon will fhoot point-blank twelve-fcore; he pieces out 7 at “ pe os td = _s = ars ~ — ES — ———— ———__— ae Se F ro re a => Jae = Se = = = =< >= — a Se * 3 ae = — —— Sta -4 - —— —— = = 53 The Merry Wives of Windfor. out his Wife’s Inclination, he gives her Folly Motion and Advantage, and now fhe’s going to my Wife, and Falftaff's Boy with her. A Man may hear this Shower fing in the Wind; and Falfaff’s Boy with her! Good Plots; they are laid, and our revolted Wives fhare Damnation together. Well, I will take him, then torture my Wife, pluck the borrowed Vail of Modefty from the fo feeming Miftrefs Page, divulge Page himfelf for a fecure and wilful Afteon, and to thefe violent Proceedings all my Neighbours fhall cry aim. The Clock gives me my Qu, and my Aflurance bids me fearch; there I thall find Falftaff: 1 thall be rather praifed for this than mocked; for it is as pofitive as the Earth is firm, that Fal/ffaff is there : I will £0. Enter Page, Shallow, Slender, Hoft, Evans and Caius. Shal. Page, &c. Well met, Mr. Ford. — Ford. Traft me, a good Knot: I have good Cheer at home, and I pray you all go with me. Shal. 1 mutt excufe my felf, Mr. Ford. Slen. And fo muft I, Sir; We have appointed to dine with Miftrefs Aune, And I would not break with her for more Mony Than Vl fpeak of. Shal. We have linger’d about a Match between Ayne Page and my Coufin Slender, and this Day we thall have our Anfwer. Slen. I hope I have your good Will, Father Page. Page. You have, ‘Mr. Slender, 1 ftand wholly for you; but my Wife, Mafter Do@or, is for you altogether. Cains. Ay, be gar, and de Maid is love-a-me: My Nurfh- a- Quickly tell me fo muth, loft. What fay you to young Mr. Fenton? he capers, he dances, he has Eyes of Youth, he writes Verfes, he {peaks Holy-Day, he {mells April and May, he willcarry’t, he will carry’t, ’tis in his Buttons, he will carry’t. Page. Not by my Confent, I promife you: The Gentle- man is of no having, he kept Company with the wild Prince, » and Poinz; he is of too high a Region, he knows too much; © no, he fhall not knit a Knot in his Fortunes, with the Finger of my Subftance. If he take her, let him take her fimply ; the Wealth I have waits on my Confent, and my Confent goes not that way. Fords The Merry Wives of Windfor, 159 Ford. 1 befeech you heartily, fome of you go home with me to Dinner; befides your Cheer you fhall have Sport; I will fhew you a Monfter. Mr. Door you fhall go, fo fhall you Mr. Page, and you Sir Hugh. Shal. Well, fare you well: We fhall have the freer Wooing at Mr. Page’s. Caius. Go home, Fohn Rugby, 1 come anon. Hot. Farewel, my Hearts; I will to my honeft Knight, Falftaff, and drink Canary with him. Ford, Uthink I fhall drink in Pipe-Wine firft with him : Vl] make him dance. Will you go, Gentles ¢ All, Have with you to fee this Monfter. [ Exeunt. 6 CG Bo Nik ie Enter Mijftre{s Ford, Adijftre/s Pages and Servants with a Basket. Mrs. Ford. What Fohn? what Robert ? Mrs. Page. Quickly, quickly? Is the Buck-basket-—— Mrs. Fords I warrant. What Robi, I fay. Mrs. Page. Come, come, come. Mrs. Ford. Here, fet it down. | Mrs. Page. Give your Menthe Charge, we muft be brief. Mrs. Ford. Marry, as I told you before, Fohn and Roberts be ready here hard-by in the Brew-Houfe, and when I fud- denly call you, come forth, and, without any paufe or ftag- gering, take this Basket on your Shoulders; that done, trudge with it in all hafte, and carry it‘among the Whititers «9 Datchet-Mead, and there empty it in the muddy Ditch, clofe by the Thames fide. Mrs. Page. You will do it? (reGtion. Mrs. Ford. 1 ha’ told them over and over ; they lack no Di- Be gone, and come when you are call’d. Mrs. Page. Here comes little Robin. Enter Robin. Mrs. Ford. How now, my Eyas-Musket, what News with youé Rob. My Matter, Sir Hohn, is come in at yout Back-door; Miftrefs Ford, and requefts your Company. Mrs. Page. You little Jack-a-lent, have you been true to us¢ | Rob. 160 = The Merry Wives of Windfor. Rob. Ay, I'll be {worn; my Matter knows not of your being here, and hath threaten’d to put me into everlafting | Liberty, if I tell you of it; for he fwears he’ll turn me a- way. Mrs. Page. Thou’rt a good Boy;' this Secrecy of thine fhall be a Tailor to thee, and fhall make thee anew Doublet and Hofe. I'll go hide me. Mrs. Ford. Do fo ; go tell thy Mafter I am alone; Mi- ftrefs Page, remember you your Qu. [£x. Robin, Mrs. Page. I warrant thee; if I do not act it, hifs me, | Exit Afrs. Page, Mrs. Ford. Goto then; we'll ufe this unwholefome Hu- midity, this grofs watry Pumpion, we'll teach him to know Turtles from Jays, Enter Falftaff. Fal. Have I caught thee, my heav’nly Jewel? Why, now let me die; for I have liv’d long enough: This is the Period of my Ambition; O this blefled Hour ! Mrs. Ford. O {weet Sir Fobn. Fal, Mittrefs Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate, Miftrefs Ford: Now thall I fin in my With. I would thy Husband were dead, I'll {peak it before the beft Lord, I would make : thee my Lady. Mrs. Ford. I your Lady, Sir ohn? Alas, 1 thould be a pitiful Lady. Fal, Let the Court of France thew me fuch another; I fee how thine Eye would emulate the Diamond: Thou haft the right arched-beauty of the Brow, that becomes the Ship-Tire, the Tire-Valiant, or any Tire of Venetian Ad= mittance. : Mrs. Ford. A plain Kerchiffe, Sir Fobn: My Brows become nothing elfe, nor that well neither. Fal. Thou art a Tyrant to fay fo; thou wouldft make an abfolute Courtier, and the firm fixure of thy Foot would -§ive an excellent Motion to thy Gate, in a femicircled Far- thingale. I fee what thou wert, if Fortune thy Foe were not, Nature thy Friend: Come, thou canft not hide it. Mrs. Ford. Believe me, there’s no fuch thing in me. Fal. What made me love thee? Let that perfuade thee: There’s fomething extraordinary in. thee. Come, I cannot cog, and fay, thou art this and that, like a many of thefe oe lifping rd . The M evry Wives of Windfor. 161 lifping Haw-thorn Buds, that come like Women in Mens Apparel, and fmell like Buck/ers-Berry in fimpling-time: I cannot; but I love thee, none but thee; and thou defer- vett it. Mrs. Ford. Do not betray me, Sir;~I fear you love Miftrefs Page. Fal. Thou might’ft'as well fay, I love to walk by the Connter-Gate, which is as hateful to me as the reck of a Lime-kiln. Mrs. Ford. Well, Heav’n knows how I love you, and you fhall one day find it. Fal. Keep in that Mind; I'll deferve it. Mrs. Ford. Nay, I muft tell you, fo you do; or elfe I could not be in that Mind. Rob. [Within.| Miltrefs Ford, Miftrefs Ford, here’s Miftrefs Page at the Door, fweating, and blowing, and looking wild- ly, and would needs fpeak with you prefently. Fal. She fhall not fee me; I will enfconce me behind the Arras. Mrs. Ford. Pray you do fo; the’s a very tatling Woman. Enter Miftrefs Page. What’s the matter? How now ¢ Mrs. Page. O Miftrefs Ford, what have you done? You're fham’d, y’are overthrown, y’are undone for ever. Mrs. Ford. What’s the Matter, good Miftrefs Page ? Mrs. Page. O well-a-day, Miftrefs Ford, having an ho- neft Man to your Husband, to give him fuch caufe of Su- {picion. Mrs. Ford. What caufe of Sufpicion? Mrs. Page. What caufe of Sufpicion? Out upon you; how am I miftook in you? Mrs. Ford. Why, alas! what's the Matter ? Mrs. Page. Your Husband’s coming hither, Woman, with all the Officers in Wizdfor, to fearch for a Gentle- man that he fays is here now in the Honfe, by your Con- fent,: to take an ill Advantage of his Abfence. You are un- done. Mrs. Ford. ’Tis not fo, I hope. Mrs. Page. Pray Heav’n it be not fo; that you have fuch 4 Man here; but ’tis moft certain your Husband’s coming with half Wind/or at his Heels, to fearch for fuch a one. I Vou, I. M come 162 The’ Merry Wives of W indfor. come before to tell you; if you know your felf clear, why; I am glad of it; but if you have a Friend here, conyey, convey him out. Be not amaz’d, call ali your Senfes to you, defend your Reputation, or bid farewel to your good Life for ever. | | Mrs. Ford. What fhall I do? there 1s a Gentleman, my dear Friend; and I fear not my own Shame fo muchas his Peril. I had rather than a thoufand Pound he were out of the Houfe. Mrs. Page. For fhame, never ftand, you had rather, and you had rather; your Husband’s here at hand, bethink you of fome Conveyance; in the Houfe you cannot hide him. Oh, how have you deceiv'd me? Look, here is a Basket, if he be of any reafonable Stature, he may creep in here, and throw foul Linnen upon him, as if it were going to Bucking: Or it 1s whiting time, fend him by your two Men to Datchet-Mead, Mrs. Ford. He’s too big to go'in there: What fhall I do? Enter Faltaff. Fal. Let me fee’t, let me fee’r, O Ict me fee’t; Ti in, Pl in; follow your Friend’s Counfel 5 I'll in, Mrs. Page. What, Sir Sohn Falfaf, are thefe your Lets ters, Knigit? Fal. I love thee, help me away; let me creep in here: I'll never : | | He gets into the Basket, they cover him with foul Linnen. Mirs. Page. Help to cover your Matter, Boy: Call your Men, Mittrefs Ford. You diffembling Knight. Mrs, Ford. What, ‘John, Robert, ohn, go take up thefe Cloaths here, quickly. Where’s the Cowl-ftaff? Look how © you drumble: Carry, them to the Landrefs in Datchet- M.ad; quickly, come. ie | Enter Ford, Page, Caius amd Evans, | Ford. Pray you come near ; if I fufpect without Caufe, Why then make {port at me, then let me be your Jeft, I deferve it. How now? whither bear you this2 Serv. Tothe Landrefs, Forfooth. ge Mrs. Ford. Why, what have you to do whither they bear it? You were beft meddle with Buck-wafhing, Ford, the Merry Wives of Windfor. 163 Ford. Buck? I would I could wath my felf of the Buck: Buck, Buck, Buck, ay Buck: I warrant you Buck, and of the Seafon too, it fhall appear. ' [ Exeunt Servants with the Basket. Gentlemen, I have dream’d to Night, I'll tell you my Dream: Here, here, here be my Keys; afcend my Cham- bers, fearch, feek, find out. I'll warrant we'll unkennel the Fox. Let me ftop this way firft: So, now uncape. Page. Good Matter Ford, be contented: You wrong your felf too much. Ford. True, Matter Page. Up Gentlemen, you fhall fee Sport anon; follow me, Gentlemen. Eva, This is ferry fantaftical Humours and Jcaloufies. Caius. By gar, ‘tis no the Fafhion of France; it is not jealous in France [ Exeunt. Page. Nay; follow him, Gentlemen, fee the Iflue of his Search. | Manent Miftrefi Page and Miftrefs Ford. Mrs. Page. Is there not a double Excellency in this? Mrs. Ford. 1 know not which pleafes me better, that my Husband is deceiv’d, or Sir Fohn. Mrs. Page. What a taking was he in when your Husband ask’d who was in the Basket 2 Mrs. Ford. I am half afraid he will have need of wafhing; fo throwing him into the Water will do him a Benefit. Mrs. Page. Hang him, difhoneft Rafcal; I would all of the fame Strain were in the fame Diftrefs. Mrs. Fords I think my Husband hath fome fpecial Sufpicion of Falftaff’s being here! I never faw bim fo grofsin his J ea loufie ’till now. Mrs. Page. I will lay a Plot to try that, and we will yet have more Tricks with Fal/faff: His diflolute Difeafe will fcarce obey this Medicine. Mrs. Ford. Shall we fend that foolifh Carrion, Miftrefs Quickly, to him, and excufe his throwing into the Water, and give him another Hepe, to betray him to another Pu- nifhment ¢ Mrs. Page. We'll do it; let him be fent for to morrow by eight a Clock, to have amends. M 2 Re-enter SSS ee Soe 35 =e SS 164 ‘The Merry Wives of Windfor. rl€S. Re-enter Ford, Page; oe. Ford, I cannot find him; may be the Knave brage’d of tHat he could not compafs. Mrs. Page. Heard you that ? Mrs. Ford. You ufe me well, Mafter Ford, do you? | Ford, Ay, ay, I do fo. | Mrs. Page. Heav’n make you better than your Thoughts. Ford. Amen. Mrs. Page. You do yout felf mighty Wrong, Mr. Ford. Ford. Ay, ay; \ muft bear it. Eva. If therebeany pody inthe Houfe, and in the Cham- bers, andin the Coffers, and in the Prefles, Heav’n forgive my Sins. Caius. By gar, nor I too; there is no bodies. ° Page. Fie, fie, Mr. Ford, are you not afham’d 2? What Spirit, what Devil fuggefts this Imagination? 1 would not ha your Diftemper in this kind, for the Wealth of Windfor- Ca/file. 7 Ford. °Tis my Fault, Mr. Page: I fuffer for it. Eva. You fuffer for a pad Confcience; your Wife is as honeft a o’mans, as I will defires among five thoufand, and five hundred too. Caius. By gar, I fee *tis an honeft Woman. Ford, Well, I promis’d you a Dinner; come, come, walk in the Park. { pray you pardon me; I will hereafter make known to you why I have done this. Come Wife, come Miftrefs Pace, I pray you pardon me: Pray heartily pardon me, Page. Let’s goin, Gentlemen; but, truft me, we'll mock him. I do invite you to Morrow Morning to my Houle to Breakfaft, after we'll a birding together; I have a fine Hawk for the Bufh. Shall it be fo? _ Ford. Any thing. P Eva. If there is one, I fhall make two in the Company. Caius. Uf there be one or two, I fhall make-a the turd. Ford. Pray you go, Mr. Page. i Eva. 1 pray you now remembrance to morrow on the lowfie Knave, mine Hoft. Caius. Dat is good, by gar, with all my Heart. Eva. A lowfie Rnave, to have his Gibes, and his Mocke- [ Exeunt. §G-EN = The Merry Wives of Windfor. © 165 SCEN £°N. Enter Fenton and Adiffrefs Anne Page. Fent. I fee 1 cannot get thy Father’s Love; Therefore no more turn me to him, {weet Nan. Anne. Alas! how then? Fent. Why, thou muft be thy felf. He doth obje@ I am too great of Birth, And that my State being gall'd with my Expencey I feck to heal it only by his Wealth. : Befides thefe, other Bars he lays before me; My Riots paft, my wild Societies; And tells me, ’tis a thing impoflible I fhould love thee, but as a Property. Anne. May be he tells you true. Fent. No, Heav’n fo {peed me in my time to come, Albeit I will confefs, thy Father’s Wealth Was the farft Motive that 1 woo'd thee, une ; Yet wooing thee, | found thee of more value Thin Stamps in Gold, or Sums in fealed. Bags= And tis the very Riches of thy felf That now I aim at. Anne. Gentle Mr. Fenton, Yet feck my Father’s Love, till feek it, Sir: If Opportunity and humbleft Suit Cannot attain it, why then hark you hither. Enter Shallow, Slender and Miftrif/s Quickly. shal. Break their:Talk, Miftrefs Quickly 5 Myi Kinfman thall fpeak for himfelf. ‘len. Vl make a Shaft ora Bolt ont: ’D’slid *tis but ven- turing. Shal. Be not difmaid. Slen. Nos fhe thall not difmay me: I care not for that, but I-am affeard. Quic. Hark ye; Mr. Slender would {peak a word with you. “Fone. L come tohim. This is my Father's Choice. O, what a world of vile ill-favour’d Faults Look handfome in three hundred Pounds a Year? Quic. And how does good Matter Fenton s Pray you a word with you. Shal. » P) —————— at == = —— —— a - ae = 2 = = SS SS SSS =~ = = a de = ~ s = = ae, 2-= = ~ _ —_ is = Fy » — == rad Ss ¢ 2 “s ms = / 7 zi = ss ——— — oe = =e — a = = en 5 ed, = = Sa i = -~ = = ~ =. 3 =e te Sescn ———<—— = = == = - = ——— ~ S re - =e; > = Fax —— — = ———= —— == = — ~ =o 2s Se = = = = = = === 4 = = = = = = = SSS SS a == = = = = == == = = == + ——+ ss = = [SSS SSS SSS == = SS = = = = _—- => = es =— =—== -- -- SSS =a == =e —— ——== == SS SS = = — 166 The Merry Wives of Windfor Shal. She’s coming ; to her Coz, O Boy, thou hadft a Father! oe Slen. Vhada Father, Mrs. dune; my Uncle can tell you. pood Jeftsof him. Pray you, Uncle, tell Mrs. Aune the Jett, how my Father ftole two Geefe out of a Pen, good Un- cle. . | Shal. Miftrefs Anne, my Coufin loves you. Slen. Ay, that I do, as well as I love any Woman in Glo. cefter fire. | Shal. He will maintain you like a Gentlewoman. Slen. Ay, that I wills come cut. and long-tail, under the degree of a Squire. Shal. He wall make youa hundred and fifty Pounds Join- ture. une. Good Matter Shallow, let him woo for him: felf. | Shal, Marry, I thank you for it; I thank you for that. Good Comfort; the calls you, Coz: I'll leave you. Anne, Now Matter Slender. Shen. Now good Mittrefs Anne. Anne. What is your Will? Slem My Will? Od’s-heart-lings, that’s 2 pretty Jeft in- deed, I ne'er made my Will yet, I thank Heav’n; I am not fuch a fickly Creature, I give Heav’n Praife. — 4nne. I mean, Mr. Slender, what would you with me ¢ ) | Te Slem Truly for mine own part, I would little or nothing with you; your Father and my Uncle have made Motions; A if it be my luck, fo; if nor, happy Man be his:dole; they can tell you how things go better than I can; you may ask your Father ;: here he comes. ae | Enter Page and Miftre/s Page, aut Page. Now,. Matter Slender: Love him, Daughter ane. Why how now? What does Mafter Fenton here? You wrong me, Sir, thus ftill to haunt my Houfe: I tell you, Sir, my Daughter is difpos’d of, Fent. Nay, Matter Page, be not impatient. . Mrs. Page. Good Matter Fenton, come not to my Child. Page. She is no Match for you. Fent. Sir, will you hear me2 Page. No, good Matter Fenton. ? : Come, ‘ The Merry Wives of Windfor. 167. Come, Matter Shallow; come, Son Slender; 10. Knowing my Mind, you wrong me, Matter Fenton. [Exeunt Page, Shallow and Slender. Quic, Speak to Miftrefs Page. Font. Good Miftrefs Page, tor that I love your Daughter In fuch a righteous fafhion as [ do, Perforcé, againft all Checks, Rebukes and Manners, T muft advance the Colours of my Love, And not retire. Let me have your good Will. Anne. Good Mother, do not marry me:to yon Fool. Mrs. Page. I mean it not, [ feek you a better Husband. Quic. That’s my Matter, Mafter Doctor. “June. Alas I had rather be fet quick i’th’ Earth, And bowl’d to Death with Turneps. Mrs. Page. Come, trouble not your felf, good Matter Fenton, I will not be your Friend nor Enemy : My Daughter will I queftion how fhe loves yaus And as I find her, fo am I affected. Till then, farewel Sir; fhe muft needs go in, Her Father will be angry. (Ex. Adrs. Page and Anne. Fent. Farewel, gentle Miftrefss farewel Van. Quic. This is my doing now. Nay, faid I, will you caft away your Child on a Fool, and a Phyfician¢ 3 Look on Mafter Feston: This ismy doing. Fent. I thank thee; and I pray thee once to Night, Give my fweet Nan this Ring: There’s for thy Pains. [E-xit. Quic. Now Heav’n fend thee good Fortune. A kind Heart he hath, a Woman would run through Fire and Water for fuch a kind Heart. But yet, I would my Mafter had Mi- refs Anne, or L would Mr. Slender had her; ory in footh, I would Mr. Feston had her. I will do what I can for them all three, for fo I have promis’d, and ['ll be as good as my Word, but fpecioufly for Mr. Fenton. Well, | muft of ano- ther Errand to Sir Fohn Falftaff from my two Miftrefles ; what a Beaft am I to flack it. ° [ Exit. Ss G-E N E UL Enter Falftaff and Bardolph. Fal. Bardolph, 1 fay. Bard. Here, Sir. M 4 Fal. 168 The Merry Wives of | Windfor. | Fal. Go fetch me a Quart of Sack, put a Toft in’t. Have I liv’d to be carry’d in a Basket, like a Barrow of Butchers - Offal, and to be thrown into the Thames? Well, if I be ‘ferv’d fuch another trick, Tl have my Brains ta’en out and butter'd, and give them toa Dog for a New-years Gift, The Rogues flighted me into the River, with as little Ree morfe asthey would have drown’d a blind. Bitch’s Puppies, fifteen i’th’ litter; and you may know, by my Size, that T have a kind of alacrity in finking: If the Bottom were as deep.as Hell, I fhould down. T had been drown’d, but that the Shore was fhelvy and thallow; a Death that I ab- hor; for the Water {wells a Man: And whata Thing fhould I have been when I had been fwell’d?: I thould have been a Mountain of Mummy. Bar. Here’s Miftrefs Quickly, Sir, to {peak with yout -- fal. Come, let me pour-in fome Sack to the Thames Water; for.my Belly’s as cold as if I had fwallow’d Snowe balls for Pills to cool the Reins. Call her in. Bard. Come in, Woman. Enter Mdiftrefs Quickly. Quic.. By your Leave: I ery you Mercy. « Give your Worfhip Good-morrow. | Fal. Take away thefe Challices : ' Go, brew me a Pottle of Sack finely. Bard, With Eggs, Sir? | Fal. Simple of it felf: I'll no Pullet-Sperm in my Brew- age. How now? 3 Quic. Marry, Sir, I come to your Worthip from Miftrefs Ford. . 3 , s Fal. Mittrefs Ford? 1 have had Ford enough ; I was thrown into the Ford; I have my Belly full of Ford. Quic. Alasthe Day! good Heart, that was not her Fault: ee does fo take on with her Men; they miftook their E- rection, Fal. So did I mine, to build on a foolifh Woman’s Pro- mife, | Quic. Well, the laments, Sir, for it, that it would yern your Heart to fee it. Her Husband goes this Morning a birding; fhe defires you once more to come to her, between eight and nine. I muft carry her Word quickly, fhe’ll make you amends, I warrant you, ! xe e Fal, \* 7 The Merry Wives of Windfor, 169 Fal. Well, I will vifit her; tell her fo, and bid her think what a Man is: Let her confider his Frailty, and then judge of my Merit. Quic. 1 will tell her. Ful. Do fo. Between nine and ten, fay’{t thou ¢ Oxic. Eight and nine; Sir. Fal, Well, be gone; I will not mifs her. QOuic. Peace be with. you, Sir. [ Exit. Fal. | marvel I hear not of Matter Broom; he fent me Word to ftay within: I like his Mony well. Oh, here he comes. ©, | Enter Ford. Ford. Blefs you, Sir. Fal. Now, Mafter Broom, you come to know what hath pa(s'd between me and Ford’s Wife. Ford. That indeed, Sir ‘Fohn, is my bufinefs. Ful. Matter Broom, 1 will not lie to you; I was at her Houfe the Hour fhe appointed me. Ford. And you fped, Siré Fal. Very ill-favour’dly, Mafter Broom. Ford. How Sir, did fhe change her Determination 2 Fal. No, Mr. Broom; but the peaking Cornuto her Huf- band, Mr. Broom, dwelling.in a continual larum of Jcalou- fie, comes in the inftant of our Encounter, after we had embrac’d, kifs’d, protefted, and as it were fpoke the Pro- logue of our Comedy; and at his Heels a rabble of his Com- panions, thither provok’d and inftigated by his Diftemper, and, forfooth, to fearch his Houfe for his Wife's Love. Ford. What, while you were there ¢ Fal. While I was there. Ford. And did he fearch for you,'and could not find you? Fal, You fhall hear. As good Luck would have it, comes sn one Miftrefs Page, gives Intelligence of Ford's Approach, and in her Invention; and Ford’s Wife's Diftraction, they convey’d me into @ Buck-basket. , Ford. A Buck-basket 2 : Fal. Yea, a Buck-basket; ramm’d me in with foul Shirts and Smocks, Socks, foul Stockings, and greafie Napkins, that, Mafter Broom, there was the rankeft Compound of villai- nous Smell that ever offended Noftril. Ford. And how long lay you there? | 7 Fal, 170 = The Merry Wives of Windfor. Fal. Nay, you fhall hear, Mafter Broom, what I have fuffer’d, to bring this Woman to evil, for your good, Be- ing thus cram’d in the Basket, a couple of Ford’s Knaves, his Hinds, were call’d forth by their Miftrefs, to carry me in the name of foul Cloaths to Datchet-lane ; they took me’on their Shoulders, met the jealous Knave their Matter in the Door, who ask’d them once or twice what they had in their Basket; I quak’d for Fear, leaft the Lunatick Knave would have fearch’d it; but Fate, ordaining he fhould be a Cuck- old; held his Hand. Well, on went he for a fearch, and a way went I for foul Cloaths; but mark the fequel, Mafter Broom, I fuffered the pangs of three feveral Deaths: Firft, an intolerable Fright, to be detected with a jealous rotten Bell-weather; next to be compafs’d, like a good Bilbo, in the circumference of a Peck, hilt to point, heel to head; and then to be ftopt in, like a ftrong Diftillation, with ftink- ing Cloaths, that fretted in their own Greafe: Think of REY * vy A that, a Man of my Kidney; think of that, that am as fub- jet to heat as Butter; a Man of continual diffolution and thaw; it was a miracle to {cape Suffocatior, And in the height of this’ Bath, when I was more than half ftew’d in Greafe, like a Dutch Difh, to be thrown into the Thames, and cool’d, glowing hot, in that ferge, like a Horfe-thoe3 think of that; hiffing hot, think of that, Mafter Broom. Ford. In good fadnefs, Sir, I am forry that for my fake you fuffer’d all this.. My Suic is then defperate; you'll un- dertake her no more? | | Fal. Matter Broom, 1 will be thrown into Erza, as I have been into Thames, eer I will leave her thus. Her Husband is this Morning gone a birding; I have receiv’d from: her another Ambaflie of meeting; ’twixt eight and nine is the Hour, . Mafter Broom. i: Ford. ’ Tis paft eight already, Sir. ag Fal. Is it? I will then addrefs me to my Appointment. Come to me at your convenient leifure, and you fhall know how I fpeed; and the Conclufion fhall be crown’d with-your enjoying her: Adieu, you fhall have her, Mafter Broom, Mafter Broom, you fhall cuckold Ford. nd Baits Ford. Hum! Ha! Is this a Vifion? Is this a Dream? Do I fleep? Matter Ford awake, awake Mafter Ford; there’s a Hole made in your beft Coat, Mafter Ford: This ’tis to \ ! The Merry Wives of Windfor. 171 be married! this *tis to have Linnen and Buck-baskets! Well, I will proclaim my felf what I am; I will now take the Leacher; he is at my Houfe; he cannot “fcape me ; tis impoflible he fhould; he cannot creep into a Half-penny Purfe, nor into a Pepper-box. But Jeft the Devil that” guides him fhould aid him, I will fearch impoflible places; tho’? what I am I cannot avoid, yet to be what I would not fhall not make me tame: If I have Horns, to make one mad, let the Proverb go with me; I'll be korn-mad. [ Exit. LOE TV: Se wN oe Enter Miftrefs Page, Miftre/s Quickly and William. Mrs. Page. T° he at Mr. Fora’s already, think’ft thou? Quic. Sure he is by this, or will be prefent- ly; but trnly he 1s very courageous mad, about his throwing into the Water. Mrs. Ford defires you to come fuddenly. Mrs. Page. Vil be with her by and by; Pll but bring my young Man here to School. Look where his Mafter comes; tis a Playing-day I fee. How now, Sit Hugh, no School to Day? Enter Evans. Eva. No; Malter Slender is let the Boys leave to play. Quic. Bleffing of his Heart. Mis. Page. Sir Hugh, my Husband fays my Son profits nothing in the World at his Book; I pray you ask him fome Queftions in his Accidence. Eva. Come hither, William; hold up your Head, come. Mrs. Page. Come Sirrah, hold up your Head; anfwer your Mafter, be not afraid. Eva. William, how many Numbers is in Nouns ¢ Will. Two. Quic. Truly, I thought there had been one Number more, becaufe they fay, od’s Nowns. Eva. Peace, your tatlings. What is, Fair, William ? Will., Pulcher.' Quic. Poulcats? There are fairer things than Poulcats, fure, Eva. 172 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Eva. You are a very fimplicity o’man; I pray you peace? What 1S, Lapis; William ? : Will, A Stone. Eva. And what is a Stone, William? Wilt. A Pebble. : Eva. No, it is Lapis: I pray you remember in your Prains Will. Lapis. , Eva. That is a good Wiliam: What is he, William, that does lend Articles2 Will. Articles are borrow’d of the Pronoun, and be thus deelin’d, Singulariter Nominativo, hic, hac, hoc. Eva. Nomuinativo, hig, bag, hog; pray you mark: Geni- tivo, hujus : Well, what is your Accufative Cafe 2 Will. Accufative, hinc, Eva. I pray you have your remembrance, Child, Accu- fativo, hing, hang, hog. | Quic. Hang hog is Latin for Bacon. I warrant you. Eva. Leave you Prabbles, o’man. What is the Focative Cafe, William? | Will. O, Vocativo, O. Eva. Remember William, Focative, is caret. Quic. And that’s a good Root. Eva. O’man, forbear. Mis. Page. Peace. Eva. What is your Genitive Cafe Plural, William? Wil. Genitive Cafe 2 Eva. Ay. Will. Genitive, horum, harum, horum. : =—,/ her, Child, if the be.a Whore. Eva. For fhame, o’man, Quic. You do ill to teach the Child fuch words: He teaches him to hic, and to hac, which they'll do faft enough of themfelves; and to call horum; fie upon you, - : Eva, O’man, art thou Lunacies? Haft thou no under- ftandings for thy Cafes, and the Numbers of the Genders? Hens art as foolifh Chriftian Creatures as I would. de- ires. . Mrs. Page. Prithee hold thy peace, Eva. - Ouic. ’Vengeance of Ginyes Cafe; fie on her; never name . The Merry Wives of Windfor. 173 Eva. Shew me now, William, fome Declenfions of your Pronouns. Will. Forfooth, I have forgot. Eva. It 1s Qui, q#és quod; if you forget your Oxies, your Ques, and your Quods, you muft be preeches: Go your ways.and play, $0- Mrs. Page. He is a better Scholar than I thought he was. Ewa. He isa good fprag Memory- Farewel, Mrs. Page. Mrs. Pagee Adieus good Sit Hugh. Get you home, Boy. Come we {tay too long. [ Exeunt. 6 sb aINewes, ah - Enter Falftaff and Miftre/s Ford. Fal. Miftrefs Ford, your Sorrow hath ‘eaten up my Suffe- rance; I fee you are obfequious in your Love, and I profefs Requital to a hairs breath, not only, Miftrefs Ford, in the fimple Office of Love, but in all the Accouftrement, Com- plement, and Ceremony of it. But are you fure of your Husband now ¢ Mts. Ford. He’sa birding, fweet Sir John. Mrs. Page, [within | What hoa, Goflip Ford ! what. hoa / Mrs. Ford. Step into th’ Chamber, Sir Fohn. (Ex. Falftaff. Enter Miftre{s Page. | Mrs. Page. How now, {weet Heart, who’s at home be- fides your felf¢ | Mrs. Ford. Why none but mine own People. Mrs. Page. Indeed ¢ Mrs. Ford. No certainly.—— Speak louder. Mrs. Page. Truly, I am fo glad you haye no body. here. Mrs. Ford. Why? . Mrs. Page. Why Woman, yout Husband is in his old Lines again; he fo takes on yonder with my Husband, fo rails againft all married Mankind, fo curfes all Eve's Daugh- ters, of what Complexion foever, and fo buffets himfelf on the Fore-head, crying pecr-out, pecr-out, that any Madnefs I ever yet beheld feem’d but Tamenefs, Civility and Pati- ence to this his Diftempet he is innow; 1 am glad the fat Knight is not here. Mrs. Ford. Why does he talk of him? Mrs. Page. 174 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Mrs. Page. Of none but him, and {wears he was carty’d out, the laft time he fearch’d for him, in a Basket; pros te{ts to my Husband he is now here, and hath drawn him and the reft of their Company from their Sport, to make another Experiment of his Sufpicion, but I am plad the Knight is not here; now he fhall fee his own Foolery. Mrs. Ford. How near is he, Miftrefs Page? Mrs. Page. Hard by, at Streets end, he will be here anon. Mrs. Ford. I am undone, the Knight is here. | Mrs. Page. Why then you are utterly fham’d, and he’s but a dead Man. What a Woman are you? Away with him, away with him, better Shame than Murther, Mrs. Ford. Which way fhould he go? How fhould I beftow him ? Shall I put him into the Basket again ¢ Enter Falftaff. fal. No, I'll come no more i’th Basket: May I not go out e’er he come 2 Mrs. Page. Alas, three of Mafter Fora’s Brothers watch the Door with Piftols, that none fhould iffue out, otherwife you might flip away e’er he came: But what make you here? Fal, What fhall I do? I'll creep up into the Chimney. Mrs. Ford. There they always ufe to difcharge their Birding-Pieces; creep into the Kill-Hole. Fal, Where is it 2 | | Mrs. Ford. He will feck there, on my Word: Neither Prefs, Coffer, Cheft, Trunk, Well, Vault, but he hath an Abftra& for the remembrance of fuch Places, and goes to them by his Note; there is no hiding you in the Houfe. Fal. I'll go out then. Mrs. Ford. If you go out in your own Semblance, you. die, Sir ohn, unlefs you go out difguis’d. How might we difguife him? | . Mrs, Page. Alafs-the-Day; I know not, there is no Wo- man’s Gown big enough for him, otherwife he might put ona Hat, a Muffler, and a Kercheif, and {o efcape. Fal.. Good Hearts, devife fomething ; any Extremity, ra- ther than Mifchief. Mrs. Ford. My Maid’s Aunt, the fat Woman of Brain- ford, has a Gown above. et Mrs. Page. On my Word it will ferve him, he’s as_big ashe is; and there’s her thrumb Hat, and her Muffler too. Run up. Sir Fobn Mrs. Ford. oe The Merry Wives of W indfor. 175 Mrs. Ford. Go, go, {weet Sir Sohn, Miftrefs Page and I will look fome Linnen for your Flead. Mrs. Page. Quick, quick, we'll come drefs you ftrat ht; put on the Gown the while. [ Exit Falttaff. Mrs. Ford. 1 would my Husband would meet him in this Shape, he cannot abide the old Woman of Brainforas he {wears fhe’s a Witch, forbad her my Houfe, and hath threatned to beat her. Mrs. Page. Heav’n guide him to thy Husband’s Cudgel, and the Devil guide his Cudgel afterwards. Mrs. Ford. But is my Husband coming ¢ Mrs. Page. AY in good Sadnefs is he, and talks of the Basket too, howfoever he hath had Intelligence. Mrs. Ford. We'll try that; for T’ll appoint my Men to carry the Basket again, to mect him at the Door with it, as they did laft time. Mrs. Page. Nay, but he'll be here prefently ; let’s go drefs him like the Witch of Brainford. Mrs. Ford. V'll firft direct my Men, what they fhall do with the Basket; go ups Pll bring Linnen for him ftraight. Mrs, Page. Hang him, difhoneft Varlet, We cannot mifufe him enough. We'll leave a Proof, by that which we will do, Wives may be merry, and yet honeft too. We do not act, that often jeft and Jaugh: *Tis old, but true, Still Swine eats all the Draugh. Mrs. Ford. Go Sirs, take the Basket again on your Shoul- ders; your Matter is hard at door; if he bid you fet itdown, obey him: Quickly, difpatch. Enter Servants with the Basket. : Serv. Come, come, take up. >» Serv. Pray Heav’n it be not full of the Knight again. + Serv. I hope not. I had as lief bear fo much Lead. Enter Ford, Shallow, Page, Caius and Evans. Ford. Ay, but if it prove true, Matter Page, have you any way then to unfool me again? Set down the Basket, Vil- lain; fomebody call my Wife: Youth in a Basket. Oh you panderly Rafcals, there’s a Knot, a Gang, 4 Pack, a Con- {piracy againft me; now fhall the Devil be fham’d. What, I fay, come, come forth, behold what honeft Cloaths you fend forth to bleaching. | € PAge. Ee == Sa <~ el sie = ss = =——— = =, bs = = > Le ee = 2 ~ i le > oe 2 ——. = =~ = sh a! eS = ———— oe 176 The Merry Wives of Windfor. ta! Page. Why, this pafles Mr. Ford; you are not to £0 loofe nay longer, you mutt be pinnion’d. Eva. Why, this is Lunaticks; this is mad as a mad Dog. Shal. Indeed, Mr. Ford, this is not well indeed. Ford. So fay Itoo, Sir. Come hither Miftrefs Ford, Miftrefs Ford, the honeft Woman, the modeft Wife, the virtuous Creature, that hath the jealous Fool to her Husband : I fufpec& without Caufe, Miftrefs, do 12 Mrs. Ford. Heav’n be my Witnefs you do, if you fufpe& me in any Difhonefty. | Ford. Well faid, Brazen-face, hold it out : Come forth, Sirrah. [Pulls the Cloaths out of the Basket. Page. This paffes, Mrs. Ford, Are you not afham’d, let the Cloaths alone. Ford, I thall find you anon. ) Eva. ‘Tis unreafonable; will you take up your, Wife’s Cloaths? Come away. Ford. Empty the Basket, I fay, Mrs. Ford. Why Man, why 2 : Ford. Mafter Page, as Tam a Man, there was one con- vey’d out of my Houfe Yefterday in this Basket: why may not he be there again? In my Houfe I am fure he is; my Intelligence is true, my Jealoufie is reafonable, pluck me out all the Linnen. Mrs. Ford. If you find a Man there, he fhall die a Flea’s death, | OR i _ Page. Here’s no Man. | | Shal. By my Fidelity this is not not well, Mr. Ford; this wrongs you. = | Eva. Mr. Ford, you mutt Pray, and not follow the Ima- ginations of your own Heart; this is Jealoufies. - Ford. Well, he’s not here I feek for. Page. No, nor no where elfe but in your Brain, - Ford. Help to fearch my Houfe this one time ; if I find not what I feek, fhew no colour for my Extremity ; let me'for ever be your Table-fport; let them fay of me, As jealous as Ford, that fearched a hollow Wall-nut for his Wives Lemman. Satisfie me once More, once more fearch - with me. : | Mrs. Ford. What hoa, Miftrefs Page! come you and the old Woman down; my Husband will come into the ~ Chamber. a i; The Merry Vives of Windfor. ‘177 Ford. Old Woman! What old Woman’s thaté Mrs. Ford. Why, it is my Maid’s Aunt of Brainford. Ford. A Witch, a Quean, an old cozening Quean; have I not forbid her my Houfe? She comes of Errands, does fhe? We are fimple Men, we do not know what’s brought to pafs under the Profeflion of Fortune-telling. She works by Charms, by Spells, by th’ Figure, and fuch dawbry as this 1s, beyond our Element; we know nothing. Come down, you Witch, you Hag you, come down, I fay. Mrs. Ford. Nay, good {weet Husband; good Gentlemen, let him not ftrike the old Woman. , Enter Falftaff in Womens Cloaths. Mrs. Page. Come Mother Prat, come, give me your Hand. Ford. Vil Prat her. Out of my Door youWitch, [Bears him. } you Hag, you Baggage, you Poulcat, you Runnion, out, out; Ill Conjure you, I'll Fortune-tell you. | Exit Fal. Mrs. Page. Are you not afham’d 2 I think you have kill'd the poor Woman. Mrs. Ford. Nay, he will do it; ’tis a goodly Credit for OUe ° Ford. Hang her, Witch. Eva. By yéa, and no, I think the o’man is a Witch in- deed: I like not when a o’man has a great Peard; 1 {py a great Peard under his Muffler. Ford. Will you follow, Gentlemen? I befeech you follow; fee but the Iffue of my Jealoufie; if I cry out thus upon no Trial, never truft me when I open again. Page. Let’s obey his Humour a little further : Come, Gentlemen. [Exeunt. Mrs. Page. Truft me he beat him moft pitifully. Mrs. Ford. Nay; by th’ Mafs that he did not; he beat him moft unpitifully, methought. Mrs. Page. Ul have the Cudgel hallow’d, and hung o’er the Altar, it hath done meritorious Service. Mrs. Ford. What think you? May we, with the warrant of Woman-hood, and the witnefs ofa good Confcience, pur- fue him with any further Revenge ¢ Mrs. Page. The Spirit of Wantonnefs is fure fcar'd out of him; if the Devil have him not in Fee-fimple, with Fine Vo. tL N and Ee —S he 178 The Merry Wives of Windfor, and Recovery, he will never, I think, in the-way of watte, attempt us again, Mrs. Ford. Shall we tell our Husbands how we have fer. ved him 2 Mrs, Page. Yes, by all means; if it be but to ferape the” Figures out of your Husband’s Brain. If they can find in their Hearts the poor unvirtuous fat Knight fhall be any further afli@ed, we two will ftill be the Minifters. Mrs. Ford. Vl warrant they'll have him publickly tham’d; and methinks there would be no period to the Jeft, fhould he not be publickly fham’d. Mrs. Page. Come to the Forge with it, then fhape it: I would not have things cool. [ Exeunt, SC ae N i HE Enter Holt and Bardolph. Bard. Sir, the German defires to have three of your Horfes; the Duke himfelf will be to Morrow at Court, and they are going to meet him. Hoff. What Duke fhould that be comes fo fecretly? I hear not of him in the Court: Let me fpeak with the Gen-- tlemen; they {peak Exgli fh? Bar. Sir, Vil ¢all them to you. Hoft. They fhall have my Horfes, but I’ll make them pay, Vl fawce them. They have had my Houfe a Week at Command; I have turn’d away my other Guefts; they mutt come off, I'll fawce them, come. [ Exewnt. eG NN ES TY. Enter Page, Ford, A4iffre/s Page, A4iftre/s Ford, and Evans. Eva. ’Tis one of the beft Difcretions of a o’man as ever I did look upon. Page. And did he fend you both thefe Letters at an in- {tant 2 | Mrs. Page. Within a quarter of an Hour. | Ford. Pardon me, Wife. Henceforth do what thou wilt; I rather will fufpe& the Sun with cold, _ Than thee with Wantonnefs; now doth thy Honour — Z The Merry Wives of Windfor. 179 In him that was of late an Heretick, As firm of Faith. | Page. ’Tis well, ’tis well; no more. Be not extream in Submiffion, as in Offence, But let our Plot go forward: Let our Wives Yet once again, to make us publick Sport, Appoint a Meeting with this old fat Fellow, Where we may take him, and difgrace him for it. Ford. There is no better way than that they {poke of. Page. How? to fend him Word they’ll meet him in the Park at Midnight? Fie, fie, he'll never come. Eva. You fay he hath been thrown into the River; and has been grievoufly peaten, as an old o’man ; methinks there fhould be Terrors in him, that he fhould not come; me- thinks his Flefh is punifh’d, he fhall have no Defires. Page. So think I too. Mrs. Ford. Devife but how you'll ufe him when he comes; And let us two devife to bring him thither. Mrs. Page. There is an old Tale goes, that Herne the Hunter, fometime a Keeper in Wind/or Forett, Doth all the Winter time at ftill of Midnight Walk round about an Oak, with great ragged Horns, And there he blafts the Tree, and takes the Cattle, And makes Milch-kine yield Blood, and fhakes a Chain In a moft hideous and dreadful manner. You have heard of fuch a Spirit, and well you know The fuperftitious idle-headed Eld Receiv’d, and did deliver to our Age This Tale of Herne the Hunter for a Truth. Page. Why yet there want not many that do fear In deep of Night to walk by this Herze’s Oak: But what of this? Mrs. Ford. Marry this is our Device; That Fal/taff at that Oak fhall meet with us. Page. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come. And in this Shape when you have brought him thither, What fhall be done with him? What is your Plot Mrs. Page. That likewife we have thought upon, and thus: Nan Page, (my Daughter) and my little Son, And three or four more of their Growth, we'll drefs Like Urchins, Ouphes, and Fairies, green and white, RS 2 With oe = -— = i ee SS 180 The Merry Wives of W indfor. With Rounds of waxen Tapers on their Heads, And Rattlés in their Hands; upon a fudden, As Falftaff, the, and I, are newly met, Let them from forth a Saw-pit rufh at once With fome diffufed Song: Upon their fight We two, in great Amazednefs, will fy; - Then let them all encircle him about, And Fairy-like to pinch the unclean Knight; And ask him why, that Hour of Fairy Revel, In their fo facred Paths he dares to tread In Shape prophane. Mrs. Ford.. And ’til) he tell the Truth, Let the fuppofed Fairies pinch him found, And burn him with their Tapers. Mrs, Page. The Truth being known, We'll all prefent our felves; dif-horn the Spirit, And mock him home to Windfor. Ford. The Children muft Be practis’d wellto this, or they'll ne’er do’t. Eva. I will teach the Children their Behaviours; and I will be like a Jack-a-napes alfo, to burn the Knight with my Taber. Ford. That will be excellent. Pil go buy them Vizards. _ Mrs. Page. My Wax fhall be the Queen of all the Fairies, finely attir’d in a Robe of white. Page. That Silk would I go buy, and in that time Shall Mr. Slender fteakmy Naz away, And marry her at Eaton. Go, fend to Falfaff ftraight. Ford. Nay, Vil to him again in name of Broom; He'll tell me all his Purpofe. Sure he’ll come. - : Mrs. Page, Fear not you that; go get us Properties And Tricking for your Fairies. Eva. Let us about it, It is admirable Pleafures, and ferry honeft Knaveries. _ [Exeunt Page, Ford and Evans. Mrs. Page. Go, Mrs. Ford, | Send quickly to Sir ‘fohn, to know his Mind. [Ex. A4rs. Ford. Vl to the Door, he hath my good Will, | And none but he to marry with Nan Page. That Slender, tho’ well landed, is an Ideot; — | And he my Husband belt of all affects: | The ae an The Merry Wives of Windfor. 184 The Doctor is well mony'd, and his Friends Potent at Court; he, none but he fhall have her, Tho’ twenty thoufand worthier came to crave her. (Exit. ce Noes y. Enter Holt and Simple. Hoff. What wouldft thou have Boor, what? Thick- skin, {pea ik, breathe, difcufs; brief, fhort, quick, frap. Simp. M: Try S$: r 25 come to {pe ak with Sit a fob 773 ‘Falftaff from Mr. — er. oft. -re’s his Chamber, his Honfe, his Caftle, his Standing-bed nd Truckle-bed; ‘tis pans ¢ about with the Stor y of the rodig ral, frefh an id new , kn ock and call; he’il {peak like an Anthropophag oinian unto eres e: Knock, I fay. Simp. There’s an old Woman, a fat Woman gone up In- to his Chamber; [ll be fo bold as flay, Su, rill fhe come down; I come to fpeak with her inde« d. Hoft. Ha! a fat Woman 2 The Knight may be robb'd: Pll call. a Knight! 3ully-Sir Fohe, freak from thy Lunes Military ; Art thou there? Ic ts thine Hoft, thine Eph efian calls. Enter Falftaff. Fa i H IW NOWs min < Holt é Hoft. Here's a Bol shemian-Tartar tarries the coming down of thy far Woman: Let. her delcetine Bully, let her de- hee my Chambers are honoura le, Fie, Privacy 2 Fic. © al. There was, mine Holt, an old fat Woman even now ick me, but fhe’s gone. Simp. Pray yous Sir, wast not the wile Woman of Brain- J 2 Fal. Ay marry was it, Muffelthell, ‘what would you W ‘th her 2 Simp. My Ma fter, Sir, my Mafter 5 tender fent to her, feeing “her go thro’ the Street, to know, Str, whether one Nym, Sir, that beguil’d him of a Chain, had the Chain, or no. ; Fal. 1 Spake with the old Woman about tt. Simp. And what fays fhe, I pray Siré ges > Ne 3 Fal. PE Pith 182 The Merry Wives of Windfor. guil’d Mafter Slender of his Chain, cozen’d him of it. Simp. I would I could have fpoken with the Woman her felf, I had other things to have fpoken with her too, from him. Fal. What are they? Let us know. Hoff. Ay, come; quick, Simp. I may not conceal them, Sir, Fioft. Conceal them, or thou dy’ft. Simp. Why, Sir, they were nothing but about Miftrefs une Page, toknow if it were my Mafter’s Fortune to have her or no. : fal. *Tis, *tis his Fortune. Simp. What, Sir 2 ) Fal. To have her, or no: Go; fay the Woman told mefo. Stmp. May I be bold to fay fo, Sir2 Fal. Ay Sir; like who more bold. Simp. I thank your Worfhip: I thall make my Matter glad with thefe Tidings. | Exit Simple. Afoft. Thou art clarkly ; thou art clarkly, Sir Fohn : Was there a wife Woman with thee2 . Fal, Ay, that there was, mine Hoff, one that hath taught me more Wit than ever I learn’d before in my Life; r and I paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for my learning, Exter Bardolph. Bard. Out alas, Sir, Cozenage; meer Cozenage. Fiofi. Where be my Horfes 2 Speak well of them, Var- letto. | Bard. Run away with the Cozeners; for{o foon asI came beyond Eaton, they threw me off from behind one of them in a Slough of Mire, and fet Spurs, and away; like three German Devils, three Door Fauftuffes. Hoft, They are gone but to meet the Duke, Villain, do not fay they be fled; Germans are honeft Men. Exter Evans, Eva. Where is mine Hoff ? Hoff. What is the Matter, Sir2 Eva. Have a care of your Entertainments ; there is a Friend of mine come to Town, tells me there is three Co- ztne rz Fal. Marry fhe fays, that the very fame Man that be. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 183 zen-Jermans that has cozén’d all the Hofts of Reading, of Maiden-Head, of Cole-Brooks of Horfes and Mony. [I tell you for good Will, look you, you are wile, and full of Gibes and ylouting-Stocks, and “tis not convenient you fhould be cozencd; fare you well. | Exite Enter Caius. Cains. Veris mine Hoff de Farteer ¢ Hoff. Here, Mafter Doctor, in Perplexity. and doubtful Delemma. Caius. U cannot tell vat 1s dat; but it is tell-a-me, dat you make a grand Preparation for a Duke de Famany; by my trot, der is no Duke dat the Court is know, to come: I tell you for good Will; adieu, [ Exit. Hoff. Hue and Cry, Villain, go; affift me, Knight, I am undone; fly, run, Hue and Cry, Villain, | am ‘undone. | Exit. Fal. I would all the World might be cozen’d, for I have been cozened and beaten toc. If it fhould come to the Ear of the Court, how I have been transformed, and how my Transformation has been wafh’d and cudgel’d, they would melt me out of my Fat, Drop by Drop, and liquor Fifher+ mens Boots with me; I warrant they would whip me with their fine Wits, ‘till L were as creft-faln as a dry’d Pear. I never profper’d fince I forfwore my {elf at Primero, Well, if my Wind were but long enough, I would repent. Now, whence come you ¢ Enter Miftrefs Quickly. Quic. From the two Parties, Forfooth. Fal, The Devil take one Party, and his Dam the other, and fo they fhall be both beftow’d; I have fuffer’d more for their Sakes, more than the villainous Inconftancy of Man’s Difpofition is able fo bear, Ouic, And have not they fuffer’d? yes, I warrant, {pe- cioufly one of them; Miftrels Ford, good Heart, is beaten black and blue, that you cannot fee awhite Spot about her. Fal, What tell’ thou me of black and blue? I was bea- ten my felf into all the Colours of the Rain-Bow; and I was like to be apprehended for the Witch of Brainford, but that my admirable Dexterity of Wit, my counterfeiting the A@tion of an old Woman deliver’d me, the Knave Conftable had fet me i’th’ Stocks, th’ common Stocks for a Witch. N 4 Onic. + eal ll M1 t 184 The Merry Wives of Windfor. 7 Oxic. Sir, let me fpeak with you in your Chamber, you — fhall hear how things go, and, I warrant, to your Content, Here is a Letter will fay fomewhat. Good Hearts, what a do is here to bring you together? Sure one of you doesnot ferve Heav'n well, that you are’fo crof’d, | fal, Come up into my Chamber. OE: Nee VE Enter Fenton and Hott. Floft. Matter Fenton, talk not to me, my Mind is heavy, I will give over all, — , Fent. Yet hear me {fpeak;. affift me in my Purpofe, And, as Iam 4 Gentleman, Vl give thee A hundred. Pound in Gold, more than your Lofs, Ffof?. I will hear you, Matter Fexton; and I will, at the leaft, keep your Counfel, Fent. From time to time I have acquainted you With the dear Love I bear to fair Anne Page, Who, mutually, hath anfwer'd my Affection, (So far forth as her felf might be her Chufer) Even to my With; I have a Letter from her Of fuch Contents, as you will wonder ats’ ‘Thy Mirth whereof, fo larded with my Matter, That neither fingly can be manifefted, Without the thew of both. Fat Sir Fobz Falftaff Flath a great Scene; the Image of the Jett T'll thew you here at large. Hark good mine Hoft; To Night at Herze’s Oak, jut ’twixt twelve and one; Mutt my fweet Wax prefent the Fairy Queen, The Purpofe why is here; in which Difguife, While other Jefts are fomething rank on Foot, Het Father hath commanded her to flip Away with Slender, and with him at Eaton Immediately to marry; the hath confented, Now Sir, Her Mother, even ftrong againft that Match, And firm for Door Ciivs, hath appointed — That he fhall likewife thuffle her away, While other Sports are tasking of their Minds, And at the Deanry, where a Prieft attends, Straight marry her; to this her Mother’s Plot | Exeunt. The Merry Wives of W indfor. 135 She, feemingly obedient, likewife hath Made Promife to the Doctor: Now thus it refts; Her Father means fhe fhall be all in White, And inthat Habit, when Slender fees his time To take her by the Hand, and bid her go, She fhall go with him. Her Mother hath intended, The better to devote her tothe Doétor, (For they muft all be mask’d and vizarded) That quaint in Green, fhe fhall be loofe enrob’d, With Ribbands-Pendant, flaring *bout her Head; And when the Door fpies his Vantage ripe, To pinch her by the Hand, and on that Token, The Maid hath given Confent to go with him. Hoff. Which means fhe to deceive? Father, or Mother? Fent. Both, my good Hoft, to go along with me, And here it refts, that you'll procure the Vicar To ftay for me at Church, ’twixt twelve and one, ° And in the lawful Name of marrying, To give our Hearts united Ceremony. Hoft. Well, husband your Device; I'll to the Vicar. Bring you the Maid, you fhall not lack a Prieft. Fent. So fhall I evermore be bound to thee; Befide, I'll make a prefent Recompence. | Exeunt. 3 es eee Ac T V. -S CS Noe Enter Falltaff and Miffrefs Quickly. Fa DRS no more pratling; go» Vll held. This is the third time; I hope good Luck lyes in odd Numbers ; away, go, they fay there is Divinity in odd Numbers, either in Nativity, Chance or Death; away. Quic. Vil provide you a Chain, and I'll do what I can to get you a Pair of Horns. [Exit Mrs, Quickly. Fal. Away,\ fay,time wears 5 hold up your Head, and mince. Enter Ford. How now, Mr. Broom? Mr. Broom, the Matter will be known to Night, or never. Be you ‘n the Park about Mid- Night, at Herne’s Oak, and you fhall fee Wonders. Ford. Went you not to her Yefterday, Sir, as you told me you had appointed? eS al, 186 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Fal. I went to her, Mafter Broom, as you fee, like 3 poor old Man; but I came from her, Mafter Broom, like a poor old Woman. That fame Knave, Ford her Husband, hath the fineft mad Devil of Jealoufie in him, Matter Broom, that ever govern’d Frenzy. I will tell you, he beat me grievoufly, in the fhape of a Woman; for in the thape of a Man, Mafter Broom, I fear not Goliah with a Wea- vers Beam, becaufe I know .alfo Life is a Shuttle. I am in hafte, go along with me, V’ll tell you all, Mafter Broom, Since I pluckt Geefe, play’d Truant, and whipt Top, I knew not what twas to be beaten, ’till lately. Follow me, I'll tell you ftrange things of this Knave Ford, on whom to Night I will be reveng’d, and I will deliver his Wife into your Hand. Follow, ftrange things in hand, Mafter Broom, follow. ! | Exeunt, ete BN Lidl. Enter Page, Shallow azd Slender. Page, Come, come; we'll couch i’th’ Caftle-ditch, ‘till we fee the light of our Fairies. Remember, Son Slender, my Daughter. | Slen. Ay Forfooth, I have fpoke with her, and we havea Nay-word how to know one another. I come to her in white and cry Mum, fhe cries Budget, and by that we know one another. Shal. That’s good too; but what needs either your Mum, or her Budget? The white will decipher her well enough. It hath ftruck ten a-Clock. _ Page. The Night is dark, Light and Spirits will become it well; Heav’n profper our Sport. No Man means evil but the Devil, and we fhall know him by his Horns. Let’s a- way; follow me. - | Exennt. ao EN Bi. Enter Miftre{s Page, Miffrefs Ford and Caius, Mrs. Page. Mr. Door, my Daughter is in green; when you fee your time, take her by the Hand, away with her to the Deanry, and difpatch it quickly ; go before into the Pak; we two muft go together, — : CAiths, The Merry Wives of Windfor. 187 Caius. 1 know vat I have to do; adieu. [ Exit. Mrs. Page. Fare you well, Sir. My Husband will not re- joice fo much at the Abufe of Fal/faff, as he will chafe at the Doéor’s marrying my Daughter: But tis no matter; better a Tittle chiding, than a great deal of heart-break. Mrs. Ford. Where 1s Nan now, and her Troop of Fat- ries, and the Welch Devil Herne ? Mrs. Page. They are all couch’d in a Pit hard by Herne’s Oak, with obfcur'd Lights ; which at the very inftant of Falftaff’s and our meeting they will at once difplay to the Night. Mrs. Ford. That cannot chufe but amaze him. Mrs. Page. If he be not amaz’d he will be mock’d; if he be amaz’d he will be mock’d. Mrs. Ford. We'll betray him finely. Mrs. Page. Againft fuch Leudfters, and their Lechery, Thofe that betray them do no Treachery. Mrs. Ford. The Hour draws on; to the Oak, to the Oak. | Exeunt. SCENE IV. Enter Evans and Fairies. Eva. Trib, trib, Fairies; come, and remember your Parts: Be pold, I pray you, follow me into the Pit, and when I give the Watch-’ords do asI bid you: Come, come, trib, trib. | Exeunt. CC Er Ns .Y. Enter Falftaff. Fal. The Windfor Bell hath ftruck twelve, the Minute draws on; now the hot-blooded God afift me. Remem- ber, ‘Fove, thou waft a Bull for thy Exropa; Love fet on thy Horns. Oh powerful Love! that in fome refpects makes a Beaft a Man; in fome other, a Man a Beaft. You were alfo, Yxpiter, a Swan, for the love of Leda: O omni- potent Love! how near the God drew to the Complexion of a Goofe; a Fault done firft in the form of a Beaft, O Fove, a beaftly Fault; and then another Fault in the fem- blance of a Fowl; think on’t, Fove, a foul Fault. When Gods 7 188 The Merry Wives of Windfor. Gods have hot Backs, what thal] poor Men do 2 For me, Tam here a Wizdfor Stag, and the fatteft I think, i’th’ For. reft. Send me a cool Rut-time, Fove, or who can blame me to pifs my Tallow? Who comes here? my Doe? Enter Miftrefs Ford and Aiftre{s Page. Mrs. Ford. Sit Fohn2 Art thou there, my Deer? My Male-Deer ? | Fal. My Doe with the blackScut2 Let the Sky rain Po- tatoes, let it thunder to the Tune of Green: Sleeves, hail kifling-Comfits, and fnow Eringoes, let there come a Tempeft of Provocation, I will thelter me here. Mrs. Ford. Mittrefs Page is come with me, fweet Heart. Fal. Divide me like a brib’d Buck, each a Haunch, I will keep my Sides to my felf, my Shoulders for the Fellow of this Walk, and my Horns I bequeath your Husbands. Am Ia Woodman, ha? Speak I like the Herne the Hunter Why, now is Cupid a Child of Confcience, he makes Re- {titution. As Iam a true Spirit, welcome. LWoife within, Mrs. Page. Alas! what Noife2 Mrs. Ford. Heav’n forgive our Sins. Fal, What thould this be2 Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Page. Away, away.| The Women run out. Fal, I think the Devil will not have me damn’d, Left the Oil that is in me fhould fet Hell on Fire; He would never elfe crofs me thus. Exter Fairies, Quic. Fairies, black, gray, green, and white, You Moon-fhine Revellers, and Shades of N ight, You Orphan-Heirs of fixed Deftiny, Attend your Office, and your Quality. Crier Hobgoblin, make the Fairy O-yes, | _Pift, Elves, lift your Names; filence, you airy Toys. Cricket, to Windfor Chimneys thale thou leap: Where Fires thou find*ft unrak’d, and Hearths unfwept, There pinch the Maids as blew as Bilbery. Our radiant Queen hates Sluts and Sluttery. Fal, They are Fairies, he that {peaks to them fhall die. I'll wink and couch; no Man their Works muft eye. | Lyes down upon his Face. Eva. Where's Bede? Go you, and where you finda Maid That e’er the fleep has thrice her Prayers faid, | 3 Raife : _ “a We. \ +! i y . , ys ’ Cie - The Merry Wives of W indfor. 139 Raife up the Organs of her Fantafie, Sleep fhe as found as carelefs Infancy 5 But thofe that fleep and think not on their Sins, Pinch them, Arms, Legs, Backs, Shoulders, Sides and Shinse Quic. About, about ; Search Windjor Cattle; Elves, within and out. Strew good Luck, Ouphes, on every facred Room, That it may ftand “ull the perpetual Doom, Tn State as wholefom, as in State ‘tis fir, Worthy the Owner, and the Owner it. The feveral Chairs of Order look you {cour, With Juice of Balm and ev’ry precious Flow’; Each fair Inftalment, Coat, and fev’ral Creft, With loyal Blazon evermore be bleft. And nightly-medow-Fairies, look you fing Like to the Garter-compals 10 a Ring: Tlv Expreffure that it bears, Green let it be, More fertile frefh than all the Field to fee; And, Hony Soit Oui Mal-y-Penfe write In Emrold-tuffs, Flowers, purple, blue and white, Like Saphire-pearl, and rich Embroidery, Buckled below fair Knight-hoods bending Knee ; Fairies ufe Flow’rs for their Charactery. Away, difperfe; but rill °tis one a Clock Our Dance of Cuftom round about the Oak Of Herne the Hunter, let us not forget. Eva. Pray you lock Hand in Hand, your felves in order fet And twenty Glow-worms fhall our Lant-horns be To guide our Meafure round about the Tree. But ftay, I fmell a Man of middle Earth. Fal. Heav’ns defend me f-om that Welch Fairy, Left he transform me to a piece of Cheefe. Ss Vild Worm, thou watt o’er-look’d even in thy Birth. Quic. With Trial-fire touch his Finger end; if he be Chafte, the Flame will back defcend And turn him to no Pain; but if he ftart. It is the Fleth of a corrupted Heart. pif. A Trial, come. . [They burn him with their Tapers, and pinch him. Eva. Come, will this Wood take fire ¢ Fal, 190 = The Merry Wives of Windfor. Fal, Oh, oh, oh. QOuic. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in Defire ; About him, Fairies, fing a fcornful Rhime, And as you trip, {till pinch him to your time, The Song, Fie on finful Phantafie: Fie on Luft and Luxury : Luft is but a bloody Fire, kindled with unchafte Defre. Fed in Heart whofe Flames afpire, 4s Thoughts do blow them higher and higher. Pinch him, Fairies, mutnally; pinch him for his Villany : Pinch him, and burn him, and tury him about, "Till Candles, and Star-light, and Atoon-fhine be out. LHe offers torun out. Enter Page, Ford, ec. They lay hold on him. Pages Nay, do not fly, 1 think f have watcht you now; Will none but Herne the Hunter ferve your turn2 Mrs. Page. I pray you come, hold up the Jeft no higher. Now, good Sir Fehn, how like you Windfor Wives 2 See you thefe Husbands? Do not thefe fair Oaks Become the Foreft better than the Town? Ford. Now, Sir, who's a Cuckold now 2 Mr. Broom, Falftaff’s a Knave, a cuckoldy Knave, Here are his Horns, Matter Broom; And, Mafter Broom, he hath enjoy’d nothing of Ford But his Buck-basket, his Cudgel, and twenty Pounds of Mony, which muft be paid to Mr. Broom; his Horfes are arrefted for it, Mr. Broom, Mrs. Ford. Sir Fohn, we have had ill Luck; we could hever meet. I willnever take you for my Love again, but I will always count you my Deer. Fal. Ido begin to perceive that I am made an Afs. _ ford. Ay, and an Ox to: Both the Proofs are extant. Fal. And thefe are not Eairies- ? 3 I was three or four times in the Thought they were not Fairies, and yet the guiltinefs of my Mind, the fudden fur- prize of my Powers, drove the stofnefs of the Foppery in- to a receiv’d Belief, in defpight of the Teeth of all Rhime and Reafon, that they were Fairies. See now how Wit may be made a Jack-a-Lent, when ’tis upon ill Imployment. Eva. The Merry Wives of Windfor. 191 Eva. Sir Fohn Falftaff, ferve Got, and leave your De- fires, and Fairies-will not pinfe you. Ford. Well faid, Fairy Hugh. Eva. And leave you your Jealouztes too, I pray you. Ford. I will never miftruft my Wife again, till thou art able to woo her in good Engli fh. Fal. Have I Jaid my Brain in the Sun and dry’d it, that ‘+ wants Matter to prevent fo grofs o’er-reaching as thisé¢ Am I ridden with a Welch Goat too? Shall I have a Cox- comb of Frize? ’Tis time I were choak’d with a piece of toafted Cheefe. Eva. Seefe is not good to give Putter; your Pelly is all Putter. Fal, Seefe and Putter? Have I liv’d to ftand at the taunt of one that makes Fritters of English? This is enough to be the decay of Luft and late-walking through the Realm. Mirs. Page. Why Sir Fohn, do you think, though we would have thruft Virtue out of our Hearts by the Head and Shoulders, and have given our {elves without fcruple to Hell, that ever the Devil could have made you our De- light. af 3S What, a Hodge-pudding? A Bag of Flax? Mrs. Page. A puft Man? Page. Old, cold, wither’d, and of intolerable Entrails? Ford. And one that is as flanderous as Satan ¢ Page. And as poor as Fob ? Ford. And as wicked as his Wife? Eva. And given to Fornications, and to Taverns, and Sack, and Wine, and Metheglin, and to Drinkings, and Swear- ings, and Staring? Pribbles and prabbles? Fal. Well, Lam your Theme; you have the ftart of me, I am dejected; I am not able to anfwer the Welch Flan- nel, Ignorance it felf is a Plummet o'er me, ufe me as you will. Ford. Marry Sir, we'll bring you to Windfor to one Mr. Broom, that you have cozen’d of Mony, to whom you fhould have been a Pander: Over and above that you have a { think, to repay that Mony will be a biting Af- icton. Page. Yet be cheerful, Knight, thou fhalt eat a Poflet to Night at my Houfe, where 1 will defire thee to laugh at my ed > 192 . The Merry Wives of Windfor. my Wife, that now laughs at thee. Tell her Mr. Slender hath marry’d her Daughter. Mrs. Page. Doctors doubt that; It Anne Page be my Daughter, fhe is, by this, Door Cains's Wife. Enter Slender. Slen, What hoe! hoe! Father Page! Page. Son? How now? How now Son, Have you difpatch’d? | Slen, Difpatch’d? Pil make the beft in Gloucefter fhire kno ont; would I were hang’dela, elfe. Page. Of what, Son? Slen. I came yonder at Eaton to marry Miftrefs une Page, and fhe’s a great lubberly Boy. If it had not been ith’ Church, I would have fwing’d him, or he fhould have fwing’d me. If I did not think it had been dune Page, would I might never ftir, and ’tisa Poft-mafter’s Boy. Page. Upon my Life then you took the wrong. Slen. What need you tell me that? I think fo, when I took a Boy for a Girl: If I had been marry’d to him, for all he was in Woman’s Apparel, I would not have had him. Page. Why, this is your own Folly. Did not I tell You how you fhould know my Daughter By her Garments? Slen. T went to her in green and cry'd Mum, and fhe cry'd Budget, as dune and I had appointed, and yet it was not Aune, but a Poft-mafter’s Boy. Mrs. Page. Good George be not angry; I knew of your purpofe, turn’d my Daughter into white, and indeed fhe is now with the Doctor at the Deanry, and there marry’d. Enter Caius. Caius. Ver is Miftrefs Page; by gar I am cozon’d, I ha’ marry’d one Garfoon, a Boe; oon Pefant, by gar. A Boy, it is not Anne Page, by gar, Tam cozon’d. — Mrs. Page. Why? Did you take her in white 2 _ Cains. Ay be gar, and ’tis a Boy; be gar, Ill raife all Windfor. Ford. This is ftrange; who hath got the right une ? Page. My Heart mifgives me; here comes Mr. Fenton. How now Mr. Fenton? | | Ann. The Mervy Wives of Windfor. 193 Anne. Pardon, good Father; good my Mother, Pardon, Page. Now Mittrefs, How chance you went not with Mr. Slender ? Mrs. Page. Why went you not with Mr. Doétor, Maid ¢ Fent. You do amaze her. Hear the Truth of it: You would have marry’d her moft fhamefully, Where there was no proportion held in Love - The Truth is, fhe and I, !ong fince contracted, Are now fo fure that nothing can diflolve us. Th’ Offence is holy that fhe hath committed, And this Deceit lofes the name of Craft, , Of Difobedience, or unduteous Title; Since therein fhe doth evitate and fhun A thoufand irreligious curfed Hours Which forced Marriage would have brought upon her. Ford. Stand not amaz’d, here is no Remedy. In Love, the Heav’ns themfelves do euide the State ; Mony buys Lands, and Wives are fold by Fate. Fal. I am glad, tho’ you have ta’en a fpecial Stand to {trike at me, that-your Arrow hath glanc’d. Page. Well, what Remedy? Fenton, Heavn give thee Joy; what cannot be efchew’d, muft be embrac’d. Fal. When Night-dogs run, all forts of Deer are chac’d. Mrs. Page. Well, I will mufe no further: Mr. Fenton, Heav’n give you many, many merry Days. Good Husband, let us every one go home; And laugh this Sport o’er by a Country Fire, Sir Fobn and all. Ford. Let it be fo, Sir Fobn: To Mafter Broom you yet fhall hold. your Word; For he, to Night, fhall lye with Miftrefs Ford. [Exeunt. V eit. O ei ‘ita iM ; a {st \ ‘ ' : ‘ a { - 4 i lt mit i )) ees + ¢ ahh a! UME oui wt We | Ash or ers eo, 7m TT HIT TINT? 7 ON Oy POISE Ge oe’ Mh : L OTAMATTARTTERTTTTTE OECTA TTT ib TTT PI9€, i ! it | MEASURE FOR MEASURE. A COMEDY. Printed in the YEAR 1709. a SS ae So ai : —— Se i ~ — —————— —— — _ -_____ a3 —- Foes. SS ee ae be = ay 3 SSS eee - ee — — ———- SA — SS eS eS =~ ee oe = > - —s ~ a = = es ee a ‘ee 3 < 7 = a = = — —. * = - = —* SS = —_ ——-. = = a a. — = ~ z > = ——" =-> a =: ~~ =e 3 — = = - at : \ t ' We ‘ gaye A She bead ee i i : 1c. ! i ae j 1:3 aes) Hea wi : - “a Mi uit Ms) PF ; Be eva! Bi ir lal 5 i} 4 " id RY ‘ A ete: } 4 ‘ed 4 ri pe Wee 48) rire oY thi ' whe whys ut, j { Ye : ian } + Dramatis Perfonz. Incentio, Duke of Vienna. Angelo, Lord Deputy in the Duke's Abfence: Eicalus, az ancient Lord. Claudio, 2 young Gentleman. Lucio, 4 Fantaftick. Two Gentiemen. Varrius, @ Gentleman, Servant to the Duke. Provott. ‘Thomas, | Peter, Elbow, @ (imple Conftable. Froth, @ fooli/h Gentleman. Clown, Servant to Mrs.Over-don. Abhorfon, an Executioner. Barnardine, 2 diffolute Prifoner. wo Friars. Ifabella, Sz/er to Claudio. _ Mariana, Jetrothed to Angelo. Juliet, deloved of Claudio. Francifca, a Nun. Miftrefs Over-don, a4 Bawd. Guards, Officers, and other Attendants. SCENE Jemma. ME A. e ) ,) » ate ale & ale, ale, & 7, , ale 7, te eM Me Me MG NN NG SG SG SRB BGO: 289 BO D693: NO OIC CLO GO POM OOOO OLS wos 69 CAIE9EAOIIELO ST. OF, SOLO was SN he OE (PMP Se et OSM 2 Ss MS eS Bs AOS OP (OL ached PNAS a at _. Or ay e 14 at c NY en Pa a Fe Ws a. RE alata nye (Oye) Moyes) Sh 'G Ne OM} )PVIMCNOVAICAO V? S47] eC MOOI OMS My wr Ki $i INA vA CADRE OL ¢ eros ‘ Cit LS, 4 Wa 0 ware re SAR MIDE S 04 : POD || VRS Oo 9) : . CONE CIOS SMASH O(Ge >YNC >KYAHS) OG perce Pox 9 ; “=. - in 4.4% y eek Se - ied . AN sag Y 3 “i Ag Wn * Arn . > shea } er 4 osm ng FO ah, ene ro Mae Sa) ry)... are , Ke os «+ 2 ar vora) tg Se? * Most HOBVIODOEBTIO NOD DWV OH@SHADVE OW YRBIDDHOVi0 POD!IOV1O BOGE FP POS 3:93 we Us die UR? YR oA pe Ue Ye Une UR swe Ln? oe Ys? ast SS ire Syne Y NS Sire 47 '\e ejhe ure Wise yes aT ds Wr AF tie eye Wie oie tis wie AS aT Ae A Ae We “els vis ie a ee Vis aie “AS aw CE ET ST) ACTL SCENEL ae Ge: Sale as aaa Palace. Enter Duke, Efcalus, and Lords. D.C Reads Scalus. Efcal. My Lord. (fold, Duke. Of Government, the Properties to un- Would feem in me vaffe& Speech and Di- fcourfe. f ; Since I am put to know, that yourown Sci- Exceeds, inthat, the Lifts of all Advice (ence My Strength can give you: Then no more remains; Put that to your Sufficiency, as your Worth is able; And let them work: The Nature of our Peoples Our City’s Inftitutions, and the Terms For common Juftice, y are as pregnant in As Art and Practice hath enriched any That we remember. There is our Commiflion, -Erom which we would not have you warp. Call hither, I fay, bid come before us Angelo: What figure of us think you, he will bear? For you muft know, we have with fpecial Soul Eledted him our Abfence to fupply; Lent him our Terror, dreft him with our Love, And given his Deputation all the Organs Of our own Power: What think you of it? Sak Sh Efca. 198 Meafure for Meafure. ve Efcal. If any in Vienna be of Worth To undergo fuch ample Grace and Honour, | Tt is Lord Angelo, ey Exter Angelo. Duke. Look where he comes. «ing. Always obedient to your Grace’s Will, I come to know your Grace’s Pleafure. Duke. Angelo, There is a kind of CharaGer in thy Life, That, to th’Obferver, doth thy Hiftory Fully unfold: Thy felf and thy Belongings Are not thine own fo proper, as to waite Thy felf upon thy Virtues; they on thee: Heav’n doth with us, as we with Torches do, Not light them for themfelves: For if our Virtues Did not go forth of us, *twere all alike As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch’d, But to fine IMfues; nor Nature never lends The fmalleft Scruple of her Excellence, But like a thrifty Goddefs, the determines Her felf the Glory of a Creditor, | Both Thanks and Ufe. But I do bend my Speech To one that can my Part in him advertife ; Hold therefore, Angelo: In our Remove, be thou at full, our felf, Mortality and Mercy in Vienna, Live in thy Tongue and Heart: Old Efcalus, Though firft in Queftion, is thy Secondary. ‘Take thy Commiffion. “dng. Now, good my Lord, Let there be fome more Teft made of my Metal, Before fo noble and fo great a Figure Be ftampt upon it. Duke. No more Evafion: We have with a leven’d and prepar’d Choice Proceeded to you; therefore take your Honours: Our Hafte from hence is of fo quick Condition, That it prefers it felf, and leaves unquettion’d Matters of needful Value. We thall write to you; As Time and our Concernings fhall importune, iow it goes with us, and do look to know 3 What Meafure for Meafure. 199 What doth befal you here. So fare you well, To th’ hopeful Execution do I leave you Of your Commiffion. Ang. Yet give leave, my Lord; That we may bring you fomething on the Way. Duke. My Hafte may not admit it, Nor need you, on mine Honour, have to do With any Scruple; your Scope is as Mine Own, So to inforce, or qualifie the Laws, As to your Soul feems good. Give me your Hand; I'll privily away. I love the People, But do not like to ftage me to their Eyes: Though it do well, I do not relifh well Their loud Applaufe, and Aves vehement : Nor do I think the Man of fate Difcretion That does affe@ it. Once more fare you well. Ang. The Heav’ns give Safety to your Purpofes. Ejcal. Lead forth and bring you back in Happinefs. Duke. 1 thank you, fare you well. [ Exit. Efcal, 1 thall defire you, Sir, to give me leave To have free Speech with you; and it concerns me To look into the Bottom of my Place: A Power Ihave, but of what Strength and Nature I am not yet inftructed. Ang. ’Tis fo with me: Let us with-draw together, And we may foon our Satisfaction have Touching that Point. | Efcal. Vl) wait upon your Honour. [Exeunt. SCENE Il. _ The Street. Enter Lucie, and two Gentlemen. Lucio. If the Duke, with the other Dukes, come not to Compofition with the King of Hungary, why then all the. Dukes fall upon the King. 1 Gent. Heav’n grant us its Peace, but not the King of Hungary s. 2 Gent. Amen. Lucio. Thou conclud’ft like the San@imonious Pyrat, that went to Sea with the ten Commandments, but f{crap’d one - out of the Table. eee O 4 2 Gent. = ne. i wits 5 inlet > 4 : i x: ~ i 4 re = wed ol Pw & tS SS SS ee ae See oa —— ; - Riot a2 Sere ae ee ~ a - — Se as i Ee ore ae — ~- ——— -.-- ~ : = > — aa = a 200 Meafure for Meafure. 2 Gent. Thou fhalt not fteal 2 Lucio. Ay, that he raz’d. 1 Gent. Why? ’twas a Commandment to command the Captain and all the reft from their Funétions; they put forth to fteal: There’s not a Soldier of us all, that, in the - Thankfgiving before Meat, do relith the Petition well that prays for Peace. 2 Gent. \ never heard any Soldier diflike it. Lucio. U believe thee: For I think thou never waft where Grace was faid. 2 Gent. No? a dozen times at leatt. 1 Gent. What? in Meeter2 Lucio. In any Proportion; or in any Language. 1 Gent. I think, or in any Religion. Lucio. Ay, why not? Grace, 1s Grace, defpight of all Controverfie; as for Example, Thou thy felf art a wicked Villain, defpight of all Grace. I Gent. Well; there went but a Pair of Sheers between us. Lucio. I grant; as there may between the Lifts and the Velvet. Thou art the Lift, I Gent. And thou the Velvet; thou art good Velvet; thou’rt a three-pil’d Piece I warrant thee: I hadas lief be a Lift of an Englifh Kerfey, as be pil'd, as thou art pil'd, for a french Velvet. Do I fpeak feelingly now 2 | Lucio. I think thou doft; and indeed with moft painful feeling of thy Speech: I will, out of thine own Confeffion, learn to begin thy Health; but, whilft Llive, forget to drink after thee. | 1 Gent. I think I have done my felf wrong, have I not? 2 Gent. Yes, that thou haft; whether thou art tainted, or free. Enter Bawd. Lucio. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes. ‘T have purchas’d as many Difeafes under her Roof, As come to 2 Gent. To what, I pray? Lucio. Judge. 2 Gent. To three thoufand Dolours a Year, 1 Gent. Ay, and more, Lucio. A French Crown more. oe IG Cup Meafure for Meafure. 201 + Gent. Thou art always figuring Difeafes in me; but thou art full of Error, I am found. ; Lucio. Nay, not, as one would fay, healthy; but fo found, as things that are hollow; thy Bones are hollow ; Impiety has made a Fealt of thee. + Gent. How now, which of your Hips has the moft profound Sciatica ¢ Bawd. Well, well; there’s one yonder arrefted, and car- ry'd to Prifon, was worth five thoufand of you all, > Gent. Who's that, I prethee¢ Bawd. Marry Sir, that’s Claudio, Signior Claudio. 1 Gent. Claudio to Prifon? ‘tis not fo. Bawd. Nay, but I know tis fo; I faw him arrefted ; faw him carry’d away; and which is more, within thefe three Days his Head is to be chopt off. Lucio. But, after allthis fooling, I would not have it fo: Art thou fure of this¢ Bawd. Lam too fure of it; and it is for getting Madam Fulietta with Child. Lucio. Believe me this may be; he promifed to mect me two Houts fince, and he was ever precife in Promife- keeping. > Gent. Befides, you know it draws fomething near to the Speech we had to fuch a Purpofe. t Gent. But mott of all agreeing with the Proclamation, Lucio. Away, let’s go learn the T ruth of it. | Exeynt. Bawd. Thus, what with the War, what with the Sweat, what with the Gallows, and what with Poverty, Ll am Cu- ftom-fhrunk. How now? what’sthe News with you§ Enter Clown. Clown. Yonder Man is carry’d to Prifon. Bawd. Well; what has he done ¢ Clown. A Woman. Bawd. But what’s his Offence? Clown. Groping for Trouts in a peculiar River. Bawd. What? is there a Maid with Child by him? Clown. No; but there’s a Woman with Maid by him. You have not heard of the Proclamation, have yous Bawd. What Proclamation, Man ¢ Clown. All Houfes in the Suburbs of Vienna muft be pluck’d down, | Bawa. 202 Meafure for Meafure. Bawd. And what fhall become of thofe in the City? Clown. They {hall ftand for Seed; they had gone down too, but that a wife Burger put in for them. Bawd. But fhall all our Houfes of Refort in the Suburbs be pull’d down? Clown. To the Ground, Miftrefs. Bawd. Why here’s a Change indeed in the Common- wealth ; what fhall become of me2 Clown. Come, fear not you; good Counfellors lack no Clients; though you change your Place, you need not change your Trade: I'll be your Tapfter ftill, Courage, there will be pity taken on you; you that have worn your Eyes almoft out in the Service, you will be conf- dered. Bawd. What’s to do here, Thomas Tapfter ? let’s with- draw. Clown. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the Provott to Prifon; and there’s Madam ‘fulier. [Ex. Bawd andClown, Enter Provott, Claudia, Juliet and Officers. Clana. Fellow, why doft thou thow me thus to th’ World2 Bear me to Prifon, where I am committed. Prov. I do it not in evil Difpofition, But from Lord dagelo by fpecial Charge. Clawd. Thus can the Demi-god, Authority, - Make us pay down, for our Offence, by weight The words of Heav’n; on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, fo; yer ftill ’tis juft. [ ftraint, Lucio. Why how now Claudio? Whencecomes this Res _ Claxd. From too much Liberty, my Lucio, Liberty ; As Surfeit is the Father of much Faft, So every Scope by the immoderate ufe Turns to Reftraint: Our Natures do purfue, Like Rats that ravin down their proper Bane, A thirfty Evil, and when we drink, we die. Lucio. If I could fpcak fo wifely, under an Arreft, I would fend for certain of my Creditors; and ‘yet, to fay the Truth, I had as lief have the Foppery of Freedom, as the Morality of Imprifonment: What’s thy Offence, Claudio? Cland, What, but to {peak of, would offend again. Lucio, Whatist, Murder? = Claud, Meafure for Meafure. 203 Claed. No. Lucio. Letchery 2 Claud. Call it fo. Prov. Away, Sit, you muit go. Claud. One Word, good Friend: Lucio, a Word with you. Lucio. A hundred; If they'll do you any good: Is Letchery fo look’d after? Claud. Thus ftands it with me; upon a true Contract I got Poffeffion of Fulietta's Bed, You know the Lady, fhe is faft my Wife, Save that we do the Denunciation lack Of outward Order. This we came not to, Only for Propagation of a Dowre Remaining in the Coffer of her Friends, From whom we thought it meet to hide our Love -Till Time had made them for us. But it chances The Stealth of our moft mutual Entertainment With Character too grofs, is writ in Fuliet. Lucio. With Child, perhaps ¢ Claud. Unhappily, even fo. And the new Deputy, now for the Duke, Whether it be the fault and glimpfe of Newnefs, Or whether that the Body publick be A Horfe whereon the Governor doth ride, _ Who newly in the Seat, that it may know He can command, lets it ftrait feel the Spur; Whether the Tyranny be in his Place, Or in his Eminence that fills it up, I tagger in: But this new Governor Awakes me all the enrolled Penalties Which have, like unfcour’d Armour, hung by th’ Wall So long, that nineteen Zodiacks have gone round, And none of them been worn; and for a Name, Now puts the drowfie and neglected Act Frethly on me; ’tis furely for a Name. | Lucio. I warrant it is; and thy Head ftands fo tickle on thy Shoulders, that a Milk-maid, if fhe be in Love, may figh it off. Send after the Duke, and appeal to him. Claud. I have done fo, but he’s not to be found. I prethee, Lucio, do me this kind Service: | TENG This 204 Meafure for Meafure. ‘ This Day, my Sifter fhould the Cloifter enter, os And there receive her Approbation. Acquaint her with the danger of my State, Implore her in my Voice, that fhe make Friends To the ftriét Deputy; bid her felf aflay him, I have great Hope in that; for in her Youth There isa prone and {peechlefs Dialect, Such as moves Men! befide, fhe hath profperous Art When the will play with Reafon, and Difcourfe, And well fhe can perfuade. Lucio. 1 pray fhe may; as well for the Encouragement of the like, which elfe would ftand upon grievous Impofition as for the enjoying of thy Life, who I would be forry fhould be thus foolifhly loft, at a Game of Tick-tack. I’J to her, Claud. 1 thank you, good Friend Lucio. Lucio. Within two Hours. Claud. Come Officer, away. [ Exeunt, 5 45°-E NE: OBE A Monaftery. Enter Duke and Friar Thomas. Duke. No; holy Father, throw away that Thought, Believe not that the dribbling Dart of Love : Can pierce a compleat Bofom: Why I defire thee To give me fecret Harbour, hath a Purpofe More grave and wrinkled than the Aims and Ends Of burning Youth. 3 | : Fri. May your Grace {peak of it. Duke. My holy Sir, none better knows than you How I have ever lov’d the Life remov’d, And held in idle price to haunt Affemblies Where Youth and Coft, and witlefs Bravery keeps. I have delivered to Lord Angelo, A Man of Stricture and firm Abftinence, My abfolute Power and Place in Viexna, And he {uppofes me travell’d to Poland, For fo I have ftrew’d it in the.common Ear, And fo it is receiv’d: Now, pious Sir, You will demand of me, why I do this, Fri. Gladly, My Lord, 1 Duke. / Meafure for Meafure. 205 Duke. We have ftrict Statutes, and moft biting Laws, ‘The needful Bits and Curbs for head-ftrong Weeds, Which for this fourteen Years we have let flip, Even like an o’er-grown Lion in a Cave That goes not out Co prey: Now, as fond Fathers, Having bound up the threat’ning Twigs of Birch, Only to ftick it ip their Childrens fight, For Error, not to ufe; in time the Rod More mock’d than fear’d: So our Decrees, Dead to Infliction, to themfelves are dead, And Liberty plucks Juftice by the Nofe; The Baby beats the Nurfe, and quite athwart Goes all Decorum. Fri. Itrefted in your Grace To unloofe this ty’d-up Jultice, when you pleas’d: And it in you more dreadful would have feem’d Than in Lord Angelo. Duke. 1 do fear, too dreadful; Sith twas my Fault to give the People fcope, -Twould be my Tyranny to {trike and gall them For what I bid them do. For we bid this be done When evil Deeds have their permiflive Pafs, And not the Punifhment: Therefore indeed, my Father, { have on Angelo impos’d the Office, Who may inth’ambufh of my Name {trike home, And yet, my Nature never in the fight To do in flander: And to behold his Sway, I will, as twere a Brother of your Order, Wifit both Prince and People; therefore I prethee Supply me with the Habit, and inftruct me How I may formally in Perfon bear Like a true Friar. More Reafons for this AGion, » At your more leifure, fhall I render you; Only this one: Lord -Axgelo is precife, Stands at a guard with Envy, {carce confefles That his Blood flows, or that his Appetite Is more to Bread than Stone: Hence fhall we fee, If Power change Purpofe, what our Seemers be. [Exeunt. SCENE 2 Se > ' | a " i 4 ait a i> = pee lea \& Va us —— - is SS Meafure for Meafure. a S CCEN Ey a Nunnery. Exter Vabella and Francifca. fab. And have you Nuns no farther Privileges? Nun. Are not thefe large enough? | Lfab. Yes truly; 1 {peak not as defiring more, But rather wifhing a more ftri@ Reftraint Upon the Sifterhood, the Vorarifts of Saint Clare. Lucio within. Lucio. Hoa! Peace be in this Place. T/ab. Who’s that which calls2 Nun. It is a Man’s Voice, gentle //abella, Turn you the Key, and know his Bufineff of him; You may, I may not, you are yet unfworn: When you have vow’d, you muft not {peak with Men, Bur in the Prefence of the Priorefs; Then if you fpeak, you muft not fhew your Face, Or if you thew your Face, you muft not {peak. He calls again, I pray you anfwer him. [ Exit Franc, Ifab. Peace and Profperity, who ist that calls? Exter Lucio. Lucio. Hail Virgin, if you be, as thofe Cheek-R ofes Proclaim you are no lefs, can you fo ftead me, As bring me to the Sight of Z/abella, A Novice of this Place, and the fair Sifter To her unhappy Brother Claudio? Lfab. Why her unhappy Brother? Let me ask, The rather, for I now muft make you know I am that Z/abella, and his Sifter. _ Lucio. Gentle and Fair, your Brother kindly greets you; Not to be weary with you, he’s in Prifon, | Ifab. Wo me, for what2 Lucio. For that, which if my felf might be his Judge, He fhould receive his Punifhment in Thanks ; He hath got his Friend with Child. Lfab. Sit, make me not your Story. Lucio, Tis true; I would not, tho’ tis m y familiar Sin, With Maids to feem the Lapwing, and to jeft, Tongue, far from Heart; play with all Vir U hold you as a thing en-sky’d and fainted gins fo, a By Meafure for Meafure. 207 Be your Renouncement ah Immortal Spirit, “And to be talk’d with in Sincerity, As with a Saint. Ifab. You do blafpheme the Good; in mocking me. Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewnefs,and Truth; ‘tis thus; Your Brother and his Lover having embrac’d, As thofe that feed grow full, as bloffoming time That from the Seednefs the bare Fallow brings To teeming Foyfon; even {o her plenteous Womb Expreffeth his full Tilth and Husbandry. Jfab. Some one with Child by him? My Cozea Fuliet ? Lucio. Is fhe your Cozen¢ jab. Adoptedly, as School-Maids change their Names, By vain, tho’ apt Affection. Lucio. She it 15. Tfab. Let him marry her. Lucio. This is the Point. The Duke is very ftrangely gone from hence ; Bore many Gentlemen, my {elf being one, In hand, and hope of Action ; but we do learn, By thofe that know the very Nerves of State, His givings out were of an infinite Diftance From his true meant Defign. Upon his Place, And with full Line of his Authority, Governs Lord Angelo; a Man whofe Blood Is very Snow-Broth, one who never feels The wanton Stings and Motions of the Senfe; But doth rebate, and blunt his natural Edge With Profits of the Mind, Study and Faft. He, to give Fear to Ufe and Liberty, Which have for long run by the hideous Law, As Mice by Lyons, hath pickt out an Ad, Under whofe heavy Senfe your Brother's Life Falls into Forfeit; he arrefts him on it, And follows clofe the Rigor of the Statute, To make him an Example; all Hope is gone, Unlefs you have the Grace by your fair Prayer To foften Angelo; and that’s my Pith of Bufinefs *Twixt you, and your poor Brother. | fab. Doth he fo Seek his Life? | L#Ct0. 208 Meafure for Meafure. Lucio. Has cenfur’d him already, 2% And, as I hear, the Provoft hath a Warrant For’s Execution. Lfab. Alas! what poor Ability’s in me, to do him good? Lucio. Aflay the Power you have. Ifab. My Power? Alas! I doubt. Lucio. Our Doubts are Traitors, And makes us lofe the Good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt. Goto Lord Angelo, And let him learn to know, when Maidens fue, Men give like Gods; but when they weep and kneel, All their Petitions are as truly theirs, As they themfelves would owe them. Tfab. V\l fee what I can do. Lucio. But fpeedily. Lfab. I will about it ftrait ; No longer ftaying, but to give the Mother Notice of my Affair. I humbly thank you; Commend me to my Brother: Soon at Night Vill fend him certain word of my Succefs, Lucio. 1 take my Leave of you. Ifab. Good Sir, adieu. | Exeunt. j(hOl MU SCENE 1. SCEN E ¢he Palace. _ Enter Angelo, Efcalus, Juftice and Attendants. Ang. We. muft not make a Scar-crow of the Law; Setting it up to fear the Birds of preys And let it keep one Shape, ’till Cuftom make it Their Pearch, and not their Terror. | Efcal. Ay, but yet Tet us be keen, and rather cut a little, Than fall, and bruife to Death. Alas! this Gentleman, Whom I would fave, had a moft noble Father ; Let but your Honour know, Whom I believe to be moft ftrait in Virtue, That 7 Meafure for Meafure. 209 That in the working of your own Affections; Fad Time coheer’d with Place, or Place with Withing, Or that the refolute aGing of your Blood, Could have attain’d th’ Effect of your own Purpofe, Whether you had not fometime in your Life Enr’d in this Point, which now you cenfure him, And pull’d the Law upon you, - ; Ang. *Tis one thing to be tempted, E/calus, Another thing to fall. I not deny The Jury pafling on the Prifoner’s Life, May in the {worn Twelve havea Thief or two, Guiltier than him they try; what’s open made to Jultice, That Juftice feizes. What knows the Laws That Thieves do pafs on Thieves? *Tis very pregnant, The Jewel that we find, we ftoop and take’r, Becaufe we fee it; but what we do not fee, We tread upon, and never think of it. You may not fo extenuate his Offence, For I have had-fuch Faults; but rather tell me When I, that cenfure him, do fo offend, Let mine own Judgment pattern out my Death, And nothing come in partial. Sir, he muft die. Enter Provott. Efcal. Be it as your Wifdom will. Ang. Where is the Provoft ? Prov. Here, if it like your Honour. Ang. See that Claudio ~ Be executed by nine to Morrow Morning. ' Bring him his Confeffor, let him be prepar'd, For that’s the utmoft of his Pilgrimage. [Exit Provotft. Efcal. Well: Heav'n forgive him; and forgive us all; Some rife by Sin, and fome by Virtue fall: Some run through Brakes of Vice, and anfwer none, And fome condemned for a Fault alone. Enter Elbow, Froth, Clown and Officers. Elb, Come, bring them away; if thefe be good People in a Common-weal, that do nothing but ufe their Abufes in common Houfes, I know no Law; bring them away. Ang, How now, Su, what’s your Name? and what's the Matter 2 7 Wo. f. P ~ El. ee if : i 1) " bee ea } \ " i] 210 Meafure for Meafure. Elb, If it pleafe your Honour, I'am the poor Duke’s Conftable, and my Name is Elow; 1 do lean upon Juttice, Sir, and do bring in here before your good Honour, two notorious Benefactors. Ang. Benefactors? Well; what Benefactors are they? Are they not Malefactors? Elb. If it pleafe your Honour, I know not well what they are; but precife Villains they are, that I am fure of, and void of all Profanation in the World, that good Chri- {tians ought to have. . Efcal, This comes off well; here’s a wife Officer. “4ng. Go to: What Quality are you of? Elbow is your Name? Why. doft thou not fpeak, Elbow ? Clown. He cannot, Sir; he’s out at Elbow. Ang, What are you, Sir? Elb. He, Sir? A Tapfter, Sir; parcel Bawd; one that ferves a bad Woman; whofe Houfe, Sir, was, as they fay, pluckt down in the Suburbs; and now fhe profefles a Hot- houfe; which, I think, is a very ill Houfe too. Efcal. How know you that ? Elb. My Wife, Sir, whom.I deteft before Heav’n and your Honour. | Efcal.' How? Thy Wife. Elbo. Ay, Sir; whomI thank Heav’n is an honeft Woman. Efcal, Doft thou deteft her therefore 2 Elb. I fay, Sir, I will deteft my felf alfo, as well as the, that this Houfe, if it benot a Bawd’s Houfe, it is pity of her Life, for it is a naughty Houfe. Efcal. How doft thou know that, Conftable 2 , Eib. Marry, Sir, by my Wife, who, if the had been.a Woman cardinally given, might have been accufed in Forni- ° cation, Adultery, and all Uncleannefs there. Efcal. By the Woman’s Means?2 Elb, Ay, Sir, by Miftrefs Over-don's Means; but as fhe fpit in his Face, fo fhe defy’d him. | | Clown. Sir, if it pleafe your Honour, this is not fo. Elb. Prove it before thefe Varlets here, thou honourable Man, prove it. | Eftal. Do you hear how he mifplaces? Clow. Meafure for Meafure. 211 Clown. Sir, fhe came in great with Child; and longing, faving your Honour’s Reverence, for ftew'd Prewns; WE — had but two in the Houfe, which at that very inftant time ftood, as it were, ina Fruit-difh, a Dith of fome three Pence; your Honours having feen fuch Dithes, they are not China Difhes, but very good Dithes. Efcal. Go too, go too; no matter for the Dith, Sir. Clown. No indeed, Sir, not of a Pin; you are therein in the right: But to the Point; as fay, this Miftrefs Elbow, being, as I fay, with Child, and being great belly’d, and longing, as I faid, for Prewns; and having no more in the Dith, as I faid; Mafter Froth here, this very Man, having eaten the reft, as I faid, and, as I fay, paying for them very honeftly; for, as youknow, Mafter Froth, I could not give you three Pence again. Froth. No indeed. Clown. Very well; you being then, if you be remembred, cracking the Stones of the forefaid Prewns. Froth. Ay, {o I did indeed. Clown. Why, very well; I telling you then, if you be remembred, that fuch a one, and fuch a one, were paft Cure of the thing you wot of, unlefs they kept very good Diet, as I told you. Froth. All this is true. Clown. Why, very well then. Efcal. Come, you are a tedious Fool; to the Purpofe; what was done to Elbow’s Wife, that he hath Caufe to com- plain of? Come me to what was done to her. Clown, Sir, your Honour cannot come to that yet. Efcal. No Sir, nor I mean it not. Clown. Sir, but you fhall come to it, by your Honour’s leave: And I befeech you, look into Mafter Froth here, Sir, a Man of fourfcore Pound a Year; whofe Father dy’d at Hallowmas. Was't not at Hallowmas, Mafter Froth? — Froth. All-hallond Eve. Clown. Why very well; I hope here be Truths. He, Sir, fitting, as I fay, in a lower Chair, Sir, ’twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where indeed you have a delight to fit, have you not? Froth. T have fo, becaufe it is an open Room, and good for Winter. ea P 2 . Clown. \ f 212 M eafure for M eal ure. Clown. Why, very well then; I hope here be Truths, ing. This will Jaft out a Night in Raffa, When Nights are longeft there. Ill take my Leave, And leave you to the hearing of the Caufe, | Hoping you'll find good Caufe to whip them all. | Exit. Efcal. ¥ think no lefs. Good-morrow to your Lordfhip. Now, Sir, come on: What was done to Elbow’s Wife, once more @ Clown. Once, Sir? There was nothing done to her once. £lb. I befeech you, Sir, ask him what this Man did to my Wife. Clown, I befeech your Honour, ask me. | » Efcal. Well, Sir, what did this Gentleman to her? Clown. I befeech you, Sir, look in this Gentleman's Face; e0od Mafter Froth, look upon his Honour; ’tis for a good Purpofe; doth your Honour mark his Face? Efcal. Ay, Sir, very well. Clown. Nay, I befeech you mark it weil. \ Efcal, Well, I do fo. Clowz. Doth your Honour fee any. Harm in his Face? Eftal, Why, no. Clowa. 11) be fuppos’d upon a Book, his Face is the worft thing about him: Good then; if his Face be the wort thing about him, how could Mafter Froth do the Contftable’s Wife any harm? I would know that of your Honour. Efcal. He's in the right, Conftable, what fay you to it? Elb. Firft, and it like you, the Houfe is a refpected Houfe; next, this is a refpected Fellow; and- his Miftrefs is a re- {pected Woman. : Clown. By this Hand, Sir, his Wife is a more refpedcted Perfon than any of us all. eats Elb, Varlet, thou lieft; thou lieft, wicked Varlet; the time is yet to come; that fhe was ever refpected with Man, Woman; or Child. | Clown. Sir, fhe was refpe&ted with him before he marry’d with her. | Eftal. Which is the wifer here; Fuftice, or Iniquity? Is this true2 Elb. O thou Caitiff! O thou Varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! \ refpected with her, before I was marry’d to her? If ever I was refpected with her, or fhe with me, let not your _— L- Meafure for Meafure. 213 your Worfhip think me the poor Duke's Officer; prove this, thou wicked Hanzibal, or Tj] have mine Action of | Battery on thee. 7 Efcal. If he took you a Box o’th’ Ear, you might have your Action of Slander too. | . Elb, Marry I thank your good Worthip for it:) What ist your Worfhip’s Pleafure 1 fhall do with this. wicked Cain ft? Sh Efcal. Truly, Officer, becaufe he hath fome Offences in him, that thou wouldft difcover, if thou couldft, let him continue in his Courfes, *till thou know’st what they are. Elb. Marry; I thank your Worfhip for its thou feeft, thou wicked Varlet now, what’s come upon thec. Thou art to continue. Efcal, Where were you born, Friend? | To Froth. Froth. Here in Vienna, Sir. Efcal. Are you of fourfcore Pounds a Year ¢ Froth. Yes, and’e pleafe you, Sir. Efeal. So. What Trade are you of, Sir? | Tothe Clown. Clown. A Tapfter, a poor Widow's Tapfter. . Efcal. Your Miftcefs Name ¢ | Clown. Miftrefs Over-don. | Efcal. Hath fhe had any more than one Husband? Clown, Nine, Sir: Over-don by the laft, 2 Efeal. Nine? Come hither to me, Mafter Froth; Mafter Froth, Wwould not have you acquainted with Tapfters 5 they will draw you, Mafter Froth, and you will hang them, Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you. Froth. 1 thank your Worthip ; for mine own Part, I never come into any Room in a Taphoufe, but Iam drawn in. Efcal. Well; no more of it Matter Frosh; farewel. - [Exit Froth. Come you hither to me, Mafter Tapfter; what's your Name, Mafter Tapfter? Clown. Pompey. ‘ Efcal. What elfe¢ Clown. Bum, Sir. Efeal, Troth, and your Bum is the greateft thing about you, fo that in the beaftlielt Senfe, “you are Pompey the great; Pompey, you are partly a Bawd, Pompey; howfo- Pp 3 ever / ; pitt ite Hit 214 Meafure for Meafure. ever you colour it being a Tapfter; are you not? come, tell me true, it fhall be the better for you. Clown. Truly, Sir, I am a poor Fellow that would live. Efcal. How would you live, Pompey? by being a Bawd2 what do you think of the Trade, Pompey? is it a lawful Trade? Clown. If the Law would allow it, Sir. Efcal. But the Law will not allow it, Pompey, nor it fhall not be allowed in enna. Clown. Does your Worfhip mean to geld and fplay allthe Youth in the City? | Efcal. No, Pompey. Clown. Truly, Sir, in my poor Opinion, they will to’t then. If your Worfhip will take order for the Drabs and Knaves, you need not to fear the Bawds. Efcal, Thereare pretty Orders beginning, I can tell you: It is but heading and hanging. Clown. If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten Years together, you'll be glad to give out a Com- miffion for more Heads: If this Law hold in Vienna ten Years, I'll rent the faireft Houfe in it after three Pence a Bay: If you live to fee this come to pafs, fay, Pompey told you fo. | | Efcal. Thank you, good Pompey; and in Requital of your Prophecy, hark you; I advife you let me not find you be- fore me again upon any Complaint whatfoever; no, not for ‘dwelling where you do: If I do, Pompey, ¥ fhall beat you to your Tent, and prove a fhrewd Cefar to you: In plain Dealing, I fhall have you whipt: So for this time, Pompey, fare you well. Clown. I thank your Worfhip for your good Counfel ; but I fhall follow it as the Fleth and Fortune fhall better de- termine. Whip me? no, no; let Carman whip his Jade. The valiant Heart’s not whipt out of his Trade. [ Exit. Efcal. Come hither to me, Mafter Elbow; come ‘hither, Matter Conftable; how long have you been in this Place of Conftable 2 Elb. Seven Year and a half, Sir. Efcal. 1 thought, by the readinefs in the Office, you had continued in it fome. time: Youfay, feven Years toge- ther. | | Elb. Meafure for Meafure- 215 Elb. And a half, Sirs Efcal. Alas! it hath been great Pains to you; they do you Wrong to put you fo oft upon’t: Are there not Men in your Ward fufficient to ferve it¢ Elb. Faith, Sir, few of any Wit in fuch Matters; as they are chofen they are glad to chufe me for them: Ido it for fome piece of Moncy, and go through with all. | Ejcal. Look you, bring me in the Names of fome fix of feven, the moft fuflicient of your Parifh. Elb. To your Worfhip’s Houfe, Sir 2 Ejcal. To my Houfe; fare you well. What’s a Clock, think you? [Exit Elbow. Fujt. Eleven, Sir. | Efcal, 1 pray you go home to Dinner with me. 4» Fuft. 1 humdly thank you. Efcal. It grieves me for the Death of Claudio: But there’s no Remedy. Fuft. Lord Angelo is feveres Efcal. It is but needful. Mercy is not it felf, that oft looks fo; Pardon is ftill the Nurfe of {fecond Woe: But yet, poor Clasdio, there is no Remedy- Come, Sir; [ Exeunt. cc B&B Nebo Enter Provolt, and a Servant. Serv. He’s hearing of a Caufe; he will come Rraight: I'll tell him of you. Prov. Pray you do; Ill know Lis Pleafure ; may be he will relent; alas! He hath but as offended in a Dream: All Se&s, all Ages fmack of this Vice, and he To die fort! : | Enter Angelo. Ang. Now, what's the Matter, Provoft ? : Prov. Is it your Will Claudio fhall die to morrow ¢ Ang. Did not I tell thee yea? hadft thou not Order? Why doft thou ask again 2 Prov. Left I might be too rafh. Under your good CorreGtion, I have feen ae | . P When 216 = § Meafure for Meafure. , When after Execution, Judgment hath cA Repented o’er his Doom. | : ng. Go to; let that be mine; Do you your Office, or give up your Place, a And you fhall well be fpar’d. Prov. I crave your Honour’s Pardon. What fhall be done, Sir, with the groaning Fuliet? ' She’s very near her Hour. | ing. Difpofe of her’ $ | To fome more fitter Place, and that with fpeed. Ser. Here is the Sifter of the Man condemn’d, Defires Accefs to you. 4ng. Hath he a Sifter ? 3 __ Prov. “Ay, my good Lord, a very virtuous Maid, And to be fhortly of a Sifter-hood, | si If not already, : | “ing. Well; let her be admitted. See you the Fornicatrefs be remov'd; Let her have needful, but not lavifh Means; There fhall be Order for'’t. Enter Lucio and: Iabella. Prov. Save your Honour. Ang. Stay a little while. ‘Y’are welcome; what’s your Will? f/ab. Lam a woful Suitor to your Honour, *Pleafe but your Honour hear me. “ing. Well; what’s your Suit 2 Ufab. There is a Vice that moft I do abhor, And more defire fhould meet the Blow of Jutftice, - For which I would not plead, but that I muft, For which I muft nor plead, but that I am At War ’twixt will, and will not. Ang, Well; the Matter ? | 4a. Y have a Brother is condemn’d to die; I do befeech you let it be his Fault, And not my Brother. | Prov. Heav’a give thee moving Graces. “ng. Condemn the Fault, and not the A@or of it; Why every Fault’s condemn’d e’er it be done; Mine were the.Cipher of a Fun@ion F To fine the Faults, whofe Fine ftands in Record, - | And let go by the A@or. Lfabe a — —_ eo ~- _ ol er —— = = — Se — ao . == = ee ee —_— Meafure for Meafure. 217 Ifab. O juft, but fevere Law: I hada Brother then; Heav’n keep your Honour. Lucio. Giv't not o’er fo: To him again, intreat him, Kneel down before him, hang upon his Gown; You aretoo cold; if you fhould need a Pin, You could not with a more tame Tongue defire it. To him, I fay. fab. Muft he needs die? Ang. Maiden, no Remedy. ~ fab. Yes; 1 do think that you may pardon him, And neither Heav’n nor Man grieve at the Mercy. _ Ang. Iwill not do’t. ? Tab, But can you if you would? “Ang. Look, what I will not, that I cannot do. I/ab. But might you do’t, and do the World no Wrong, If fo your Heart were touch’d with that Remorfe, As mine is to him¢ Ang, He’s fentenc’d; *tis too late. Lucio. You are too cold. Ifab. Too late? why fo? I that do fpeak a Word, May call it back again: Well, believe this, No Ceremony that to great ones longs, Not the King’s Crown, nor the deputed Sword, The Marthal’s Truncheon, nor the Judge’s Robe, Become them with one half fo good a Grace As Mercy does: If he had been as you, and you as he, You would have flipt like him; but he, like you, Would not have been fo {tern. Ang. Pray you be gone. Jfab. 1 would to Heav’n I had your Potency, ‘And you were J/abel; fhould it then be thus? No; I would tell what ’twere to be a Judge, And what a Prifoner. Lucio. Ay, touch him; there’s the Vein. Ang. Your Brother is a Forfeit of the Law, ‘And you but wafte your Words. fab. Alas! alas! Why, all the Souls that were, were Forfeit once 5 And he that might the ’Vantage beft have took; Found out the Remedy. How would you be, If he, which is the top of Judgment, fhould | But a oct. a : 5 : : : . inane ate =, a hes es Se _- - 7" : brane a SPE i Ms ‘ i ee = = — — — — — ee ee rs == Fe BS : = = cage ee . =. = : So rs — -—ars ae = : ° J fe ¥ ———* = / rs Te 7s = ——- , = x » SS Fae * . . os “— ==: = = = = = - E A Fi ra = === = = = a “ == == + = es Se ae — TS = ——- ee ua ies od we * - ~ = —— ~ ne 7 a. _ ——— . 5 < =n eS et aye hens se a a ee ee i . Sa c Smit ny = - > ee - 3 y : = = = " — ss . : = = se - ¢ — a si 25 y > : ae : : 4 z - oe = 2 : 3 : = r + e* a a _ = i a “= S . - - - . 7 eae gy wh _ ~» -* z — - - = SS a 7 ha a. - - —— x“ S a oe = ee es -Ps— Se; ore Ss = os i — i we we — 8 "i Pees vs =a —_ = oe ~ = SS ee = ie te ere = ¥3 ea z : = = : ; = = Se = ; ao at —- ———_— = nal + ree sere is _—— ry ss Ss aise soe ee e-~ Saeeee ~~ —¥ + Sy y = ‘ = : — ~ : SS See : ———————————— a — a ———— rege === poem ne = OOS ee = St ~ = ae 2 >= = SS eee ee 5 ~ a “ - - s bates = —— ess — PS Paes oe ~ = SS = =i 2: SS oF $= Ssis= =, Fz vt =s- = US = =r z =. Ses. a =. = x ~ — . Pett —— oS ae SAS i i = = a ‘ > SS SS >=: = = = g i =a) = . fate se as = - ee re! = z a es a 2 SS ae Pore Se = 2S SS 3 . ar = = ov " 5 wrt = ~ eee ee = Ee Sma ers 2% 2a aS, . _ Hab. Meafure for Meafure. 233 Ifub. 1 have heard of the Lady, and good Words went with her Name. | | Duke. She fhould this dagelo have marry 'd; was afhanc’d to her by Oath, the Nuptial appointed: Between which time of the Contract, and limit of the Solemnitys her Brother Frederick was wrackt at Sea, having in that perifh’d Veffel the Dowry of his Sifter. But matk how heavily this befel to the poor Gentlewoman; there fhe loft a noble and renowr- ed Brother, 10 his Love toward her ever moft kind and natural; with him the Portion and Sinew of her Fortune, her Marriage-dowry;. with both, her Combinate-husband, this well-feeming Angelo. fb. Can this be fo? Did Angelo fo leave her 2 Duke. Left her in her Tears, and dry’d not one of them with his Comfort; fwallow’d his Vows whole, pretending in her Difcoverics of Difhonour: In few Words, beftow’d her.on her own Lamentation, which fhe yet wears for his fake; and he, a Marble to her T ears, is'wafhed with them, but relents not. | ST fab. What a Merit were it in Death to take this poor Maid from the World! What Corruption in this Life, that it will let this Man live! But how out of this can fhe a- vailé Duke. It is a Rupture that you may eafily heal; and the Cure of it not only faves your Brother; but keeps you from Difhonour in doing it. Ifab. Shew me how, good Father. Duke. This fsre-nam’d Maid hath yet in her the Conti- nuance of her firft Affection; his unjuft Unkindnefs, that -y all Reafon fhould have quenched her Love, hath, like an Impediment in the Current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo, anfwering his requiring with a plaufible Obedience; agree with his Demands to the Point: Only refer your felf to this Advantage; firft, that your Stay with him may not be long; that the Time may have all Shadow and Silence in it; and the Place anfwer to Convent- — ence. This being granted in Courfe; and now follows all: We fhall advife this wronged Maid to fteed up your Ap- pointment, go in-your place; if the Encounter acknowledge ‘- felf hereafter, it may compel him to her Recompence; ghd here, by this is your Brother faved, your Honour un. tainted, a2 fa ° = ~ > - ’ 7 = J 2 - 7, r os. — . “ J da - we FO be Cpe ee tA ne oe: Ai Ro oe ws rite Sept. Snade ba yeas a ee oy + phe “~ 7.) Fee ree oe meenaheunnamnine ~- - — = ~< -s e 4. ase % * ‘5 ae = _ —— pen vf be —_ on vy pete 25. 7 eee Gea oo 4e-0 oe . 234 Meafure for Meafure. tainted, the poor A@ariana advantaged, and the corrupt De- puty fcaled. The Maid will I frame, and make fit for his Attempt: If you think well to carry this, as you may, the doublenefs of the Benefit defends the Deceit and Reproof. What think you of it? | Ifab. The Image of it gives me Content already, and I truft it will grow to a molt profperous PerfeCion. : Duke. Itlyes much in your holding up; hafte you fpeedi- ly to Angelo; if for this Night he intreat you to his Bed, give him Promife of SatisfaCtion. I will prefently to St. Lake’ss there at the moated Grange refides this dejected Afariana; at that place call upon me, and difpatch with dagelo, that it may be quickly. t/ab. I thank you for this Comfort: Fare you well, good Father. | Exit. Enter Elbow, Clown and Officers. Elb. Nay; if there be no Remedy for it, but that you will needs buy-and fell Men and Women like Beafts, we fhall have all the World drink brown and white Baftard. Duke. Oh Heav’ns! what ftuff is here? Clown. “Twas never/merry World fince of two Ufuaries the merrieft was put down, and the worfer allow’d by Ore der of Law; a furr’d Gown to keep him warm; and furr'’d with Fox and Lambs-skins too, to fignifie, that “Craft being richer than Innocency, ftands for the facing. Elb, Come your way, Sir: Blef&S you, good Father Friar. - Duke. And you, good Brother'Father; what Offence hath this Man made you, Sir? Elb, Marry, Sir, he hath offended the Law; and, Sir, we take him to be a Thief too, Sir; for we have found upon him, Sir, a ftrange Pick-lock, which we have fent to the De- uty. : Duke. Fie, Sirrah, a Bawd, a wicked Bawd : The Evil that thou caufeft to be done, That is thy means to live. Do thou but think What ’tis to cram a Maw, or cloath a Back From fuch a filthy Vice: Say to thy felf, From their abominable and beaftly Touches I drink, I eat away my felf, and live, : Canft Meafure for Meafure. 235 Canft thou believe thy living isa Life, So ftinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend, Clown. Indeed it does ftink in fome fort, Sirs But yet, Sir, I would prove | Duke. Nay; if the Devil have given thee Proofs for Sin, Thou wilt prove his. Take him to Prifon, Officer; CorreGion and Inftru@tion muft both work, B’er this rude Beaft will profit. E/b. He mult before the Deputy, Sir; he has given him Warning; the Deputy cannot abide a Whore-mafter; if he be a Whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a Mile on his Errand. Duke. That we were all, as fome would feem to be, Eree from all Faults, as Faults from feeming free. Enter Lucio. Elb. His Neck will come to your Wafte, a Cord, Sir. Clown. 1 {py Comfort; I cry Bail: Here’s a Gentleman, and a Friend of mine, Lucio. How now, noble Pompey? What, at the Wheels of Cefar? Art thou led in Triumph? What, is there none of Pigmalion’s Images newly mide Woman to be had now, for putting the Hand in the Pocket, and extracting clutch’d 2 What Reply 2 Ha? What fay’ft thou to this Tune, Matter and Method 2 Is’t not drown’d ith’ laft Rain¢ Hla‘ What fay’ft thou, Trot¢ Is the World as it was, Man? Which ts the way? Is it fad, and few Words? .Or how? The Trick of it? . Duke. Still thus, and thus; ftill worfe? Lucio. How doth my dear Morfel? thy. Miftrefs? Pro- cures fhe ftill?¢ Ha? Clown. Troth, Sir, fhe hath caten up all het Beef, and the is her felf in the Tub. Lucio. Why, ’tis good; it isthe right of it; it mutt be fo. Ever your frefh Whore, and your powder’d Bawd, an un- fhunn’d Confequence, it muft be fo. Art going to Prifon, Pompey £ Clown. Yes, Faith, Sir. | Lucio. Why, ’tis not amifs, Pompey: Farewel: Go fay, I fent thee thither; for Debt, Pompey ? Or how 2 Elb. For being a Bawd, for being a Bawd. Licio. ane 8 Meafure for Meafure. Lucio. Well, then imprifon him; if Imprifonment be the — due of a Bawd, why, ‘tis his right. Bawd is he doubt. lefs, and of Antiquity too; Bawd born. Farewel, good Pompey: Commend me to the Prifon, Pompey; you will turn good Husband now, Pompey; you will keep the Houfe, — Clown. I hope, Sir, your good Worfhip will be my Bail. Lucio. Noindced will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear ; I will pray, Pomp ee 5 . * . = = = => —— sa = - Se — > - —= ——— ee eee cou - bs = == - .- > 2 - = a. a a Te ae = aaa a > a _ Sees Se x = = oe — ————— = . a ‘> P ee ~S z ~hor ee ae = ay i ——e x : a = ia = - —— a egg es Se SS Avie RK Vee ie aes pee paz? Se - = —— ia r Se econo ; J —- 2: ~- 92 aS gatr in = =< a a = ae = = = — _—— = Sa ———s aoe = pute? #-.. Se re ee in eee =e + a aes -. =a ts = ~ “ ——— se =" = os =F. Se - é >= - = = — —< —— 2 eS ———e 5 = al a = 2 =v 7 = 2a *; tae -— — = = —— : ~ - 3 ~. = = 22 = —— —= a i me z st, - —. oe ee a —— a+ , wee +e. > = — Sat 2 Bie: te ner — 0 a en =—— 4d Ss os Mari. Meafure for Meafure. 243 ari. Fear me not. Duke. Nor, gentle Daughter, fear you not at all: He is your Husband on a Pre-contract ; To bring you thus together, ‘ts no Sin, Sith that the Juftice of your Title to him Doth flourifh the Deceit. Come, let us go; Our Corn’s to reap, for yet our Tythes to fow. [£xeunt, SCENE II. The Prifon. Enter Provoft azd Clown. Proy. Come hither, Sirrah: Can you cut off a Man’s Head? Clown. If the Man be a Batchelor, Sir, I cans But if he be a marry’d Man, he’s his Wife’s Head, And I can never cut off a Woman's Head. Prov. Come, Sir, leave me your Snatches, and yield me a direct Anfwer. To Morrow Morning are to die Claudio and Barxardine: Here is in our Prifon a common Executic- ner, who in his Office lacks a Helper; if you will take it on you to affift him, it fhall redeem you from your Gyves: If not, you fhall have your full time of Imprifonment, and your Deliverance with an unpitied Whipping; for you have been a notorious Bawd. Clown. Sir, I have been an unlawful Bawd, time out of mind, but yet I will be content to be a lawful Hangman : [ would be glad to receive fome Inftruction from my Fellow- Partner. Prov. What hoa, Abhorfon! where’s Abhorfon there? Enter Abhorfop. Abhor. Do you call, Sir? | Prov. Sirrah, here’s a Fellow will help you to Morrow in your Execution: If you think it meet, compound with him by the Year, and let him abide here with you; if not, ufe him for the prefent, and difmifs him. He cannot plead his Eftimation with you; he hath been a Bawd. Abhor. A Bawd; Sir? Fie upon him, he will difcredit our Myftery. Prov. Go to, Sir; you weigh equally, a Feather:will turn the Scale. | [ Exit. R 2 Clown. I! 1 1 4 ] } f Pr f + ss Mei 7 » } a? el hy Hin } 5 re: 4 : } ¥' By las tr + ‘ un J - i . H ; io. eG & | \ , q § +o Rie % i ry t 7? i 4 "1 ) 4 i ; Wt dhe - ’ an tt a i : vay ap ti 4 ay i Ny iB bul Soe 14 Ra mf ale ait He a : alt Wl | iit. | i ; : uit a ‘ milan 8 | 4 i + unr if ia ‘ ¥ i i hhel at, a \ ( 244 Meafure for Meafure. Clown. Pray Sir, by your good Favour; for furely, Sir, a good Favour you have, but that you havea hanging Look; Do you call, Sir, your. Occupation a Myttery ¢ oR Abbor. Ay, Sir, a Myftery. | Clown. Painting, Sir, I have heard fay, is a Myftery; and your Whores, Sir, being Members of my Occupation, ufing painting, do prove my Occupation a Myftery: But what Myftery there fhould be in hanging, if I fhould be hang’d, I cannot imagine. | Abhbor. Sir, itis a Myftery. Clown. Proof. Abhor. Every true Vian’s Apparel fits your Thief. Clown. If it be too little for your Thief, your true Man. thinks ic big enough. If it be too big for your Thief, your Thief thinks it little enough: So every true Man’s Apparel firs your Thief. y Enter Provott. Prov. Are you agreed? Clown. Sit, 1 will ferve him: For I do find your Hang- man is a more penitent Trade than your Bawd; he doth oftner ask Forgivenefs. Prov. You, Sirrah, provide your Block and your Ax to Morrow, four a Clock. Abhor. Come on, Bawd, I will inftru& thee inmy Trade; follow. . Clown. I do defire to learn, Sir; and I hope, if you have occafion to wfe me for your own turn, you fhall find me yours: For truly, Sir, for your Kindnefs, I owe you a good — turn. | Exit. Prov. Call hither Barnardine and Claudio: Th’ one has my Pity; not a jot the other, ‘Being a Murtherer, tho’ he were my Brother. Exter Claudio. Look, here’s the Warrant, Claudio, for thy Death; ’Tis now dead Midnight, and by-eight to Morrow Thou mult be made Immortal. Where’s Barnardine? Claud. As faft lock’d up in Sleep as- guiltlefs Labour, When it lyes ftarkly in the Traveller’s Bones: He will not wake. , Prov. Who can do good on him 2 Well, go, prepare your felf, But hark, what Noife? [Knock within. Heav’n Meafure for Meafure. “2 AS Heav’n give your Spirits Comfort: By and by I hope it is fome Pardon, or Reprieve For the moft gentle Claudio. Welcome, Father. , Enter Duke. . Duke. The beft and wholfom’tt Spirits of the Night Invellop you, good Provoft: Who call’d here of late? Prov. None fince the Curphew rung. Duke. Not Label? Prov, No. Duke. They will then, ere’t be long. Prov. What Comfort 1s for Clanato ? Duke. There’s fome in hope. Prov. It is a bitter Deputy. Duke. Not fo, not fo; his Life is parallel’d Even with the Stroak and Line of his great Juftice; He doth with holy Abftinence.fubdue That in himfelf which he fpurs on his Power To qualifie in others. Were he meal’d with that Which he corre&s, then were he tyrannous 5 But this being fo, he’s juft, Now are they come. | [Kuock again. This is a gentle Provoft, feldom when | The fteeled Goaler is the Friend of Men. How now 2 What Noife? That Spirit’s poffeft with hafte That wounds th’ unrefifting Poftern with thefe Strokes. Prov. There he mutt ftay until the Officer Arife to let him in; he is call’d up. Duke. Have you no Countermand for Claudio yet But he muft die to Morrow¢ Prov. None, Sir, none. Duke. As near the Dawning, Provoft, as it 18; You {hall hear more e’er Morning. Prov. Happily: You fomething know; yet I believe there comes No Countermand; no fuch Example have we: Befides, upon the very fiege of Juftice, Lord Angelo hath to the publick Ear Profeft the contrary: Euter a Meffenger. Duke, This is his Lord’s Man. Prov. And here comes Clazdio’s Pardon. R 3 Meff . a 246 Meafure for M eafure. Meff. My Lord hath fent you this Note, And by me this further Charge, That you fwerve not from the {malleft Article of it, Neither in Time, Matter, or other Circumftance, Good Morrow; for, as I take it, it is almoft Day. Prov. I fhall obey him. | Exit Meffen. Duke, This is his Pardon, purchas’d by fuch Sin For which the Pardoner himfelf is in: Hence hath Offence his quick Celerity, | When it is born in high Authority ; | When Vice makes Mercy, Mercy’s fo extended, That for the Fault’s love, is th’ Offender friended, Now, Sir, what News2 Prov. I told you: Lord Angelo, be-like, thinking me remifs In mine Office, awakens me With this unwonted putting on, methinks f{trangely, For he hath not us‘d it before. Duke. Pray let’s hear. a . Provolt reads the Letter. Whatfoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be exe- cuted by four of the Clock, and in the Afternoon Barnar- ‘ dine: For my better Satisfaction, let me have Claudio’s Head fent me by five. Let rhis be duly performed, with a Thought that more depends on it than we muft yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your Office, as you will anfover it at your Peril. | | What fay you to this, Sir2 , Duke. What is that Barzardine, who is to be executed in th’ Afternoon? | : Prov, A Bohemian born; but here nurft up and bred, One that isa Prifoner nine Years old, _ Duke. How came it, that the abfent Duke had not either -deliver’d him to his Liberty, or executed him? I have heard it was ever his manner to do fo, | Prov. His Friends ftill wrought Reprieves for him; | And indeed his Fad, ’till now in the Government of Lord —— ~ > eT ew) Ko. = = ~—S eee —— ws = SE = are ego ox Spy LS : : = = ™: aie oF Tar Fates : id = ~ a 3 fg ra tee en tS aaee = = r _ eae = ~2 ~ a2 et st He = a = —eet SSE = b=. = — is + 2 ir) ye a = 4 2 rs = PE SPE 2 Sua eG: ete: “gem s “é Fa f= SS ee => 3 SS ee ee ee See Duke. was EE: Meafuve for Meafure. DAI Duke. Hath he born himfelf penitently in Prifon ? How {eems he to be touch’d é | Prov. A Man that apprehends Death no more dreadfully, but as a drunken Sleep, carelefs, wreaklefs, and fearlefs of what’s paft, prefent, or to come; infenfible of Mortality, and defperately mortal, Duke: He wants Advice. | Prov. He will hear none; he hath evermore had the liber- ty of the Prifon: Give him leave to efcape hence, he would not: Drunk many times a Day, if not many Days entirely drunk, We have very oft awak’d him, as ifto carry him to Execution, and fhew’d him a feeming Warrant for its it hath not mov’d him at all. Duke. More of him anon. There is written in your Brow, Provoft, Honefty and Conftancy; if I read it not truly, my ancient Skill beguiles me; but in the boldnefs of my cun- ning, I will lay my felf in Hazard. Claudio, whom here you. have Warrant to executes is no greater Forfeit to the Law than -dagelo, who hath fentenc’d him. To make you underftand this in a manifefted Effe@, Icrave butfour Days Refpite; for the which you are to do me botha prefent and a dangerous Courtefie. Prov. Pray, Sir, in what? Duke. In the delaying Death. | Prov, Alack! how may I do it? Having the Hour limited, and aa exprefs Command, under Penalty, to deliver his Head in the view of dzgelo, I may make my Cafe as Claudio’s, to crofs this in the fmalleft. Duke. By the Vow of mine Order, I warrant you, If my Ioftructions may be your Guide: Let this Barszardine be this Morning executed, And his Head born to Angelo. Prov. Angelo hath feen them both, And will difcover the Favour. Duke. Oh, Death's a great Difguifer, and you may add to it; fhave the Head, and tie the Beard, and fay, it was the De- Greof the Penitent to be fo barb’d before his Death ;. you know the Courfe 1s common. If any. thing fall to you upon this, more than Thanks and. good Fortune; by the Saint whom I prefefs, I will plead againft it with my Eife. | R 4 Prov. t 1 , b f : | | ote a ae cry eg SS SSS i= eet = pe _ by0 a 248 Meafure for Meafure.’ Prov. Pardon me, good Father; it is againft my Oath. Duke. Were you {worn to the Duke, or to the Deputy? Prov. To him, and to his Subftitutes. Duke. You will think you have made no Offence, if th Duke avouch the Juftice of your Dealing? Prov. But what likelihood is in that 2 Duke. Nota Refemblance, but a Certainty; yet fince I fee you fearful, that neither my Coat, Integrity, nor my Per- fuafion, can with eafe attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all Fears.out of you. Look you, Sir, here is the Hand and Seal of the Duke; you know the Character, I doubt not, and the Signet is not ftrange to you. Prov. know them both. Duke. The Contents of this isthe Returh of the Duke; you fhall anon over-read it at your Pleafure; where you thajl find within thefe two Days he will be here. This is a thing which Angelo knows not; for he this very Day. re- ceives Letters of ftrange Tenor, perchance of the Duke’s Death, perchance entring into fome Monaftery, but by chance nothing of what is writ. Look, th’ unfolding Star calls up the Shepherd; put not your felf into amazement how thefe things fhould be; all Difficulties are but cafie when they are known. Call your Executioner, and off with Barnardine’s Head: I will give him a prefent Shrift, and ad- vife him for a better Place. Yet you are amazd, but this fhall abfolutely refolve you. Come away, it is almoft clear Dawn. | | Exit. Enter Clown. Clown. I am as well acquainted here, as I was in our Houfe of Profeffion; one would think it were MiftrefS O-. ver-don’s own Houle; for here be many of her old Culto- © mers: Firft, here’s young Mr. Rafb; he’s in for a Com- modity of brown Pepper and old Ginger, ninefcore and fe- \wenteen Pounds; of which he made five Marks ready Mo- ney: Marry then, Ginger was not much in requeft; for the old Women were all dead, Then is there here one Mr. Caper, at the Suit of Mafter Three-Pile, the Mercer, for fome four Suits of Peach-colour’d Sattin, which now peaches him a Beggar, Then have we here young Dizy, and young Mr. Deep-vow, and Mr. Copper-(pure, and Mar | | er A 4 Meafure for Meafure. 249 fter Starve-Lacky, the Rapier and Dagger Man, and young Dropheire, that kill’d lufty Pudding » and Mr. Forth-light, the Tilter, and brave Mr. Shooty, the great Traveller, and. wild Half-Canne, that ftabb’d Pots, and, I think, forty more, all great doers in our Trade; and are now for the Lord’s "fake. Enter Abhorfon. Abbor. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither. Clown. Matter Barnardine, you mutt rife ahd be hang’d, Matter Barnardine. Abbor. What hoa, Barnaraine ! Barnardine within. Barnar. A Pox o’ your Throats; who makes that noife there? What are you? Clown. Your Friend, Sir, the Hangman: You muft be fo good, Sir, to rife, and be put to Death. Barnar. Away, you Rogue, away, 1 am fleepy. Abhor. Tell him he muft awake, And that quickly too. Clown. Pray» Mafter Barnardine, awake ‘ull you are exe- ted, and fleep afterwards. Abhor. Go into him, and fetch him out. Clown. Heis coming, Sir, he is coming; 1 hear his Straw rufsle. : Enter Barnardine. Abhor. Is the Ax upon the Block, Sirrah ¢ Clown. Very ready, Sir. Barnar. How now, Abhorfon ? What’s the News with you ? Abhor. Truly, Sir, I would defire you to clap into your Prayers: For look you, the Warrant’s come. Barnar. You Rogue, I have been drinking all Night, I am not fitted for’t. Clown. Oh, the better, Sir; for he that drinks all Night, and is hang’d betimes in the Morning, may fleep the founder all the next Day. 3 Enter Duke. Abbor. Look you, Sir, here comes your ghoftly Father ; Do we jeft now, think you Duke. ~ 250 Meafure for Meafure. Duke. Sir, induced by my Charity, and hearing how ha- ftily you are to depart, I am come to adyife you, comfort you, and pray with you. Barnar. Friar, not 1: Thave been drinking hard alt Night, and will have more time to prepare me, or they fhall beat out my Brains with Billets: I will not confent to die this Day, that’s certain. Duke. Oh, Sir, you muft; and therefore I befeech you look forward on the Journey you fhall go. Barnar. U{wear I will not die to Day for any Man’s Per- fuafion. Duke. But hear you. Barnar. Not a Word: If you have any thing to fay to me, come to my Ward; for thence will not I to Day. [| Exit, Enter Provott Duke. Unfit to live, or die: Oh gravel Heart ! After him, Fellows: Bring him to the Block. Prov. Now, Sir, how do you find the Prifoner 2 Duke. A Creature unprepar’d, unmeet for Death; And to tranfport him in the Mind he is, Were damnable. Prov. Here in the Prifon, Father, There dy’d this Morning of a cruel Fever, One Rogozine, a molt notorious Pirate, A Man of Clazdio’s Years; his Beard and Head Jutt of his Colour. What if we do omit ‘This Reprobate, ’till- he were well enclin’d, And fatisfie the Deputy with the Vifage Of Rogozine, more like to Claudio? Duke. Oh, “tis an Accident that Heav’n provides: Difpatch it prefently; the Hour draws on Prefixt by -dugelo: See this be done, And fent according to Command, whiles I Perfuade this rude Wretch willingly to die. Prov. This fhall be done, good Father, prefently. But Barnardine mult die this Afternoon: And how fhall we continue Claudie, To fave me from the Danger that might come, If he were known alive? Duke. Let this’ be done; Put them in fecret holds, both Barnardine and Claxdio: | E’er Meafure for Meafure. 25% F’er twice the Sun hath made his Journal greeting To yond Generation, you fhall find Your Safety manifefted. Prov. I am your free Dependaht. tn Berle. Duke. Quick, difpatch, and fend the Head to Azgelo, Now will I write Letters to Axgelo, The Provoft he fhall bear them, whofe Contents Shall witnefs to him I am near at home; And that by great Injunétions I am bound To enter publickly: Him Pll defire To meet me at the confecrated Fount, A League below the City; and from thence, By cold Gradation, and well-ballanc’d Form, We fhall proceed with -dzgelo. Exter Provott. Prov. Here is the Head, Ill carry it my felf. Duke, Convenient 1s it: Make a fwift Return; For I would commune with you of fuch things That want no Ear but yours. Prov. Vil make all fpeed. | Exit. 3 Ifabel owithin. Ifab. Peace hoa, be here. Duke. The Tongue of J/abel. She’s come to know, If yet her Brother’s Pardon be come hither: But I will keep her ignorant of her Good, To make her heav’nly Comforts of Defpair, When it is leaft expected. Enter Mabel. Ifab. Hoa, by your Leave. Duke. Good Morning to you; fair and gracious Daughter. Ifab. The better given me by fo holy a Man: Hath yet the Deputy fent my Brother’s Pardon? Duke. He hath releas’d him, Z/abel, fromthe World; His Head is off, and fent to -dugelo. Ifa. Nay, but it is not fo. Duke. It is no other. - Shew your Wifdom, Daughter, in your clofe Patience. fab. Oh, I will to him, and pluck out his Eyes. Duke. You fhall not be admitted to his fight. I{ab. Unhappy Claudio, wretched J/abel! [njurious World, moft damned dzgelo! Dukes } wf ve " Mt i 4 at ay | ia 18 pip j ne | ae } A) (eS ee ne ee a ee eee SSs tS ti AS rt a es tg re SP oe = SSS — -s a ee Pete et Digi2 Meafure for Meafure. Duke. This hurts not him, nor profits you a jot: Forbear it therefore, give your Caufe to Heav’n: Mark what I fay, which you fhall find By every Syllable a faithful Verity. The Duke comes home to Morrow; nay, dry your Eyes ; One of our Convent, and _his Confeffor, - Gives me this Inftance: Already he hath carry’d Notice to Efcalus and Angelo, Who do prepare to meet him at the Gates, Thereto give up their Power. If you can, pace your Wifdom In that good Path that I would with it go, And you fhall have your Bofom on this Wretch, Grace of the Duke, Revenges to your Heart, And general Honour. Tfab. 1 am directed by you. Duke. This Letter then to Friar Peter give; ’Tis that he fent me of the Duke’s Return: Say, by this Token, I defire his Company At Mariana’s Houle to Night. Her Caufe, and yours, Pli perfe& him withal, and he fhall bring you Before the Duke; and to the Head of Angelo Accufe him home and home. | For my poor felf, I am combined by a facred Vow, And fhall be abfent. Wend you with this Letter: ‘Command thefe fretting Waters from your Eyes With a light Heart; truft not my holy Order If I pervert your Courfe. Who’s here? Ewter Lucio. Lucio, Good Even; Friar, where’s the Provoff ? . Duke. Not within, Sir. Lucio. Oh pretty J/abelia, I am pale at mine Heart to fee thine Eyes fo red; thou muft be patient ; I am fain to dine and fup with Water and Bran; I dare not for my Head fill my Belly: One fruitful Meal would fet me to’t. But, they fay, the Duke will be here to Morrow. By my Troth, Tfabel, 1 lov’d thy Brother: If the old fantaftical Duke of dark Corners had been at Home, he had lived. Duke. Sir, the Duke is marvellous little beholden to your = Reports; but the beft-is, he lives not in them, Lucio. Meafure for Meafure. 25 3 Lucio. Friar, thou knoweft not the Duke fo well as! do; he’s a better Woodman than thou tak'{t him for. Duke. Well; you'll anfwer this one Day. Fare ye well. Lucio Nay; tarry, I'll go along with thee: I can tell thee pretty Tales of the Duke. Duke. You have told me too many of him already, Sir, if they be true; if not, none were enough. Lucio. I was once before him for getting a Wench with Child. | Duke. Did you fuch a thing ? | Lucio. Yes, marry did I; but I was fain to forfwear it; They would elfe have marry 'd me to the rotten Medler. Duke. Sir,,your Company is fairer than honeft: Reft you well. Lucio. By my Troth, I'll go with thee to the Lane’s end: If bawdy Talk offend you, we'll have very little of it ; nay, Friar, 1 am akind of Bur, I fhall {tick. | Exeunt. S CoB oN Be The Palace. Enter Angelo and E{calus. Efcal. Every Letter he hath writ hath difvouch’d other. Ang. In moft uneven and diftracted manner. His ACtions thew much like to Madnefs; pray Heav'n his Wifdom be not tainted: And why meet him at the Gates, and deliver our Authorities there ¢ Efcal. 1 guefs not. | Ang. And why fhould we proclaim it in an Hour before his entring, that if any crave Redrefs of Injuftice, they fhould exhibit their Petitions in the Street Efcal. He thews his Reafon for that; to have a Difpatch of Complaints, and to deliver us from Devices hereafter, . which (hall then have no Power to ftand againft us. Ang. Well; I befeech you let it be proclaim’d betimes ith’ Morn; Pll call you at your Houfe: Give Notice to fuch Men of fort and fuit as are to meet him, | Efcal, \ thall, Sir: Fare you well. [ Exit. Ang. Good Night. This Deéd unfhapes me quite, makes me unpregnant, And dull to all Proceedings. “A defloured Maid, And by an eminent Body, that enfore'd The 254 Meafure for Meafure. The Law againft it? But that her tender Shame Will not proclaim againft her Maiden lofs, How might fhe Tongue me? Yet Reafon dares her no; For my Authority bears off a credent Bulk, That no particular Scandal once can touch, But it confounds the Breather. He fhould have liv’d, Save that his riotous Youth, with dangerous Senfe, Might in the Times to come, have ta’en Revenge By fo receiving a difhonour’d Life, | With Ranfom of fuch fhame: Would yet he had liv’d. Alack, when once our Grace we have forgot, : Nothing goes right, we would, and we would not. | Exit. SC roe Ty: SCENE The Fields without the Town, Enter Duke in his own Habit, and Friar Peter. Duke. Thefe Letters at fit time deliver me, The Provoft knows our Purpofe and our Plot: The Matter being afoot, keep your Inftru@ion, And hold you ever to our fpecial Drift, Tho’ fometimes you do blench from this to that, As Caufe doth minifter: Go call at Flavius’ Houfe, And tell him where I ftay ; give the like notice To Valencius, Rowland, and to Craffus, And bid them bring the Trumpets to the Gate: But fend me Flavius firft. Peter. It thall be fpeeded well, — 2 Enter Varrius. : Duke. (thank thee, Varrius; thou haft made good hafte: | Come, we will walk. There’s other of our Friends Will greet us here anon; my gentle Varrins, [Exeunt. @ ENE Ve 3 Enter Tfabella and Mariana. Ifab. To {peak fo indire@ly I am loath; I would fay the Truth; but to accufe him fo, That is your Part; yet I am advis'd to do it: He fays, to vail full Purpofe,’ Mar. Be rul’d by him. — 4 | Lb, Meafure for Meafure. 255 Ifab. Befides; he tells me, that if peradventure He fpeak-againft me on the adverfe fide, I fhould not think it ftrange; for ’tis a Phyfick That’s bitter to fweet End. ~ Enter Peter. Mar. 1 would Friar Peter Jfab. Oh Peace; the Friar is come. - Peter. Come, I have found you out a Stand moft fit, Where you may have fuch Vantage on the Duke, He fhall not pafs you. Twice have the Trumpets founded : The generous and graveft Citizens Have hent the Gates, and very near upon The Duke is entring: Therefore hence away. [ Exeunt. f ACT VM S@QENET SCENE the Street. Enter Duke, Varrius, Lords, Angelo, Efcalus, Lucio, and Citizens, at feveral Doors. aT - very worthy Coufin, fairly met; Our oldand faithful Friend, weare glad tofee you. Ang.and Efe. Happy Return be to your Royal Grace, Duke. Many and hearty thankings be to you both: We have made Enquiry of you, and we hear Such Goodnefs of your Juftice, that our Soul Cannot but yield you forth to publick Thanks, Forerunning more Requital. Ang. You make my Bonds ftill greater. Duke. Oh, your Defert {peaks loud, and Ifhould wrong To lock it in the Wards of covert Bofom, When it deferves, with Characters of Brafs, A forted Refidence ’gainft the tooth of Time, And razure of Oblivion: Give me your Hand, And let the Subject fee, to make them know, _ That outward Courtefies would fain proclaim Favours that keep within. Come, E/calns, 3 ou i — ae 256 Meafure for Meafure. You muft.walk by us on our other Hand: And good Supporters are you. Enter Peter and Mfabella. i Peter. Now is your time: a Speak loud, and kneel before him. Lfab. Jultice, O royal Duke; vail your Regard Upon a wrong’d, I would fain have faid, a Maid: Oh worthy Prince, difhonour not your Eye By throwing it on any other Object, °Till you have heard me in my true Complaint, And give me Juftice, Juftice, Juftice, Juftice. Duke. Relate your Wrongs; In what, by whom? be brief: Here is Lord Angelo fhall give you Juttice ; Reveal your felf tohim. =~ Tfab. Oh worthy Duke, You bid me feek Redemption of the Devil: Hear me your felf; for that which I muft {peak és Mutft either punifh me, not being believ’d, Or wring Redrefs from you: : Hear me; oh hear me here. 3 : dng. My Lord, her Wits, I fear me, are not firm: * She hath been a Suitor to me for her Brother, Cut off by courfe of Juftice. L/ab. By courfe of Juftice! “4ng. And fhe will {peak moft bitterly. he a Tfab. Mott ftrange, but yet moft truly will I {peak ; ‘That Angele’s forfworn: Is it not ftrange? That -Angelo’s a Murtherer :-Is’t not ftrange 2 That -Angelo is an adulterous Thief, An Hypocrite, a Virgin Violater: Is it not ftrange, and ftrange? (ffi Duke. Nay, it is ten times ftrange. fab, It is not truer he is Angelo, Than this is all as true as it is ftrange: Nay, it is ten times true; for Truth is Truth To th’ end of reckoning, Duke. Away with her: Poor Soul, She fpeaks this in th’ infirmity of Senfe.. : Lfab. Oh Prince, I conjure thee, as thou believ’ft There is.another Comfort than this World, rary That oy 7 Meafure for Meafure. 257 That thou negle& me not, with that Opinion, That I am touch’d with Madnefs. Make not impoflible That which but feems unlike: ’Tis not impoffible But one, the wicked’ft Caitiff on the Ground, May feem as fhy, as grave, as juft, as abfolute As Angelo; ev’n fo may Angelos In all his Dreflings, Caradts, Titles, Forms, Be an Arch-villain: Believe it, Royal Prince, If he be lefs, he’s nothing; but he’s more, Had I more Name for Badnefs. Duke. By mine Honelty, If fhe be mad, as I believe no other, Her Madnefs hath the oddeft frame of Senfe, Such a dependency of thing on thing, As e’er I heard in Madnefs. Ifab. O gracious Duke, Harp not on that; nor do not banifh Reafon For Inequality; but let your Reafon ferve To make the Truth appear, where it feems hid, And hide the falfe feems true. Duke. Many that are not mad Have fure more lack. of Reafon. What would you fay 2 Ifab. 1 am the Sifter of one Clazdio, Condemn’d, upon the Ac of Fornication, To lofe his Head; condemn’d by Axgelo: I, in Probation of a Sifter-hood, Was fent to by my Brother; one Lucia, As then the Meffenger. Lucio. That’s I, and’t like your Grace: ¥ came to her from Claudio, and defir’d her To try her gracious Fortune with Lord -dugelo, For her poor Brother’s Pardon. Ifab. That’s he indeed. Duke. You were not bid to f{peak. [Zo Lucio. Lucio. No, my good Lord, | Nor wifh’d to hold my peace. Duke. I wifh you now then; Pray you take note of it: And when you have A Bufinefs for your felf, pray Heav’n you then Be perfect. . Vou lL S Lucio. 258 Méafure for Meafure. Lucio. I warrant your Honour. “ Duke. The Warrant’s for your felf; take heed to’t. Jfab. This Gentleman told fomething of my Tale. Lucio. Right. Duke. \t may be right, but you are ith’ wrong To fpeak before your time. Proceed. Lfab. I went To this pernicious Caitiff Deputy. Duke. That’s fomewhat madly {poken. Ifab. Pardon it: The Phrafe is to the Matter. Duke. Mended again: The Matter; proceed. Ifab. In brief; to fet the needlefs by, gi, How I perfuaded, how I pray’d, and knecl’d, How he refell’d me, and how I reply’d, : For this was of much length; the vile Conclufion I now begin with Grief and Shame to utter. He would not, but by Gift of my chalte Body To his-concupifcible intemperate Luft, Releafe my Brother; and after much Debatement, My fifterly Remorfe confutes mine Honour, And I did yield to him: But the next Morn betimes, His Purpofe forfeiting, he fends a Warrant s For my poor Brother’s Head. Duke. This is moft likely. : Ifab. Ob that it were as like as itis true. __ [fpeak’fts Duke. By Heav’n, fond Wretch, thou know’ft not what thou Or elfe thou art fuborn’d againft his Honour In hateful PraGtice, Firft, his Integrity Stands without blemifh; next, it imports no Reafon, That with fuch vehemency he fhould purfue Faults proper to himfelf: If he had fo-offended, He would have weigh’d thy Brother by himfelf, And not have cut him off. Some one hath fet you on; Confef§ the Truth, and fay by whofe Advice Thou cam’ft here to complain. Lfab.. And is this all?2 _ Then oh you bleffed Minifters above, Keep me in Patience; and with ripen’d time, Unfold the Evil which is here wrapt up In countenance: Heav’n fhield your Grace from Wo. As I thus wrong’d, hence unbelieved go. Duke. Meafure for Meafure. CE RED Duke. I know you'd fain be gone. An Officer ; To Prifon with her. Shall we thus permit A. blafting and a fcandalous Breath to fall On him fo near us? This needs muft be a Practice. Who knew of your Intent, and coming hither? | Ifab. One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick, Duke. A ghoftly Father belike : Who knows that Lodowick? . Lucio. My Lord, I know him; ’tis a medling Friar; I do not like the Man; had he been Lay, my Lord, For certain Words he fpake againft your Grace In your Retirement, I had fwing’d him foundly. Dake. Words againft me? This is a good Friar belike, And to fet on this wretched Woman here Againft our Subftitute! Let this Friar be found. Lucio. But Yefternight, my Lord, fhe and that Friar, I faw them at the Prifon: A fawcy Friar, A very {curvy Fellow. Peter. Blefled be your Royal Grace ! I have ftood by, my Lord, and I have heard Your Royal Ear abus’d. Firft hath this Woman Moft wrongfully accus’d your Subftitute, Who is as free from touch or foil with her, As fhe from one ungot, Duke. We did believe no lefs. Know you that Friar Lodowick which the {peaks of2 Peter. T know him for a Man divine and holy ; Not fcurvy, nor a temporary Medler, As he’s reported by this Gentleman; And, on my Truft, a Man that never yet Did, as he vouches, mifreport your Grace. Lucio. My Lord, moft villanoufly; believe it. Peter. Well; he in time may come to clear himfelf; But at this inftant he is fick, my Lord, Of a ftrange Fever: Upon his meer Requett, Being come to knowledge, that there was Complaint Intended agairift Lord <4ygelo, came I hither To fpeak, as from his Mouth, what he doth know Is true and falfe; and what he with his Oath, And all Probation, will make up full clear, Whenfoever he is convented, Firft, for this Woman, 3 "To a — 5452 Hee Se = = oe Ss en = a2 = — ~ = J aseaigg = = f= — = = = c= ee } \ A ri i i Nl are || is i hg th h rr } ) ) i] Mt Hi ty \ \ a> : a he i} q re a ‘ i ‘ : he ee i 4 { . ee i : al a i ' i} h | ‘ an { | 1 et - 1 7 4 ; : Ny Bi hth rey (le i Hy ‘fF ; 4 | Ht At } ila | 4 ’ i \ 1 pe sl ict 2 Biba apy | aay Ny ul 7] ‘ 4 i ! it ta r , ai { | 4 , i i ‘4 : : } 4 hall ’ Th th 1 iho i ait i \ : 1 " i iT 4 j e hu 4 {4 NP ee + Te na ' | { . ‘ { { eet (tee Aj arte i i hay le / HWieh 4 | tee. a hy 14 Tipe spe , Hl 4 ba) ue if r ( al " i 7 { AT et Sk i Wh me” Shae 1h) Ted ot if , | (fe Ta a) 7 " + wai: y ; i ‘a 4 i ‘ th ot ute tp | - i aly : 4 '@ “ii 180. Tepes ieee is a. Bi « I 1 8 ; ‘iT of ti, } ’ ‘ ae , i au. } | Pie i | SOT } ee | } Sa (a ia 1o) nye ; . a uM | ly ‘ rh ah. : " ! Ms ae a, ’ ‘ti Oy ie ie Fh aA ; Pe a th Weee. ee ii Bah G ¥ pr Wie ~ ier 4 ik Pat + 2 it oh. > ae NE ee a hE S| : 1 2s yh ae ait f i ii! DY 4 7 ee os ff wea" oe ‘ 4 : 4 de y ae iy “Vibes | 4 LP. na io me ad 9 i be ey HS ase : , “en /“ “aie a ae ms) ' iy ’ i) a et We { ; } nT] ia } ' Li } : } ; i } | ‘| i } ' re - | , ‘4 ips ! Wt ReT i} ¥ i } | } | t " a | nt Na , ( ‘ ; ' hi mney d } Me phate he i if | + hil |), Ra ti a y j ty ss. 7 5: Ah 3 ig } Pn Be im! - rt vs ah) HAS |: | : ten be Sa ia : } ' > | » - rl ; ‘ Rad ‘ 4 SP : ae bat i! : Pa ally bot Re 4 ti ss. te sth paltke bet 1! a9) ioe ; ‘ us ‘2 ate : ) i 1 We < at eos 7 ft , ae ae oe no hee at J i. o \ os > 7 t Gitte 8 ae tt th Nis _ 1)" a) : - oh a ri ; : : ) oe if {i} " Pay i | 1a ie By yom ¥ al yal : ye { : ' *% ; , : : i f it fl ‘ah mel Katte =— 260 Meafure for Meafure. To juftifie this worthy Nobleman, So vulgarly and perfonally accusd, Her fhall you hear difproved to her Eyes, Till the her felf confefs it. Duke, Good Friar, let’s hear it. Do you not {mile at this, Lord xgelo ? Ah, Heav’n! the vanity of wretch’d Fools ! Give us fome Seats; Come, Coufin Angelos In this Pll be impartial: Be you Judge Of your own Caufe. Is this the Witnefs, Friar ? Enter Mariaba veil’d. Firft, let her fhew her Face, and after {peak. Mari. Pardon, my Lord, I will not fhew my Face Until my Husband bid me. Duke. What, are you marry’d? Mari. No, my Lord. Duke. Are you a Maid? Mari. No, my Lord. Duke. A Widow then? Mari. Neither, my Lord. Dnke. Why, are you nothing then? Neither Maid, Wi- dow, nor Wife? | Lucio. My Lord, fhe may bea Punk; for many of them are neither Maid, Widow, nor Wife. Bo i Duke. Silence that Fellow: I would he had fome Caufe to prattle for himfelf. Lucio. Well, my Lord. Mari. My Lord, I do confels I ne’er was marry’d, And I confefs belides, I am no Maid; I have known my Husband, yet my Husband ~ . Knows not that ever he knew me. Lucio. He was drunk then, my Lord; it can be no better. Duke. For the benefit of Silence, would thou wert fo too. Lucio. Well, my Lord. | Duke. This is no Witnefs for Lord Angelo. Mari. Now I come to’t, my Lord. She that accufes him of Fornication, In felf-fame manner doth accufe my Husband, And charges him, my Lord, with fuch a time, When I'll depofe I had him in mine Arms, With all th’ Effe@ of Love. Ang. Meafure for Meafure. 261 Ang. Charges fle more than meé Mari. Not that I know, Duke. No? ‘you fay your Husband. — To Mariana. Mari. Why, jult, my Lord, and that is dugelo, Who thinks he knows, that he ne’er kn-w my Body; But knows, he thinks, that he knows Z/abel’s. Ang. This is a ftrange Abufe: Let's feethy Face. Mari. My Husband bids me; now I will unmask. | Unveiling. This is that Face, thou cruel Angelo, Which once thou {wor’ft was worth the looking on : This is the Hand which, with a vow’d Contract, Was faft belock’d in thine: This is the Body That took away the Match from JZ/abel, And did fupply thee at thy Garden-houfe In her imagin’d Perfon. Duke. Know you this Woman? Lucio. Carnally, fhe fays. Duke. Sirrah, no more. Lucio. Enough, my Lord. | Ang. My Lord, I muft confefs I know this Woman; And five Years fince there was fome fpeech of Marriage Betwixt my {elf and her; which was broke off, Partly for that her promifed Proportions Came fhort of Compofition; but in chief, For that her Reputation was dif-valued In Levity: Since which time, of five Years I never {pake with her, faw her, nor heard from her, Upon my Faith and Honour. Mari. Noble Princes Asthere comes Light from Heav’n, and Words from Breath, As there is Senfe in Truth, and Truth in Virtue, Tam affiane’d this Man’s Wife as ftrongly As Words could make up Vows: Aad, my good Lord, But Twe/day Night laft gone, in’s Garden-houfe He knew me asa Wife. As this Is true, Let me in fafety raife me from my Knees; Or elfe for ever be confixed hcre A Marble Monument. Ang. I did but fmile *till now. Now, good my Lord, give me the Scope of Jultice ; My Patience here is touch’d: I do perceive S$ 3 Thele 262 Meafure for Meafure. Thefe poor informal Women are no more But Inftruments of fome more mightier Member ° That fets them on. Let me have way, my Lord, To find this Practice out. Duke. Ay, with my Heart; And punifh them to your height of Pleafure. Thou foolifh Friar, and thou pernicious Woman, Compact with her that’s gone; think’ft thou thy Oaths, Tho’ they would fwear down each particular Saint, Were Teftimonies ’gainft his Worth and Credit, That's feal’d in Approbation ? You, Lord E/calus, Sit with my Coufin; lend him your kind Pains To find out this Abufe, whence ’tis deriv’d. There is another Friar that fet them on; Let him be fent for. Peter, Would he were here, my Lord; for he indeed Hath fet the Women on to this Complaint: Your Provoft knows the Place where he abides; And he may fetch him. Duke. Go, do it inftantly. | And you my noble and well warranted Coufin, Whom it concerns to hear this Matter forth, Do with your Injuries as feems you beft In any Chaftifement: I for a while Will leave yous but ftir not you, ’till you have Well determin’d upon thefe Slanderers. [ Exit. Efcal. My Lord, we’lldo itthroughly. Siginor Lucio, did not you fay, ‘you knew that Friar Lodowick,to be a dithoneft Perfon 2 Lucio. Cucullus non facit Atonachum; honeft in nothing but in his Cloaths, and one that hath {poke moft villanous Speeches of the Duke. _ Lfcal. We fhall intreat. you to abide here ‘till he come, and inforce them againft him; we fhall find this Friar a nota- ble Fellow, Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my Word, £fcal. Call that fame Z/abel here once again; I would {peak with her: Pray you, my Lord, give me leave to queftion; you thall fee how Ill handle her. Lucio. Not better than he, by her own Report. Escal, Say you? | 7 | ‘ . Lucio, ee (oN BS vi bd rite |! He | i (rit (° Meafure for Meafure. 263 Lucio. Marry, Sir, 1 think if you handled her privately - fhe fhould fooner confefs; perchance publickly fhe'd be a- fham’d. | Enter Duke ix the Friar’s Habit, Provoft and Uabella. Efcal. 1 will go darkly to work with her. Lucio. That’s the way; for Women are light at Mid- night. “Efeal. Come on, Miltrefs: Here’s a Gentlewoman denies all that you have faid. | Lucio. My Lord, here comes the Rafcal I fpoke of, Here with the Provo. E/cal. In very good time: Speak not you to him ‘tll we call upon you. Lucio. Mum. Efcal. Come, Sir, did you fet thefe Women on to flander Lord Angelo? They have confefs’d you did. Duke. ’Tis falfe. Efcal. How? Know you where you are? Dake. Refpect to your great Place; and let the Devil Be fometime honour’d for his burning Throne. Where is the Duke? ’Tis he fhould hear me {peak. Efcal. The Duke’s in us; and we will hear you fpeak : Look you {peak juftly. Duke. Boldly at leaft, But oh, poor Souls, Comme you to feek the Lamb here of the Fox? Good-night to your Redrefs: Is the Duke goneé Then is your Caufe too, The Duke's unjult, Thus to retort your manifeft Appeal, And put your Trial in the Villain’s Mouth Which here you come to accufe. Lucio. This is the Rafcal; this is he I {poke of. Efcal. Why, thou unreverend and unhallow’d Friar, - Is’t not enough thou haft fuborn’d thefe Wonten To accufe this worthy Man, but in foul Mouth, And in the witnefs of his proper Ear, To call him Villain; and then. to glance from him To th’ Duke himfelf; to tax him with Injuftice? Take him hence; toth’ Rack withhim: We'll touze you Joint by Joint, but we will know his Purpofe : What? Unjutt? $ A. Duke. 264 Meafure for Meafure. Duke. Be not fo hot; the Duke dare No more ftretch this Finger of mine, than he Dare rack his own: His Subje&t am I not, Nor here Provincial; my Bufinefs in this State Made me a Looker on here in Vienna; | Where I have feen Corruption boil and bubble, Till it o’er-run the Stew: Laws for all Faults, But Faults fo countenanc’d, that the ftrong Statutes Stand like the Forfeits in a Barber’s Shop, As much in Mock as Mark. Efcal. Slander to th State! Away with him to Prifon. “4ng. What can you vouch againft him, Signior Lucio ? Is this the Man that you did tell us of Lucio. *Tis he, my Lord. Come hither, Goodman Bald- pate: Do you know me? Duke. I remember you, Sir, by the found of your Voice: I met you at the Prifoninthe Abfence of the Duke. Lucio. Oh, did you fc? And do you remember what you faid of the Duke? Duke. Mott notedly, Sir. , Lucio. Do you fo, Si? And was the Duke a Flefh-mon- Ber, a Fool, and a Coward, as you then reported him to eg Duke. You mutt, Sir, change Perfons with me, e’er you make that my Report: You indeed fpoke fo of him, and much more, much worfe. — Lucio. Oh thou damnable Fellow! did not I pluck thee by the Nofe for thy Speeches? Duke. I proteft, I love the Duke as I love my felf. ~4ng. Hark how the Villain would clofe now after his treafonable Abufes. _ Efcal. Such a Fellow isnot to be talk’d withal: Away with him to Prifon: Where. is the Provo/t ? Away with him to Prifon; lay Bolts enoughupon him; let him {peak no more; away with thofe Giglets too, and with the other confede- rate Companion. _ Duke. Stay, Sir, flay a while. «ing. What, refifts he? Help him, Lucio. Lucio. Come Sir, come Sir, come Sir; foh, Sir ; why, you bald-pated lyiag Rafcal; you muft be hooded, muft you2 | Show ne re = - pene ony ee -=- =~ - = = 5 oo ie PS a SS eo ae —— 5 oo ae — = —s --- a= a > == - = = — a = =) = = > a ‘ . Sri ae 1S ->= = SS = ——— re ~ —— = —. - - 2 = — ee r —— = a — : - = ~ S = eo a Se ee he. = ee oe ee, S date . zt . eee “ ae = in Kew Pin’ s 7 > = a pet EPS z a ae a ee = == a a Poa » [= 5 Nal ere * . ~ ‘oo - - - aT pa = ? — 3 ee ae a ” , a - Ee «g 2K, SF “ - : = — r x _ ; : > ars : = Bt : can 5 + < Pfs to : “ . ee ee = So ee le ala ek eee a : “as at iii. =. > eee Se eS Ss ats : : : - <5 or. = : 3 : r 2 ek ee — TS ~ neaeeareemetcier - : . Sa ae so ~~ oe Se : = = = Se : = —— = =— = = es ——- —— -- --~ a -_— — -—- os es - 4 *. ——_ eT s r = Ses pt de BE a We a < * ee. 5 ‘> 5 Ae a ax: eee & ot “ are = 2 — = =e — Pan ~ . S ee — . - tp Sas =| ——— — byarde = - * ys er =? ; vw i>; a to > Ses =e a a, =. 7s Ss A ty ee aee aS - =e - . = = a ae a % « . > - = as) 2a ae ~ beh at rnd Se (hx = = =e ae tae F ——_ oe —_—_ = rare ™ . + = sd Jee NS ig AF xP 3 a — Pet eeer hats ws == eS a ee —= = 2 Sa? BS gS pee ee = = = = See SS SSS ee x ————— pe a : = span! = = Fs = a == SSS => == SS <= —— : == = === = = So = —— —=== = ‘* tah ae Meafure for Meafure. 265 Show your Knave'’s Vifage, with ; Pox to you; fhow your fheep-biting Face, and be hang’d a1 Hour: Willt not off? [ Pulls off the Friars Hool, and difcovers the Duke. Duke. Thow art the firft Knave that eer mad’{t a Duke. Firft, Provoft, let me bail thefe gatle three. Sneak not away, Sir; for the Frsa and you Muft have a word anon: Lay hok on him. Lucio. This may prove worfe than hanging. Duke. What you have fpoke, I pardon; fit youdown: [To Efcalus, We'll borrow place of him; Sir, »y your Leave: . Haft thou or Word, or Wit, or Inpudence, That yet can do thee Office? If :hou haft, Rely upon it ’till my Tale be herd, And hold no longer out. Ang, Oh my dread Lord, I fhould be guiltier than my Guitinefs, To think I can be undifcernable, When I perceive your Grace, lik: Power divine, Hath look’d upon my Paffes: Tlen, good Prince, No longer Seflion hold upon my thame; But let my Trial be mine own Oonfeflion : Immediate Sentence then, and fecuent Death, Is all the Grace I beg. Duke. Come hither, ALariana: Say; was’t thou ever contracted b this Woman 2 Ang. 1 was, my Lord, Duke. Go take her hence, andmarry her inftantly. Do you the Office, Friar; whicl confummate, Return him here again: Go withhim, Provoft. [ Exeunt Aigelo, Mariana and Provolt, Efcal. My Lord, I am more anaz’d at his Difhonour, Than at the ftrangenefs of it. Duke. Come hither, \Z/abel; | Your Friar is now your Prince: As I was then, Advertifing, and holy to your Bafinefs, Not changing Heart with Habit, I am {till Attornied at your Service. Ifab. Oh give me Pardon, That I, your Vaflal, have employ’d and pain’d Your unknown Soveraignty. Duke. You are pardon’d, J/aGl: And now, dear Maid, be you asfree to us, Your 266 Meafure for Meafure. Your Brother’s Death, I know, fits at your Hearts And you may marvel why I obfcur’d my felf, Labouring to fave his Life; and would not rathey Make rath Remonftrance of my hidden Power; Then let him be fo loft: Oh moft kind Maid, It was the fwift Celerity of his Death, 7 Which 1 did think with flower foot came on, That brain’d my purpofe: But Peace be with him. That Life is better Life, paft fearing Death, Than th:t which lives to Fear: Make it your Comfort, So happy is your Brother. Enter Angelo, Maria, Peter, Provott, Tfab. 1 do, my Lord. | | Duke. For this new-marry’d Man, approaching here, - Whofe falt Imagination yet hath wrong’d | Your well-defended Honour; you muft pardon For Mariana’s Sake: But as he adjudg’d your Brother, Being Criminal, in double violation Of facred Chaftity, and of Promife-breach, Thereon dependant for your Brother’s Life, The very Mercy of the Law cries out Moft audible, even from his proper Tongue, * An Angdo for Claudio; Death for Death: Hafte ftill pays hafte, and leifure anfwers leifure; Like doth quit like, and Adeafure {till for ALeafure. Then, Angelo, thy Faults are manifefted ; | Which tho’ thou wouldft deny, denies thee vantage, We do condemn thee to the very Block Where Claudio ftoop’d to Death; and with like hatte, Away with him. Mari. Oh my moft gracious Lord, I hope you will not mock me with a Husband? Dake. It is your Husband mock’d you with a Husband. Confenting to the Safeguard of your Honour, IT thought your Marriage fit; elfe Imputation, For that he knew you, might reproach your Life, And cho:k your good to come: For his Poffeffions, Altho” by Confifcation they are ours, = We do enftate, and Widow you withal, To buy you a better Husband. Mari..Oh my dear Lord, I crave no other, nor no. better Man. | Duke. Meafure for Meafure. = 267 Duke. Never crave him; we are definitive. Mari. Gentle, my Leige. Duke. You do but lofe your Labour: Away with him to Death. Now, Sir, to you. Mari. Oh my good Lord. Sweet Z/abel, takemy patts Lend me your Knees, and all my Life to come I'll lend you, all my Life to do you Service. Duke. Againft all Senfe you do importune her; Should fhe kneel down, in mercy of this Fact, Her Brother’s Ghoft his paved Bed would break, And take her hence in Horror. Mari. Ifabel, Sweet J/abel, do yet but kneel by me, Hold up your Hands, fay nothing; V'll {peak all. They fay, beft Men are moulded out of Faults; And, for the moft, become much more the bette! For being a little bad: So may my Husband. Oh J/abel; will you not lend a Knee? Duke. He dies for Clandio’s Death. Ifab. Moft bounteous Sir, [| Kneeling. Look, if it pleafe you, on this Man condemn’d, Asif my Brother liv’d: I partly think, A due Sincerity govern’d his Deeds, >Till he did look on me: Since it is fo, Let him not dic. My Brother had but Juttice, | In that he did:‘the thing for which he dy’d. ‘ For Angelo, his A& did not o’er-take his bad Inent, — And muft be bury’d but as an Intent | That perith’d by the way: Thoughts are no Subjects; Intents, but meerly Thoughts. Mari. Meerly, my Lord. Dube. Your Suit’s unprofitable; ftand up, I fy: I have bethought me of another Fault. Provoff, how came it Claudio was beheaded At an unufual Hour ¢ Prov. It was commanded fo. Duke. Had you a fpecial Warrant for the Ded? Prov. No, my good Lord; it was by privateMeflage. Duke. For which I do difcharge you of your Office: Give up your Keys, Prov. / =? — = = SS - = _— a el Se es. et = SS =, = oe Se aE ra a re Fee — a, -SEt _ es r aod ee ee era oe zs snd ‘ ~ = — - —s —=— — = = = 2 = = : > = hee = -* he =z : . s 2 = aS : =. =F are - a oa a a oe on Xa" i = - 2 . 3 : = = - : = a = < - ane . 2 as ; = = a ‘ 7 - - 7 nd - Ae - : 3 <—_ ee < = + she = > “. —- & saremee oll oa a ~~ — —= =: - = = : - ray as - : ——— = ie a a $7: = > S| Fad” See — Sat ; val, dat om as 7 Bb ee - == ae ——— = > ger. i = 2) aetna - hee ae eno ve “tp v= ce —_ ee ae Lace ae at NEE ate OS Sa ge lo eae a ee eee 7s. ae aps 3 Fes aad x > = <— = hee, 2 ee Se nee n°2taD tutriw¢ ap mit tee Dramatis Perfone. Alinus, Duke of Ephefus. “Egeon, 4 Merchant of Syracue. Antipholis of Ephefus, Twin Brothers,and Sons to feds Ageon and Amilia, but Antipholis of syracule, unknown to each other. Dromio of Ephefus, lTwm Brothers, and Slaves to Dromio of Syracufe, the two Antipholis’s, Balthazar, 2 Merchant. Angelo, 2 Gold/mith. A Merchant, Friend to Antipholis of Syracufe, ‘Dr. Pinch, a School-Mafter, and a Conjurer. Emilia, Wife to Ageon, an Abbefs at Ephetus. Adriana, Wife to Antipholis of Ephefus. Luciana, Si/fer to Adriana. Luce, Servant to Adriana. fatlor, Officers, and other Attendants. SCENE Epbefus. THE ; Wy a x Ny xy j WE NVA Me te ain ale NAST, A &% min sf ws NA Mk Xe nia mS pee) * ine. CA ORO CBA! CEASA BA CHI CONE Caer OF CROCE oe aoe Cp ances 69 BSA SIP S87 SY S02 SHE Wes SY BSA WH Sh Si? Se Swe Sey SAS < Ws SSL SSYZ SSL Ste? YZ Si Sr e ENE SEEN CE eT es > s < DS D8 TS TAS SAS IS Oe SONS Gas TAS Yak Fa Neda Tin UN Sas 7S fea! +e Sirti < - tn at ~ Ot. A~ ei aa - a 62.FoIeF ED) WG) VD IRIS Se. Deeds IG VG) X 3 Seda) Geo Se GS GOSS ZO es Be Us ee BS Yor Ye Be ye YS hy i a TY TH aN a a 1 BY A a ae teH. E ees ACTI SCENEL Enter the Duke of Ephefus, Aigeon, Failor, and other Attendants. et GEO N. Roceed, Salinus, to procure my Fall, And by thy doom of Death end Weesand all. Duke. Merchant of Syracufa, plead no more : I am not partial to infringe our Laws: The Enmity and Difcord which of late | Sprung from the rancorous Outrage of your To Merchants; our well-dealing Countrymen, | Duke, Who wanting Gilders to redeem their Lives, “Have feal’d his rigorous Statutes with their Bloods, Excludes all Pity from our threatning Looks. For fince the mortal and inteftine Jars *Twixt thy feditious Countrymen and us, Tt hath in folemn Synods been decreed, Both by the Syracufians and our felves, T’admit no Traflick to our adverfe Towns. Nay; more; if any born at Ephe/us Be feen at any Syracufian Marts and Fairs; Again, if any Syracufan born, Come to the Bay of Ephefus, he dies; His Goods confifcate to the Duke’s difpofe, Unlefs a thoufand Marks be levied ED T To 27 4 The Comedy of Errors. To quit the Penalty, and ranfom him. Thy. Subftance, vaiu'd at the higheft rate, Cannot amount unto a hundred Marks; | Therefore by Law thou art condemn’d to die. [ done, e£geon. Yet this my Comfort, when your Words are My Woes end likewife with the Evening Sun. Duke. Well, Syracufian, fay in brief the Caufe, Why thou departed’ft from thy native Home; And for what Caufe thoti cam’ft to Ephe/fus.” e#geox, A heavier Task could not have been impos’d, Than I to fpeak my Grief uafpeakable: Yet that the World may witnefs, that my End Was wrought by Nature, not by vile Offence, I'll utter what my Sorrow gives me leave. In Syracufa was I born, and wed Unto a Woman, happy bue for me ; | And by me too, had not our Hap been bad: ; With her I liv’d in Joy, our Wealth encreas d By profperous Voyages I often made To Epidamninm, ’till my Factor's Death; And he great ftore of Goods at random leaving, Drew me from kind Embracements of my Spoufe; From whom my Abfence was not fix Months old, Before her felf, almoft at fainting under The pleafing Punifhment that Women bear, Had made Provifion for her following me, And foon and fafe arrived where I was. There fhe had not been long, but the became A joyful Mother of two goodly Sons And, which was ftrange, the one fo like the other, As could not be diftinguifh’d but by Names. That very Hour, and in the felf-fame Inn, A poor mean Woman was delivered OF fuch a burthen, Male-twins both alike: Thofe, for their Parents were exceeding poor, I bought, and brought up to attend my Sons, My Wife, not meanly proud of two fuch Boys, Made daily Motions for our Home return: Unwilling I agreed; alas! too foon we came aboard, A. League from Epidamninum had we fail’d, x cfore the always wind-obeying Deep Gave ‘ , = as a“ The Comedy of Errors. 275 Gave any tragick inftance of our Harm; But longer did we not retain much Hope: For what obfcur'd Light the Heav'ns did grant, Did but convey unto our fearful Minds A. doubtful warrant of immediate Death; Which tho’ my felf would gladly have embrac’d, Yet the inceffant weeping of my Wife, Weeping before for what, fhe faw muft come, And piteous Plainings of the pretty Babes, That mourn’d for Fafhion, ignorant what to fear, Forc’d me to feck Delays for them and me: And this it was, for other Means was none. The Sailors fought for Safety by our Boat, And left the Ship then finking-ripe to us; My Wife, more careful for the Elder born, Had faften’d him unto, a {mall {pare Maft, Such as Sea-faring Men provide for Storms; To him one of the other Twins was bound, Whilft I had been like heedful of the other. The Children thus difpos’d, my Wife and I, Fixing our Eyes on whom our Care was fixt, Faften'd our felves at either end the Ship,’ And floating ftraight, obedient to the Stream, Were carry’d towards Corinth,as we thought. At length the Sun gazing upon the Earth, Difperft thofe Vapours that offended us; And by the benefit of his wifh’d Light, The Sea was calm, and we difcovered Two Ships from far making amain to us, Of Corinth that, of Epidauras this; But e’er they came, oh let me fay no more; Gather the Sequel by that went before. Duke. Nay, forward old Man, do not break off fo; For we may pity, tho’ not pardon thee. e“geon. Oh had the Gods done fo, I had not now Worthily term’d them mercilefs to us; ) | For e’er the Ships could meet by twice five Leagues, We were encountred by a mighty Rock; Which being violently born up upon, Our helplefs Ship was fplitted in the midfts So that in this unjuft Divorce of us gee Fortune > ae as oe ee ee a a ee awe SS ——— ; i} lj : i ie | a ee | Hs ) mf 4 a ’ > * er kb | i's et ‘ a 7 ' S| ‘ aul f 7 i j Ty 7 U a . o - “i : i . 4 : { ' : a . ‘ } “aj > iil ah, \ 4 : , f : i. 14 , ale et ae: ae Mae |, t H r : AS), : Med fe: rh ‘}o i 4 | a! 7 ~ 7 4 oh ‘a ‘ g ‘' t wi ) ae | (ali ae | Pi 5 ‘ns 4 ea & 0 is wit +4 t 2 ye ws " » oe d De OS * ry 4? Sia i a »s , - “J ; : u a 3 , > i ; Hi) i |=) fr oy } R th 22 wee) Y f. Wee) |. j a) 4) eae yl) Reg ihe 4 Fi h 4 ba ea »| hi ia 7 (* - a J . mt er) U: Wi ee, } Pe} ; tas *. ets | : * ies Bo ye oe LOS ' it a | f a a 4 Yoo ' + { 1 oe a | a} x ae ey at , vg ay ’ oe a sont Pete! ; \" i cl gs ; wey bee singel ess ae i anne abe wes = — = eo a a i sg AR dk Rersvkac. ae 276 The Comedy of Errors. Fortune had left to both of us.alike, What to delight in, what to forrow for. Her part, poor Soul, feeming as burdened . With lefler Weight, but not with lefler Wo, Was carry'd with more fpced before the Wind, And in our fight they three were taken up By Fithermen of Corinth, as we thought. At length another Ship had feiz’d on us; And knowing whom it was their hap to fave, Gave helpful welcome to their fhipwrackt Guelts, And would have reft the Fifhers of their Prey, Had not their Bark been very flow for Sail; And therefore homeward did they bend their Courle. Thus have you heard me fever’d from my Blifs, That by Misfortunes was ny Life prolong’d, To tell fad Stories of my own Mifhaps. Duke. And for the fakes of them thou forrow ft for, Do me the Favour to dilate the full, What hath befall’n them and thee ’till now. e#geon, My youngeft Boy, and yet my eldelt Care, At eighteen Years became inquifitive » After his Brother; and importun’d me, That his Attendant, for his Cafe was like, Reft of his Brother, but retain’d his Name, Might bear him Company in the queft of him: Whom whilft I labour’d of a Love to fee, I hazarded the Lofs of whom I lov’d. Five Summers have I {pent in fartheft Greece, Roaming clean through the Bounds of 4a, And coafting homeward, came to Ephe/us: Hopelefs to find, yet loath to leave unfought, Or that, or any Place that harbours Men. But here muft end the Story of my Life ; And happy were I in my timely Death, Could all my Travels warrant me they live. = Duke. Haplefs -£geon, whom the Fates Wave maikt To bear th’ extremity of a dire Mithap ; Now truft me, were it not _— our Laws, Againft my Crown, my Oath, my Dignity, Which Princes would, they may not difanul, My Soul fhould fue as Advocate for thee. ) | | But , The Comedy of Evvors. 277 But tho’ thou art adjudged to the Death, And paffed Sentence may not be recall’d, But to our Honour’s great Difparagement, Yet will I favour thee in what I can; Therefore, Merchant, I limit uiee this Day To feek thy Help by beneficial Help: Try all the Friends thou haft in Ephe/us, Beg thou, or borrow, to make up the Sum, And live; if not, then thou art doom'd to dic: Jailor, take him to-thy Cuftody. Fail. { will, my Lord. e#geon. Hopelefs and helplefs doth e£geon wend, But to procraftinate his Iivelefs End. | Exeunt. Enter Antipholis of Syracufe, 4 Merchant aud Dromio. Mer. Therefore give out, you are of Epidamninm, Left that your Goods be too foon confafcate. This very Day a Syracufian Merchant Is apprehended for Arrival here; And not being able to buy out his Life, According to the Statute of the Town, Dies e’er the weary Sun fets in the Weft: There is your Mony that I had to keep. Ant. Go bear it to the Cextaur, -where we hoft, And ftay there, Dromio, ’till 1 come to thee: Till that I'll view the Manners of the Town, Within this, Hour it will be Dinner-time, ; Perufe the Traders, gaze upoa the Buildings, And then return and fleep within mine Inn ; For with long Travel I am {tiffand weary. Get thee away. Dro. Many a Man would take you at your Werd, And go indeed, having fo good a Means. [| Exit Dromio. Ant. A trufty Villain, Sir, that very oft, When I am dull with Care and Melancholy, Lightens my Humour with his merry Jelts. What, will you walk with me about the Town, And then go to the Inn and dine with me? Mer. am invited, Sir, to certain Merchants, - Of whom I hope to make much Benefit: I crave your Pardon. Soon at five a Clock, Pleafe you, I'll meet with you upon the Mart, a3 _ And Sen ee Se ee a = a —-s — ae i ’ -. . - - = =- a = Se ~ ee . = = Se eee = i ~. Oe Se ee a 8S a ~~ = — oe a ¢ = — ac 4 ing é = So See or 5 Fe Pa SSS SS SSE —S = = hon >, : ~~ -—-—- —— : — 278 The Comedy of Ervors. And afterward Confort you ’till Bed-time : My prefent Bufinefs calls me from you now. Ant. Farewel *till then; I will go lofe my felf, And wander up and down to view the City. Aer. Sir, I commend you to your own Content. | [ Exit. Mer. 4t. He that commends me to my own Content, Commends me to the thing I cannot get. I to the World am like a drop of Water, Than in the Ocean feeks another drop, Who falling there to find his Fellow forth, Unfeen inquifitive, confounds himfelf: So I, to finda Mother and a Brother, In queft of him, unhappy, lofe my felf. Exter Dromio ef Ephefus. Here comes the Almanack of my true date. What now ? How chance thou art return’d fo foon, E. Dro. Return’d fo foon! rather approach’d too late: The Capon burns, the-Pig falls from the Spit, The Clock hath ftrucken twelve upon the Bell; My Mittrefs made it one upon my Cheek; She is fo hot becaufe the Meat is cold; The Meat is cold becaufe you come not home; You come not home becaufe you have no Stomach; You have no Stomach having broke your Faft: But we that know what ’tis to faft and pray, Are penitent for your Default to day. - Ant. Stop in your Wind, Sir; tell me this I pray, Where you have left the Mony that I gave you? E. Dro, Oh, fix Pence that I had a Wednefday lat, To pay the Sadler for my Miftrefs Crupper?2 The Sadler had it, Sir; I kept it nor. Ant. I am not in a fportive Humour now; Tell me, and dally not, where is the Mony2 We being Strangers here, how dar*ft thou truft So great a Charge from thine own Cuftody? | £. Dro. I pray you jeft, Sir, as you fit at Dinner: I from my Miftrefs come to you in Poft, If I return, I fhall be Poft indeed; For the will {core your Fault upon my Pate: Methinks your Maw, like mine, fhould be your Cook, And ftrike you home without a Meffenger. An}, S=- = The Comedy of Errors. 279 Ant. Come Dromio, come, thefe Jefts are out of Seafon ; Referve them ’till a merfier Hour than this? Where is the Gold I gave in Charge to thee? E. Dro. To me, Sir? Why, you gave no Gold to me. Ant. Come on, Sif Knave, have done your foolifhnefs, And tell me how thou haft difpos’d thy Charge? E. Dro. My Charge was but to fetch you from the Mart Home to your Houfe, the Phaxix, Sir, to Dinner; My Miftrefs and her Sifter ftay for you. Ant. Now as Lama Chriftian anfwer me, In what fafe Place you have beftow’d my Mony; Or I hall break that merry Sconce of yours That ftands on Tricks when I am undifpos‘d: Where is the thoufand Marks thou had{t of me? E. Dro. I have fome Marks of*yours upon my Pate; Some of my Miftrefs’s Marks upon my Shoulders; But not a thoufand Marks between you both. If I thould pay your Worthip thofe again, Perchance you will not bear them patiently. | thou? Anat. Thy Mittrefs’s Marks? What Miftrefs, Slave, haft E. Dro. Your Worfhip’s Wife, my Miftrefsat the Phoenix 3 She that doth faft ‘till you come home to Dinner ; And prays that you will hie you home to Dinner. Ant. What, wilt thou flout me thus unto my Face, Being forbid? There, take you that, Sir Knave. E. Dro. What mean you, Sir? For God fake hold your Nay, and you will not, Sir, Vl take my Heels. — [Handss | Exit Dromio Ep. Ant. Upon my Life, by fome Device or other, The Villain is o’er-wrought of all my Mony. They fay, this Town is full of Couzenage ; As nimble Juglers, that deceive the Eye; Dark-working Sorcerers, that change the Mind ; Soul-killing Witches, that deform the Body; Difeuis'd Cheaters, prating Mountebanks, And many fuch like Liberties of Sin: If it prove fo, I will be gone the fooner. I'll to the Centaur to go feek this Slave;_ I greatly fear my Mony is not fafe. ——— ee me een — = ae - z = ewe ee 2 eee a A NE IN A eens = | ; | ti it - | Exit. T 4 ACT 5 oS 2 eee. <—_ = = " ie eee “ 280 The Comedy of Errors. ee os ACT I $CPN St Enter Adriana and Luciana. Adr, Either my Husband, nor the Slave return’d, That in fuch hafte I fent to feek his Mafter; Sure, Luciana, it is two a Clock. Luc. Perhaps fome Merchant hath invited him, | And from the Mart he’s fowewhere gone to Dinner: Good Sifter, let us dine, and never fret. A Man is Mafter of his Liberty : Time is their Mafter, and when they fee time, ~ ooo a Pe RE I eS — yf} iia if Ke ~ ~~ Oe Soe Ry eet — 7 —_— I ee oz rw eS SS ae rr Pa tim ae ‘t= a Sao See = yeu: —— s as eae a a rast i > Se Feces = " oS = 4 " oh nl Wg ae | an. Vamate sat hig ae an! ee) ee 1 Portis iT : { ett { i N ¥ ae oa Aa, a pape Sus TSS SE ea ihe Ss = SS a) = eS ae ee a eS Se eee So . 282 The Comedy of Errors. E. Dro. Go back again, and be new beaten home? For God’s fake fend {ome other Meflenger. Adr. Back, Slave, or I will break thy Pate acrofs. E. Dro. And he will blefs that Crofs with other beating: Between you I fhall have a holy Head. a Adr. Pence, prating Peafant, fetch thy Mafter home. E.Dro. Am I fo round with you.as you with me, That like a Foot-ball you do fpurn me thus? You fpurn me hence, and he will {purn me hither: If I laft in this Service, you muft cafe me in Leather, [ Exit, Luc. Fie, how Impatience lowreth in your Face ! Adr. His Company muft do his Minions grace, Whilft I at home ftarve for a merry Look: Hath homely Age th’ alluring Beauty took From my poor Cheek? Then he hath wafted it. Are my Difcourfes dull¢ Barren my Wit? If voluble and fharp Difcourfe be marr’d, Unkindnefs blots it more than Marble hard. Do their gay Veftments his Affections bait 2 That’s not my Fault; he’s Mafter of my. State. What Ruins are in me that can be found, By him not ruin’d? Then is he the ground Of my Defeatures. My decayed fair, A funny Look of his would foon repair, But, too unruly Deer, he breaks the Pale, And feeds from home; poor I am_but his Stale. Luc. Self-harming Jealoufie; fie, beat it hence. Adr. Unfeeling Fools can with fuch Wrongs difpenfe: © I know his Eye doth Homage other-where ; Or elfe what lets it but he would be here ? Sifter, you know he promis’d me a Chain, Would that alone, alone he would detain, So he would keep fair quarter with his Bed. I fee the Jewel, beft enameled Will lofe his Beauty; yet the Gold bides ftill That others touch, and often touching will: Since that my Beauty cannot pleafe his Eye, . I'll weep, what’s left, away, and weeping die. Luc. How many fond Fools ferve mad Jealoufie2 ty [ Exeunt. | | Enter The Comedy of Errors. 233 Enter Antipholis of Syracute. Ant. The Gold I gave to Dromio is laid up Safe at the Centaur, and the heedful Slave Is wander’d forth in care to feek me out. By computation, and mine Hoft’s report, I could not {peak with Dromio, fince at firft I fent him from the Mart. See here he comes. Enter Dromio of Syracufe. How now, Sir? is your merry Humour alter’d 2 As you love Stroaks, fo jeft with me again. You know no Centaur ? You receiv’d no Gold? Your Miftrefs fent to have me home to Dinner? My Houfe was at the Phenix ? Wait thou mad, That thus fo madly thou didf anfwer me: S. Dro. What anfwer, Sir? When fpake I fuch a Word? Ant. Even now, even here, not half an Hour fince. S. Dro. I did not fee you fince you fent me hence Home to the Centaur, with the Gold you gave me. Ant. Villain, thou didft deny the Gold’s Receipt, And told’ft me of a Miftref%, and a Dinner; For which I hope thou felt’{t I was dipleas’d. S. Dro. I am glad to fee you in this merry Vein: What means this jeft, I pray you, Matter, tell me? Ant. Yea, dott thou jeer and flout me in the Teeth? Think’ ft thou! jeft2 Hold, take thou that, and that. | Beats Dro. S. Dro. Hold, Sir, for God’s fake, now your Jeft 1s Earneft ; Upon what Bargain do you give it me¢ Ant. Becaufe that I familiarly fometimes Do ufe you for my Fool, and chat with you, Your Sawcinefs will jeft upon my Love, And make a Common of my ferious Hours. When the Sun fhines let foolifh Gnats make fport, But creep in Crannies when he hides his Beams: If you will jeft with me, know my Afpect, And fafhion your Demeanor to my Looks; Or I will beat this Method in your Sconce. E. Dro. Sconce, call you it? So you would leave batter- ing, I had rather have it a Head; an you ufe thefe Blows long, I muft get a Sconce for my Head, and infconce it too, or elfe I fhall feck my Wit in my Shoulders: But I pray, Sir, why am I beaten? : Ant. 284 ~ The Comedy of Errors. Ant. Toft thou not know? S. Dro. Nothing, Sir, but that I am beaten, Ant. Shall I tell you why? S. Dro. Ay, Sit, and wherefore; for they fay, every why hath a wherefore. ; Ant. Why, firft for flouting me; and then wherefore, for urging it the fecond time to me. : S. Dro. Was there ever any Man thus beaten out of Sea~ fon, when inthe Why and the.Wherefore is neither Rhime nor Reafon. Well, Sir, I thank you. Ant. Thank me, Sif, for what? S. Dro. Marry, Sir, for this fomething that you gave me for nothing. : Ant. Vl make you amends next, to give you nothing for fomething. But fay, Sir, is it Dinner-time? S. Dre. No, Sir; I think the Meat wants that-I have. Ant, In good time, Sir; what’s that? S. Dro. Balting. | Ant. Well, Sir, then twill be dry. S. Dro. If it be, Sir, I pray you eat not of it. Ant. Your Realon?g | S. Dro. Left it make you Cholerick, and purchafe me a- nother dry bafting. Ant, Well, Sir, learn to jeft in good time; there’s a time for all things. | S. Dre. I durft have deny’d that, before you were fo cho- lerick. | | Ant. By what Rule, Sir? ) S. Dro. Marry, Sir, bya Rule as plain as the-plain bald Pate of Father Time himfelf. Ant. Let’s hear it. S. Dro. There’s no time for a Man to recover his Hair that grows bald by Nature. | Ant, May he not do it by Fine and Recovery 2 S. Dro. Yés, to pay a Fine for a Peruke, and recover the Joft Hair of another Man. An. Why, is Time fucha niggard of Hair, being, as it is, fo plentiful an Excrement? S. Dro. Becaufe it is a Blefling that he beftows on Beaftss and what he hath fcanted them in Hair, he hath given them in Wit. Gerona Mit. The Comedy of Errors. 285 Ant, Why, but there’s many a Man hath more Hair than Wit. S. Dro. Nota Man of thofe but he hath the Wit to lofe © his Hair. . Ant. Why, thou didft conclude hairy Men plain Dealers without Wit. : 5. Dro. The plainer Dealer, the fooner loft; yet he lofeth it in a kind of Jollity. Ant. For what Reafon? S. Dro. Fortwo, and found ones too. Ant. Nay, not found ones, I pray you. S. Dro. Sure ones then. Ant. Nay, not fure in a thing falfing. S. Dro. Certain ones then. Ant. Name them. 5. Dro. The one to fave the Mony that he {pends in trim- ming; the other, that at Dinner they fhould not drop in his Porrage. | Ant. You would all this time have prov’d, there is no time for all things. S. Dro. Marry; and did, Sir, namely, no time to recover Hair loft by Nature. Ant. But your Reafon was not fubftantial, why there is no time to recover. S. Dro. Thus I mend it: Time himfelf is bald, and there- fore to the World’s end, will have bald Followers. Ant, Uknew *twould be a baldConclufion; but foft, who wafts us yonder? Enter Adriana and Luciana. Adr. Ay, ay, Antipholis, look ftrange and frown; Some other Miftrefs hath fome fweet Afpects. I am not Adriana, nor thy Wife. The time was once, when thou unurg'd wouldft vow, That never Words were Mufick to thine Ear, That never Obje@ pleafing in thine Eye, That never Touch well welcome to thy Hand, That never Meat fweet-favour'd in thy Tafte, Unlefs I fpake, or look’d, or touch’d, or carv’d to thee. How comes it now, my Husband, oh how comes it, That thou art thus eftranged from thy felf 2 Thy felf, 1 call it, being ftrange to me: ‘ | ese That — SSS 5 ae ae . : wo : ? tae: — ‘ ee eo ta ex-s ayo ee ~~. = eee 4 Mas GS Soe om) = Se is 8 " : NS a ee 286 The Comedy of Errors. That undividable Incorporate : Am better than thy dear Self’s better Part. Ah do not tear away thy felf from me; For know, my Love, as eafie may’ft thou fall A Drop of Water in the breaking Gulf, And take unmingled thence that Drop again, ree Without addition or diminifhing, As take from me thy felf, and not me too. How dearly would it touch thee to the quick, Shculdft thou hear I were licentious; And that this Body confecrate to thee, By Ruffian Luft thould be contaminate ¢ Wouldft thou not fpit at me, and fpurn at me, And hurl the Name of Husband in my Face, And tear the ftain’'d Skin of my Harlot-brow, And from my falfe Hand cut the Wedding-Ring, And break it with a deep-divorcing Vow? I know thou canft; and therefore fee thou do it. ‘ Tam poffeft with an adulterate Blot; My Blood is mingled with the crime of Luft: For if we two be one, and thou play falfe, I do digeft the Poifon of my Fleth, Being {trumpeted by thy Contagion. Keep thou fair League and Truce with thy true Bed; I live diftain’d, and thou difhonoured. Ant. Plead you to me, fair Dame? I know you not: In Ephefus 1 am but two Hours old, | | As ftrange unto your Town as to your Talk, Who every Word by all my Wit being fcann’d, Wants Wit in all one Word to underftand. Luc. Fie; Brother, how the World is chang’d with you; When were you wont to ufe my Sifter thus? She fent for you by Dromio home to Dinner. Ant. By Dromio? S..Dro. By me. Adr. By thee; and thus thou didft return from him, That he did buffet thee, and in his Blows, Deny’d my Houfe for his, me for his Wife. Ant. Did you converfe, Sir, with this Gentlewoman?¢ What is the courfe and drift of your Compact? | - §. Dro. I, Sir? I never faw her ’cill this time, - Ant. The Comedy of Errors. 287 Ant. Villain, thou lieft; for even her very Words Didft thou deliver to me on the Mart. : S. Dro. never fpake with her in all my Life. Ant. How can fhe thus then call us by our Names, Unlefs it be by Infpiration ¢ Adr. How ill agrees it with your Gravity, To counterfeit thus grofly with your Slave, Abetting him to. thwart me in my Mood ¢ By it my Wrong, you are from me exempt, But wrong not that Wrong with a more Contempt. Come, I will faften on this Sleeve of thine; Thou art an Elm, my Husband, I a Vine: Whofe Weaknefs marry’d to thy {tronger State, Makes me with thy Strength to communicate; If ought poffefs thee from me, It Is Drofs, Ufurping Ivy, Brier, or idle Mofs, Who all, for want of pruning, with Intrufion, Infe& thy Sap, and live on thy Confufion. - Ants To me fhe fpeaks; fhe moves me for her Theam; What, was I marry’d to her in my Dream ¢ Or fleep I now, and think I hear all this¢ What Error drives our Eyes and Ears amifs? Until I know this fure Uncertainty, Vil entertain the freed Fallacy. Luc. Dromio, go bid the Servants {pread for Dinner. S. Dro. Oh for my Beads, I crofs me for a Sinner. This is the Fairy Land: Oh Spight of Spights ; We talk with Goblins, Owls, and Elves Sprights If we obey them not, this will enfue, They'll fuck our Breath, or pinch us black and blue. Luc. Why prat’ft thou to thy felf, Dromio, thou Dromio, Snail, thou Slug, thou Sot ¢ S. Dro. I am transformed, Mafter, am I not? Ant. think thou art ia Mind, and fo am I. S. Dro. Nay, Matter, both in Mind and in my Shape, Ant. Thou haft thine own Form. S. Dro. No; I am an Ape. Luc. If thou art chane’d to ought, ‘tis to an Afs. S. Dro. ’Tis true, the rides me, and I long for Grafs. Tis fo; Laman Afs; elfe it could never be, But I fhould know her as well as fhe knows me. Adr, 238 The Comedy of Errors. Adr. Come, come, no longer will I be a Fool, To put the Finger in the Eye and weep, Whilft Man and Mafter laughs my Woes to fcorn. Come, Sir, to Dinners Dromio, keep the Gate; Husband, I'll dine above with you to Day, And fhrive you of a thoufand idle Pranks: Sirrah, if any ask you for your Matter, Say, he dines forth, and let no Creature enter: Come, Sifter; Dromio, play the Porter well. Ant. Am I in Earth, in Heaven, or in Hell ? Sleeping or waking, mad or well advis’d; Known unto thefe, and to my felf difguis’d? I'll fay as they fay, and perfevere fo; And in this Mift at all Adventures go. : S. Dro. Mafter, fhall I be Porter at the Gate 2 Adr. Ay, and let none enter, left I break your Pate. Luc. Come, come, .Antipholis, we dine too late. Pi Ke wa MMs ci. OR WN eae, Enter Antipholis of Ephefus, Dromio of Ephefus, Angelo ana Balthazar. E. Ant. (23 Signior 4ugelo, you muft excufe us all: My Wife is fhrewifh when I keep not Hours; Say, that I linger’d with you at your Shop To fee the ering of her Carkanet, And that to Morrow you will bring it Home. But here’s a Villain that would face me down, He met me on the Mart, and that I beat him, And chare’d him with a thoufand Marks in Gold; And that I did deny my Wife and Houfe: Thou Drunkard thou, what didft thou mean by this? E. Dro. Say what you will, Sir, but I know what I know, That you. beat me at the Mart, I have your Hand to fhow; If the Skin were Parchment, andthe Blows you gave were Ink, Your Hand-writing would tell you what I think, se E. Ant. 1 think thou art an Afs. E, Dro. Marry; fo it doth appear By the Wrongs I fuffer, and the Blows I bear; The Comedy of Errors. 2859 I fhould kick being kickt; and being at that pafs, You would keep from my Heels, and beware of an Afs. E. Ant. Y’are fad, Signior Balthazar: Pray God our Cheer May anfwer my good W1l', and your good Welcome here. Bal. Thold your Dainties cheap, Sir, and your welcome dear. E. Ant, Ah Signior Balthazar, either at Flefh or Fith, A Table-full of welcome makes fcarce one dainty Difh. Bal. Good Mcat, Sir, is common, that every Churl affords. E, at. And Welcome more common; for that’s nothing but Words, Bal. Small Cheer, and great Welcome, makes a merry Feaft. E. Ant, Ay, to aniggardly Hoft, and more {paring Gueft: But tho’ my Cates be mean, take them in good part ; Better Cheer may you have, but not with a better Heart. But foft; my Door is lockt; go bid them let us in. E. Dro. Adaud, Bridget, Atarian, Cifly, Gillian, Ginn. S. Dro. within, Mome, Malt-horfe, Capon,Coxcomb, Idiot Patch. Either get thee from the Door, or fit down at the Hatch: Doft thou conjure for Wenches, that thou call’ft for fuch ftore, When one is one too many ¢ Go, get thee from the Door. E. Dro, What Patch 1s made our Porter? My Mafter {tays in the Street. S, Dro. Let him walk from whence he came, left he catch cold on’s Feet. E. Ant. Who talks within there? Hoa, open the Door, : S. Dro. Right, Sir, T’]l tell you when, and you'll tell me wherefore. — | E. Ant. Wherefore? for my Dinner: I have not din’d to Day. S. Dro. Norto Day here you muft not: Come again wher you may. E. Ant. What art thou that keep’ft me out from the Houfe I owe? | | S. Dro, The Porter for this time, Sir, and my Name is Dromio. - E.Dro. O Villain, thou haft {tol’n both mine Office and my Name. The one ne’er got me Credit, the other mickle Blame; Vou. I. Se U If Fee GL SR. SE a TT TTT Se = Tee ee RR re " ‘ - ‘ A ee re toca > — teat ge cere © SS NS ii it | 1 i it | i iy ui he, iy ah ey 4 4, 4 iy 7 bi : ih ae iY bt =z) aa Dip | : \ i i h oe Me * I ie H 4 } q aM : he - " Ht Bat ot), 44 i) aes)! te Hi i 4 ; ’ : | it! \ | Sa Sas SS a ee — —————————— — 290 The Comedy of Errors. If thou hadft been Dromio to Day in my place, ‘Thou wouldft have chang’d thy Face for a Name, or thy Name for an Als. . Luce. within. What a Coile is there, Dromio? Who are thofe at the Gate? E. Dro. Let my Mafter tn, Lace. Luce. Faith, no; he comes too late; and fotell your Mafter. E. Dro. O Lord, I muft laugh; have at you with a Pro- verb. Shall I fet in my Stafk? Luce, Have at you with another; that’s when? Can you tell? . S. Dro. If thy Name be called Luce, Lace, thou haft an- {werd him well. E. Ant. Do you hear; you Minion, you'll let usin, I hope ¢ Luce. I thought to have askt you. S. Dro. And you laid, no. E. Dro. So, come, help, well ftruck; there was Blow for Blow. E. Ant, Thou Baggage, let me in. , Luce. Can you tell for whofe fake? E.Dro. Matter, knock the Door hard. Luce. Let him knock ‘till it ake. E. Ant. You'll cry for this, Minion, if I beat the Door down. Luce. What needs all that, and a pair of Stocks in the Town? Adr. within. Who is that at the Door that keeps all this Noife¢ S. Dro. By my Troth, your Town is troubled with un- ruly Boys. E. Aut. Are you there, Wife? You might have come be- fore. | Adr. Your Wife, Sir Knave! Go get you fromthe Door. E. Dro. If you went in pain, Matter, this Knave would go fore. | | Ang. Here is neither Cheer, Sir, nor Welcome; we would fain have either. Bal. In- debating which was beft, we fhall part with net- ther. | ; E. Dro. The Comedy of Errors. 291 E. Dro. They ftand at the Door, Mafter; bid them Wel- come hither. E. Ant. There is fomething in the Wind, that we cannot et in. E. Dro. You would fay fo, Mafter, if your Garments were thin. Your Cake here is warm within: You ftand here in the Cold, It would make a Man as mad asa Buck to be fo bought and fold. E. Ant. Go fetch me fomething, Pll break ope the Gate, S. Dro. Break any breaking here, and Ill break your Knave's Pate. E. Dro. A Man may break a Word with you, Sir, and Words are but Wind; Ay, and break it in your Face, fo he break it not behind. S. Dro. It feems thou wanr{t breaking; Out upon thee, Hind, E. Dro. Here’s too much: Out upon thee; I pray thee let me 10. S. Dro. Ay, when Fowls have no Feathers, and Fifh have no Fin. E. Ant. Well, Vil break in; go borrow mea Crow. E. Dro. A Crow without Feather, Mafter, mean you fo2 For a Fifh without a Fin, there’s a Fowl without a Feather: If a Crow help us in, Sirrah, we'll pluck a Crow together. E. Ant. Go, get thee gone, fetch mean Iron Crow. Bal. Have patience, Sir: Oh fet it not be fo, Herein you war againft your Reputation, And draw within the compafs of Sufped& Th’ unviolated Honour of your Wife. Once this; your long experience of her Wifdom, Her fober Virtue, Years and Modefty, : Plead on her part fome Caufe to you unknown; And doubt not, Sir, but fhe will well excufe Why at this time the Doors are made againft you. Be rul’d by me, depart in Patience, And let us to the 7yger all to Dinner, And about Evening come your felf alone, To know the Reafon of this ftrange Reftraint. If by {trong Hand you offer to break in Va Now eS eS ee ‘ . = —=— em | ; . ; | ; ti : } \ : : ; ik i H i a} 292 The Comedy of Errors. Now in the ftirring Paflage of the Day, A vulgar Comment will be made of it; And that fuppofed by the common Rout, Againft your yet ungalled Ettimation, That may with foul Intrufion enter in, And dwell upon your Grave when you are dead: For Slander lives upon Succeition, For ever hous’d where it once gets Poffeflion. : E. Ant. You have prevail’d; I will depart in quiet, And in defpight of Mirth mean to be merry. I know 2 Wench of excellent Difcourfe, Pretty and witty, wild, and yet too gentle; There will we dine: This Woman that I mean, | My Wife, but I proteft without Defert, Hath oftentimes upbraided me withal; To her will we to Dinner. Get you home, And fetch the Chain; by this I know ’tis made; Bring it, I pray you, to the Porcupine; For there’s the Houfe: That Chain I will beftow, Be it for nothing but to fpight my Wife, sg Upon my Hoftefs there; good Sir, make hafte: Since my own Doors refufe to entertain me, [ll knock elfewhere, to fee if they'll difdain me. Ang, Vl meet you at that Place, fome Hour, Sir, hence. E. Ant. Do fo; this Jeft thall coft me fome Expence. | Exe. Enter Luciana, with Antipholis of Syracufe. Luc. And may it be, that you have quite forgot A Husband’s Office? Shall Antipholis, Even in the Spring of Love, thy Love-fprings rot _ Shall Love in Buildings grow fo ruinate?¢ If you did wed my Sifter for her Wealth, Then for her Wealths-fake ufe her with more Kindnefs; Or if you liké elfewhere, do it by ftealth, | Muffle your falfe Love with fome fhew of Blindnefs ; Let not my Sifter read it in your Eye; Be not thy Tongue thy own Shame’s Orator 5 Look fweet, fpeak fair; become Difloyalty; Apparel Vice like Virtue’s Harbinger ; Bear a fair Prefence, tho’ your Heart he tainted; Teach Sin the carriage of a holy Saint; . Be fecret Falfe: What need fhe be acquainted? ey Se Se per ag ieee — — == —— —= ~ eee oe Fas he 7 +" u iba } iz i ‘ ere ihe my | hd ' ‘ —_ What is) - The Comedy of Errors. 293 What fimple Thief brags of his own Attaint? : Tis double Wrong to truant with your Bed, And let her read it in thy Looks at Board: Shame hath a Baftard-fame, well managed; Ill Deeds are doubled with an evil Word: Alas poor Women, make us not believe, Being compact of Credit, that you love us; Tho? others have the Arm, fhew us the Sleeve: We in your Motion run; and you may Move US. Then, gentle Brother, get you in agains — Comfort my Sifter, chear her, call her Wife: Tis holy Sport to be a little vain, When the {weet breath of Flattery conquers Strife. S, Ant. Sweet Miftrefs; what your Name is elfe, I know not; Nor by what wonder you do hit of mine: Lefs in your Knowledge, aod yput Grace you fhow not, Than our Earth’s Wonder, more than Earth, Divine. Teach me, dear Creature, how to think and fpeak 3 Lay open to my earthy grofs Conceit, Smother’d in Errors, feeble, fhadow, weak,” The foulded meaning of your Words deceit ; Againft my Soul’s pure Truth, why labour you, To make it wander in an unknown Field ¢ : Are you a God? would you create me new ¢ Transform me then, and’to your Power I'll yield. But if that I am I, then well I know Your weeping Sifter isno Wife of mine, Nor to her Bed a Homage do I owe; Far more, far more to you do I decline: Oh train me not, {weet Mermaid, with thy Note, To drown me in thy Sifter’s flood of Tears; Sing Siren for thy felf, and I will dote; Spread o’er the filver Waves thy golden Hairs, And as a Bed I'll take thee, and there lye: And in that glorious Suppofition think, He gains by Death that hath fuch means to die; Let Love, being light, be drowned if he fink. Luc. What, are you mad, that you do reafon fo? S. Ant. Not mad, but mated; how, I do not know, Luc. It is a Fault that {pringeth from your Eye. S. Ant. For gazing on your Beams, fair Sun deing by. 3 Lut. a TS eS ~~ a ee - ‘a , - ti 5 tar ft "i I it . } : . ' if . . SS ete 2 eee ee ar ~~ tine Hy hea HE ink Se | i a 294 The Comedy of Errors. Luc. Gaze when you fhouldy and that will clear your Sight. S. Ant. As good to wink, fweet Love, as look on Night. Luc. Why call you me, Love? call my Sifter fo. S, Ant. Thy Sifter’s Sifter. Luc. Thars my Sifter. S. Ant. No; it is thy felf, mine own felf’s better Part: Mine Eye’s cear Eye, my dear Heart’s dearer Heart, My Food, ny Fortune, and my {weet Hope’s Aim, My fole Earth’s Heav’n, and my Heaven’s Claim. Luc. All this my Sifter is, or elfe fhould be. S. dat. Cill thy felf, Sifter fweet ; for I am thee: Thee will I love, and with thee lead my Life, Thou haft m Husband yet, nor Ino Wife; Give me thy Hand, Luc. Oh oft, Sir, hold you ftill; Pil fetch my Sifter, to get her sood Will, [Exit Luc. Enter Dromio of Siracufe. S, ip Why how now, Dromio, where runn’ft thou fo alt ¢ 5. Dro. Do youknow me, Sir? am I Dromio? am I your Man? an I my felf2 S. Ant. Thou art Dromio, thou art my Man, thou art thy felf S. Dro. Tan an Afs, I ama Woman’s Man, and befides my felf, | S. Ant. Wiat Woman’s Man? and how befides thy felf2 S. Dro. Marry, Sir, befides my felf, I amdue toa Woman; One that clains me, one that haunts me, onethat will have me. S. Ant. What Claim lays fhe to thee 2 S. Dro. Marry, Sir, fuch Claim as you would lay to your Horfe; and fhe would have me as a Beaft: Not that I being ~ a Beaft fhe vould have me, but that fhe being a very beaft- ly Creature, lays Claim to me. S, Ant, What is the? S. Dro. A xery reverent Body; ay, fuch a one asa Man may not fpeakof, without he fay, Sir-reverence: I have but lean luck in the Match; and yet is fhe a wondrous fat Marriage. S. Ant. How doft thou mean, a fat Marriage 2 S. Dro. Mary, Sir, fhe’s the Kitchin-wench, and all Greafe, and Iknow not what ufe to put her to, but to make a vige! O a The Comedy of Ervors. 295 of her, and run from her by her own light. J warrant, her Rags, and the Tallow in them, will burn a Pdand W wter : If fhe lives “till Doomfday, fhe’ll burn a Weck longer tigan the whole World, : S._Ant. What Complexion is fhe of ¢ | S. Dro. Swart, like my Shoe, but her Face nothing like fo clean kept; for why? fhe fweats, a Man may go over fhoes in the Grime of it. S. Ant. Thot’s a Faule that Water will meni. S. Dro. No, Sir, tis in Grain ; Noab’s Flood could not do it. S. Ant. What’s her Name ?¢ S. Dro. Nell, Sir; but her Names three Quarters; that’s an Eli and three Quarters will not meafure ha from Hip to Hip. S. Ant. Then fhe bears fome breadth 2 $. Dro. No longer from Head to Foot, then from Hip to Hip; the is Spherical, like a Globe: I could ind out Coun- tries in her. | ’ S. Ant. In what part of her Body ftands Lreland 2 S. Dro. Marry, Sir, 10 her Buttocks; 1 found it out by the Bogs. S, Ant. Where Scotland ? S. Dro. I found it by the Barrennefs, hardin the Palm of her Hand. S. Ant. Where France? S. Dro. Inher Forehead, arm’dand reverted, making War againft her Hair. S. Ant. Where England? S. Dro. \ Jook'd for the chalky Cliffs, butt could find no whitenefs inthem; but I guefs, it ftood ia ler Chin, by the filt Rheum that ran between France and it. S. Ant. Where Spain? S. Dro. Faith, I fawit not; but felt it het in her Breath. S, Ant. Where America, the Jzdies? S. Bro. Oh, Sir, upon her Nofe, all o’er enbellifhed with Rubies, Carbuncles, Saphires, declining ther rich Afpect to the hot Breath of Spain, who fent whole Amadoes of Car- racts to be ballaft at her Nofe. S. Ant. Where ftood Belgia, the Netherlasds ? S, Dro. Oh, Sir, I did not look folow. To conclude, this Drudge, or Diviner, laid claim to me, cdl’d me Dromio, = U 4 {wore ae rn ae ee - ee re ee | | | TE A a ee ee eR Se EE NE He a SS aS Se : 296 The Comedy of Errors. fwore I was affur’d to her, told me what privy Marks I had about me, as the Marks on my Shoulder, the Mole in my Neck, the great Wart on my left Arm, that I, amaz’d, ran from her, as a Witch. And I think, if my Breaft had not been made of Faith, and my Heart of Steel, fhe had_tranf- form’d me to a Curtal Dog, and made me turn I th’ Wheel. S. Ant. Go hie thee prefently; poft to the Road ; And if the Wind blow any way from Shore, J will not harbour in this Town to Night, If any Bark put forth, come to the Mart; Where I will walk ’till thou return to me: If every one knows us, and we know none, Tis time I think to trudge, pack and be gone. S. Dro, As from a Bear a Man would run for. Life, So fly I from her that would be my Wife. | Exit. S. Ant. There’s none but Witches do inhabit here; And therefore ’tis high time that I were hence: She that doth call’ me Husband, even my Soul Doth for a Wife abhor: But her fair Sifter, Poffeft with fuch a gentle Sovereign Grace, Of fuch inchanting Prefence and Difcourfe, - Hath almoft made me Traitor to my felf: » But left my felf\be guilty to Self-wrong, ll {top mine Ears againft the Mermaid’s Song. Enter Angelo with a Chain. Ang. Mr. Antipholis. S. Ant. Ay, that’s my Name. ng. I know it well, Sir, lo, here’s the Chain; I thought to have tane you at the Porcupine ; The Chain unfinifh’d made me ftay thus long. S. Ant. What is your Will that I fhall do with this ? ; Ang. What pleafe your felf, Sir: I have made it for you. S, Ant, Make it for me, Sir! [ befpoke it not. Ang. Not once, not twice, but twenty times you have: Go home with it, and pleafe your Wife withal; And foon at Supper-time Pll vifit you, And then receive my Moay for the Chain. S. Ant. Upray you, Sir, receive the Mony now, For fear you ne’er fee Chain nor Mony more. Ang. You are a merry Man, Sir; fare you well. [£xir. | S, Ant. ee — << 1 ; ' bit 4 , a : Pm j / ' ii } a 1h : y ae a wee | ‘ ‘ ue oda 4 Ri iar | tia TT _ ‘ ae || f i | f Rie Ag ee | + 1a y ae ay { ue) tf } ; ¥\ vy ‘a Piles, | om) | io 4. na \ Phe | J 4 i} ; i: : ' ai) (i it ety ' i ; ay j ‘a i Ta | 1 b I a 4 y The Comedy of Errors. 297 5, Ant. What I fhould think of this, F cannot tell: But this 1 think, there’s no Man is fo vain, That would refufe fo fair an offer’d Chain. I feea Man here needs not live by Shifts, When in the Streets he meets fuch golden Gifts: [ll to the Mart, and there for Dromio ftay; If any Ship put out, then ftrait away. [ Exit. ae ACTIV. SCENEL Enter a Merchant, Angelo, and an Officer. Mer. Y OU know fince Pentecoft the Sum is due; And fiance I have not much importun’d you; Nor now I had not, but that I am bound To Perfia, and want Gilders for my Voyage: Therefore make prefent Satisfaction 5 Or [ll attach you by this Officer. Ang. Even juft the Sum that I do owe to you, Is growing to me by Antipholis ; And in the Inftant that I met with you, He had of me a Chain: At five a Clock, I hall receive the Mony for the fame; Pleafeth you walk with me down to his Houfe, I will difcharge my Bond, and thank you too. Enter Antiph. Eph. and Dro. Eph. as from the Courtezans. Off. That Labour you may fave: See where he comes, E. Ant. While I go to the Goldfmith’s Houle, go thou And buy a Ropes-end ; that I will beftow Among my Wife, and her Confederates, For locking me out of my Doors by Day. But foft; I fee the Goldfmith; get thee gone; Buy thou a Rope, and bring it home to me. E. Dro. I buy athoufand Pound a Year; I buy a Rope. | | Exit Dromio- E. Ant. A Man is well hope up that trufts to you: I promifed your Prefence, and the Chain } But neither Chain nor-Gold{mith came to me: Belike you thought our Love would laft too long If it were chain’d together; and therefore came not. Arg, 298 The Comedy of Errors. Ang. Saving your merry Humour, here’s the Note, How much your Chain weighs to the utmoft Raccat, The finenefs of the Gold, and chargeful Fafhion, Which doth amount to three odd Duckets more Than I ftand débted to this Gentleman; I pray you fee him prefently difcharg’d ; For he is bound to Sea, and ftays for it. E. Ant. Tam not furnith’d with the prefent Mony, Befides, I have fome Bufinefs inthe Town; Good Signior take the Stranger to my Haufe, And with you take the Chain, and bid my Wife Disburfe the Sum on the Receipt thereof; Perchance I ‘will be there as foon as you. Ang. Then you will bring the Chain to her your felf. E. Ant. No; bear it with you, left Icome not time enough, Ang. Well, Sir, T will: Have you the Chain about you? E. Ant. Anif { have not, Sir, I hope you have: Or elfe you may return without your Mony. ng. Nay, come, I pray you, Sir, give me the Chain, Both Wind and Tide ftays for the Gentleman; And I to blame have held him here too long. E, Ant. Good Lord, you ufe this Dalliance to excufe Your breach of Promife to the Porcupine: I fhould have chid you for not bringing it; But like a Shrew, you farft begin to brawl. Mer. The Hour fteals on; I pray you, Sir, difpatch. Ang. You hear how he importunes me; the Chain. E. Ant. Why, give it to my Wife, and fetch your Mony. Ang. Come, come, you know I gave it you even now. ‘Either fend the Chain, or fend me by fome Token. E. Ant. Fie, now you run this Humour out of breath: Come, where’s the Chain? I pray you let me fee it. Mer, My Bufinefs cannot brook this dalliance: Good Sir, fay, where you'll anfwer me, or no; If nor, V’ll leave him to the Officer. . E. Ant. I anfwer you? Why fhould I anfwer you? Ang. The Mony that you owe me for the Chain, E. Ant. Lowe you none ’till I receive the Chain. Ag, You know I gave it you half an Hour fince, E. Agt. You gave me none; you wrong me much to fay fo. Ang. Lt : t a iw { : ett ’ 7) is : } 4 ‘ ¢ ; " ’ } } ‘ibe f Si i] Wik Wil ie ni Be \ (l { it yy s Pees % Ul hee I} at yet { ime! |] i ) } i uh mS ine ; ea ne 7) a i} ‘ . : hey ) } r " meer Sas ae eg ee ———- The Comedy of Errors. 299 Ang. You wrong me more, Sir, in denying ts Confider how it ftands upon my Credit. Mer. Well, Officer, arreft him at my Sunt. Off. 1 do,and charge you in the Duke’s Name to obey me. E. Ang. This touches mein Reputation. Either confent to pay the Sum for me, Or I attach you by this Officer. E. Ant. Confent to pay for that I never had ! Arreft me, foolith Fellow, if thou dar’ft. Ang. Here is thy Fee; arreft him, Officer; I would not fpare my Brother in this Cafe, If he fhould {corn me fo apparently. Off. I do arreft you, Sir; you hear the Suit. E. Ant. Ido ebey thee ‘till 1 give thee Bail. But, Sirrah, you fhall buy this Sport as dear As all the Metal in your Shop will anfwer. Ang. Sir, Sir, T fhall have Law in Ephefus, To your notorious Shame, I doubt it not. Exter Dromio Sira. from the Bay. S. Dro. Mafter, there’s a Bark of Epidamninum, That ftays but ’till her Owner comes aboard; Then, Sir, fhe bears away. Our Fraughtage, Sir, I have convey’d aboard; and I have bought The Oyl, the Balfamum, and Aqua-vite. The Ship is in her Trim; the merry Wind Blows fair from Land; they ftay for nought at all, But for their Owner, Mafter, and your felf. E. Ant. How now! a mad Man! Why, thou peevifh What Ship. of Epidamnium ftays for me? | Sheep, S. Dro. A Ship you fent me to, to hire Wattage. E. Ant. Thou drunken Slave, I fent thee for a Rope; And told thee to what Purpofe, and what end. S. Dro. You fent me for a Ropes-end as foon: You fent me to the Bay, Sir, for a Bark, E. Ant. Twill debate this Matter at more Leifure, And teach your Ears to lift me with morc heed. To Adriana, Villain, hie thee {trait ; Give her this Key, and tell her in the Desk That’s cover’d o’er with Turkifb Tapeftry, There is a Purfe of Duckets, let her fend it: Tell her, I am arrefted in the Street, er ms pt i ie i : f fae ar oe em & a ‘ 300 The Comedy of Errors. And that fhall bail me; hie thee, Slave; be gone: _ On Officer, to Prifon ’till it come. | Exeunt. S. Dro. To Adrianza, that is where we din’d, Where Dow/abel did claim me for her Husband; She is too big, I hepe, for me to compafs. Thither I mutt, altho’ againft my Will, Fos Servants muft their Mafters Minds fulfil. [ Exit. . £xter Adriana and Luciana. Addr. Ah Luciana, did he tempt thee fo2 Might’ft thou perceive aufterely in his Eye, That he did plead in eafneft, yea or no? Look’d he or red or pale, or fad or merrily 2 What Obfervation mad’ft thou in this Cafe, Of his Heart’s Meteors tilting in his Face? Luc. Firft he deny’d you had in him a right. 4dr. He meant, he did me none, the more my Spight. Luc. Then fwore he, that he was a Stranger here, Adr. And true he fwore, though yet forfworn he were. Luc. Then pleaded I for you. ddr. And what faid he Luc. That Love I bege’d for you, he begg’d of me. Adr. With what Perfuafion did he tempt thy Love? Luc. With Words, that in an honeft Suit might move, Firlt, he did praife my Beauty, then my Speech. . Adr. Did’{t {peak him fair? Luc. Have Patience, I befeech, : Adr, 1 cannot, nor I will-not held me ftill, My Tongue, tho’not my Heart, fhall have it’s Will, He is deformed, crooked, old and fere, Ill-fac’d, worfe Body’d, fhapelefs every where; Vicious, ungentle, foolifh, blunt, unkind, Stigmatical in making, worfe the Mind. Luc. Who would be jealous then of fuchaone? , ., No Evil loft, is wail’d, when it is gone, : Adr. Ah! but I think him better than I fay, 7 And yet would herein others Eyes were worfe, Far from her Neft, the Lapwing cries away ; My Heart prays for him, tho’ my Tongue do curfe. Enter S. Dromio. | S. Dro. Here, go; the Desk, the Purfe; {weet now make hatte. Lit. The Comedy of Errors. 301 Luc. How haft theu loft thy Breath? S. Dro. By running faft. Adr. Where is thy Mafter, Dromio? Is he well? S. Dro. No; he’s in Tartar Limbo, worfe than Hell; A Devil in an everlafting Garment hath him, One whofe hard Heart is button’d up with Steel! : A Fiend, a Fairy, pitilefs and rough, A Wolf, nay worfe, a Fellow all in Buff; A back-Friend, a Shoulder-Clapper, one that countermands The Paffages of Allies, Creeks, and narrow Lands; A Hound that runs counter, and yet draws dry-foot well; One that before the Judgment carries poor Souls to Hell. Adr. Why Man, what is the Matter ?¢ S. Dro. t do not know the Matter; he is refted on the Cafe. Aadr. What, is he arrefted? tell me at whofe Suit ? S. Dro. I know not at whofe Suit he is arrcfted; well, but he’s in a Suit of Buff which refted him, that I can tell. Will you fend him, Miftrefs R edemption,the Monyin his Desk? Adr. Go fetch it, Sifter. This I wonder at, { Exit Luciana. That he unknown to me fhould be in Debt; Tell me, was he arrefted on a Bond? S. Dro. Not on a Bond, but on a ftronger thing, A Chain, a Chain; do you not here it ring? Adr. What, the Chain? S. Dro. No, the Bell; ’tis time that I were gone; It was Two e’er I left him, and now the Clock ftrikes One. Adr. The Hour’s come back, that I did never hear. S. Dro. O yes, if any Hour meet a Serjeant, a turns back for very Fear. ' Adr. As if Time were in debt, how fondly doft thou reafon @ S. Dro. Time isa very Bankrout, and owes more than he’s worth to feafon. Nay, he’s a Thief too; have you not heard Men fay, That Time comes ftealing on by Night and Day? If Time be in debt and theft, and a Serjeant in the Way, Hath he not Reafon to turn back an Hour in a Day? Enter Luciana. Adri. Go, Dromio; there’s the Mony, bear it ftrair, ~ And bring thy Mafter home immediately. | Come = eS — { ty 4) 302 The Comedy of Errors. Come, Sifter, I am preft down with Conceit ; Conceit, my Comfort and my ‘Injury. | Exeunt. Enter Antipholis of Siracufe. S. Ant. There’s not a Man I meet but doth falute me, As if I were their well acquainted Friend; And every one doth call me by my Name. Some tender Mony to me, fome invite me; Some other give me Thanks for Kindneffes; Some offer me Commodities to buy. Even now a Taylor call’d me in his Shop, And fhow’d me Silks that he had bought for me, And therewithal took meafure of my Body. Sure thefe are but imaginary Wiles, And Lapland Sorcerers inhabit here. Exter Dromio of Siracufe. * S. Dro. Matter, here’s the Gold you fent me for; what have you got the Picture of old Adam new appareld2 5. Ant. What Gold is this? What Adam doft thoumean2 S. Dre. Not that Adam that kept the Paradife, but that «ddam that keeps the Prifon; he that goes in the Calves-Skin, that was- kill’d for the Prodigal; he that came behind you, Sir, like an evil Angel, and bid you for- fake your Liberty. | S. Ant. T underftand thee not. S. Dro, No¢? why ’tis a plain Cafe; he that went like a Bafe-Vial in a Cafe of Leather; the Man, Sir, that when Gentlemen are tired gives them a Fob, and refts them; he, Sir, that takes pity on decay’d Men, and gives them Suits of durance; he that fets up his Reft to do more Ex- ploits with his Mace, than a Moris Pike. S. Ant. What! thou mean’ft an Officer 2 S. Dro, Ay, Sir, the Serjeant of the Band; he that brings any Man to anfwer it that breaks his Bond: one that thinks a Man always’ going to Bed, and faith, God give you good Reit. 3 S. nt. Well, Sir, there reft in your Foolery. Is there any Ship puts forth to Night? May we be gone? S, Dre. Why, Sir, I brought you Word an Hour fince, that the Bark Expedition put ae to Night, and then were you hinder’d by the Serjeant; to tarry for the Hoy De- lay; here are the Angels that you fent for to deliver you. dS. Ant. The Comeay of Errors. 303 S. Ant. The Fellow is diftra@, and fo am TI, And here we wander in Ilufions; Some bleffed Power deliver us from hence. Enter a Curtizan. Cur. Well met, well met, Maiter dutipholis. I fee, Sir, you have found the Goldfmith now : Is that the Chain you promis'd me to Day? S. Ant. Satan ayoid, I charge thee tempt:me not. S. Dro. Matter, is this Miltrefs Satan 2 ‘ S. Ant. It is the Devil. S. Dro. Nay; the is worfe, fhe is the Devil's Dam; And here fhe comes ia the Habit of a light Wench, and thereof comes that the Wenches fay, God dam me, that’s as much to fay, God make me alight Wench. It is writ- ten, they appear to Men like Angels of Light, Light is an Effect of Fire, and Fire will burn; ergo, light Wenches will burn, come not near her. Cur. Your Man and you are marvellous merry, Sir. Will you go with me, we'll mend our Dinner here2 S. Dro. Mafter, if you do expeé& Spoon-Meat, _ be- {peak a long Spoon. S. Ant. Why, Dromio? | S. Dro. Marry, he muft have a long Spoon that muft eat with the Devil. S, Aut. Avoid thou Fiend, what tell’f thou me of fupping 2 Thou art (as you are all) a Sorcerefs? I conjure thee to leave me, and be gone. Cur. Give me the Ring of mine you had at Dinner, Or for my Diamond the Chain you promis’d, And I'll be gone, Sir, and not trouble you. S. Dro. Some Devils ask but the Parings of ones Nail, a Ruth, a Hair, a Drop of Blood, a Pin, a Nut, a Cher- ry-Stone; but fhe, more covetous, would have aChain. Ma- fter be wife, and if you give it her, the Devil will thake her Chain, and fright us with it. Cur. I pray you Sir, my Ring, or elfe the Chain; I hope you do not mean to cheat me fo2 S, nt. Avant, thou Witch! come Dromio, let us go. S. Dro. Fly Pride, fays the Peacock; Miitrefs that you know. | | Exeunt. Czr. "| |) h . an i i ; : et P= 3 Se ies eS 4 ’ Ry h - ile : } a ‘. j | 7 \ : ee ") ie t " lg mm} ; $3))} j ery | ‘ Re : bt ‘| ye « * i : ani I a aT rhb. j ; en Bat 4 th ie ¥ i iby one its pia hy - { 5 PY 4 Wiel i fi ) jl Wiis : a. t (in : | \ it ae } lit 1 ; at | iw | i DH f bs ing ( ie f { > Pas | i | ? . W ) i ” Ne ‘Ht q S i toe k ee it Wild H ue i Me 7 ie he Krell ‘ > nf; ’ {i 4 1 le hs rea | | 4 ] * ‘ ‘ be Hy te \ | ul tt ‘ H i i 1 « a rey " Rey ee py: i | 4 it P ifn 1 at hy it Ps eae f2 iit yy r \ a i o 4] i] :} : hh i t if 4 Mt I ‘ - "i t “ wt aa ; has | ey YP Cae ka at i ' 4 a tag : were ts |i) MEE a | : os lig 1 ei o4 a Y 4. wi Do TM pad iy "th mH r ” NE ! eh + * \ Ps ry cen bu \ yi | i ie SSE Gmnees oe 3 an! in cepdinpee ete 3 a aoe ees PLAS. = - ‘ 4 7 as a = The Comedy of Errors. 311 Have fcar’d thy Husband from the ufe of Wits. Luc. She never reprehended him but mildly, When he demean’d himfelf rough, rude and wildly. Why hear you thofe Rebukes, and anfwer not? Adr. She did betray me to my own Reproof. Good People enter and lay hold on him, Abb, No, nota Creature enters in my Houfe, Adr. Then.let your Servants bring my Husband forth. Abb. Neither; he took this Place for San@uary, And it fhall privilege him from your Hands, - Till I have brought him to his Wits again, Or lofe my Labour in aflaying it. Adr, 1 will attend my Husband, be his Nurfe, Diet his Sicknefs, for it is my Office, And will have no Attorney but my felf, And therefore let me have him home with me, Abb. Be patient, for I willnot let him ftir, Till I have us’d the approved Means I have, With wholfome Syrups, Drugs, and holy Prayers To make of him a formal Man again: It is a Branch and Parcel of mine Oath, A charitable Duty of my Order; Therefore depart and leave him here with me. Adr. I will not hence, and leave my Husband here; And ill it doth befeem your Holinefs To feparate the Husband and the Wife. Abb. Be quiet and depart, thou fhalt not have him. Lac. Complain unto the Duke of this Indignity. Adr. Come go, I will fall proftrate at his Feet, And never rife until my Tears and Prayers Have won his Grace to come in Perfon hither, And take perforce my Husband from the Abbefs. [ Exeuzt. Enter Merchant ana Angelo. Mer, By this I think the Dial points at Five: Anon I am fure the Duke himfelf in Perfon Comes this way to the melancholy Vale; The place of Death and forry Execution, Behind the Ditches of the Abbey here. Ang. Upon what Caufe? Mer. To fee a reverend Syracufian Merchant, Who put unluckily into this Bay | X 4. Againft —— 7 ne a a A : la et SS ST te ee - - i at we oe a *. - > — = a= : = Fr $18 The Comedy of Errors. Againft the Laws and Statutes of this Town, Beheaded publickly for his Offence. Ang. See where they come, we will behold his Death. Enter Adriana and Luciana. Luc. Kneel to the Duke before he pafs the Abbey. Exter the Duke, and Aigeon bare-headed, with the Head{man, and other Officers. Duke. Yet once again proclaim it publickly, If any Friend will pay the Sum for him, He fhall not die, fo much we tender him. Adr. Juttice, moft facred Duke, againft the Abbefs. Dake. She is a virtuous and a reverend Lady; Tt cannot be that fhe hath done thee wrong. Adr. May it pleafe your Grace, -Antipholis my Husband, Whom I made Lord of me, and all I had, At your all-potent Letter, this ill Day A moft-outragious Fit of Madnefs took him, That defp’rately he hurry’d through the Street, With him his Bondman, all as mad as he, Doing difpleafure to the Citizens, By rufhing in their Houfes; bearing thence Rings, Jewels, any thing his Rage did like. Once did I get him bound, and fent him home, Whilft to take Order for the Wrongs I went, That here and there his Fury had committed: Anon, I wot not by what ftrong Efcape He broke from thofe that had the Guard of him, And with his mad Attendant and himfelf, Each one with ireful Paffion, with drawn Swords Met us again, and madly bent on us, Chac’d us away ; ’till raifing of more Aid, We came again to bind them; then they fled Into this Abbey, whither we purfu’d them, And here the Abbefs fhuts the Gates on us, And will not fuffer us:to fetch him out, Nor fend him forth that we may bear him thence. Therefore, moft gracious Duke, with thy Command, Let him be brought forth, and born hence for help. Duke. Long fince thy Husband ferv’d me in my Wars, And I[ to thee ingag’d a Prinee’s Word, | Whea The Comedy of Errors. 313 When thou didft make him Mafter of thy Bed, To do him all the grace and good I could. Go fome of you knock at the Abbey Gate, And bid the Lady Abbefs come to me; I will determine this before I ftir. Enter a Aeffenger. Meff. O Miftrefs, Miltrefs, thift and fave your felf; My Matter and his Man are both broke lofe, Beaten the Maids a row, and bound the Dodor, Whole Beard they have fing’d off with Brands of fire, And ever as it blaz’d, they threw on him Great Pails of puddled Mire to quench the Hair ; My Mafter preaches Patience to him, and the while His Man with Ciffars nicks him like a Fool: And fure, unlefs you fend fome other prefent help, Between them they will kill the Conjurer. dr. Peace Fool, thy Mafter and his Man are here, And that is falfe thou doft report to us. Meff. Miftrefs, upon my Life I tell you true, I have not breath’d almoft fince I did fee it. He cries for you, and vows if he can take you, To fcorch your Face, and to disfigure you. —_[{ Cry within. Hark, hark, I hear him Miftrefs; fly, be gone. Duke. Come, ftand by me, fear nothing: Guard with Halberds. | Adr. Ay me, it is my Husband; witnefs you, That he is born about invifible, Even now we hous’d him in the Abbey here. And now he’s there, paft thought of human Reafon. Enter Antipholis and Dromio of Ephefus. E, Ant. beet moft gracious Duke, oh grant me Juftice. Even for the Service that long fince I did thee, When I beftrid thee in the Wars, and took Deep Scars to fave thy Life, even for the Blood That then I loft for thee, now grant me Juftice. e#geon, Unlefs the fear of Death doth make me dote, I fee my Son Autipholis, and Dromio. E. Ant. Jultice, fweet Prince, againft that Woman there; She whom thou gav’ft to me to be my Wife; That hath abufed and difhonour’d me, Even in the ftrength and height of Injury : | Beyond / ape + = ee nige ee ee SS a ee ie re a ——— p ienwaee pte a eh wee SoS a eee oe =~ a — i — a i = = — —— ~ =" a —=—s ee a ae par Seas = ia eee et eaeneet ae —— 4 t wii We! =), ti } We sae bod Vidi ) 5 ve: 314 The Comedy of Errors. Beyond Imagination 1s the Wrong That the this Day hath fhamelefs thrown on me. Duke. Difcover how, and thou fhalt find me juft. (me; E, Ant. This Day, great Duke, fhe thut the Doors upon Whilfl fhe with Harlots feafted in my Houfe. | Duke. A grievous Fault; fay Woman, didft thou fo2 Adr, No, my good Lord: My felf, he, and my Sifter, To Day did dine together: fo befal my Soul, As this is falfe he burthens me withal. Luc. Ne’er may I look on Day, nor fleep on Night, But fhe tells to your Highnefs fimple Truth. Ang. O perjur’d Woman! they are both forfworn, In this the Mad-man juftly chargeth them. E. Ant. My Liege, I am advifed what I fay, Neither difturb’d with the Effect of Wine, Nor heady-rath provok’d with raging Ire, Albeit my Wrongs might make one wifer mad. This Woman lock’d me out this Day from Dinner; That Goldfmith there, were he not pack’d with her; Could witnefs it; for he was with me then, Who parted with me to go fetch a Chain, Promifing to bring it to the Porcupine Where Balthazar and I did dine together. Our Dinner done, and he not coming thither, I went to feck him; in the Street I met him, And in his Company that Gentleman. » There did this perjur’d Goldfmith fwear me dewn, That I this Day from him receiv’d the Chain, Which God he knows, I faw not. For the which He did arreft me with an Officer. I did obey, and fent my Pefant home For certain Duckets; he with none return’d. Then fairly I befpoke the Officer To go in Perfon with me to my Houfe. By th’way, we met my Wife, her Sifter, and a Rabble more Of vil’d Confederates; along with them They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-fac’d Villain, A meer Anatomy, a Mountebank, A thread-bare Juggler, and a Fortune-teller, A needy, hollow-ey’d, fharp-looking Wretch, A living dead Man. This pernicious Slave Forfooth The Comedy of Errors. 315 Forfooth took on him as a Conjurer; And gazing in my Eyes, feeling my Pulfe, And with no-face, as ’twere, out-facing me, Cries out, I was poffeft. Then all together They feli upon me, bound me, and bore me thence, And in a dark and dankifh Vault at home There left me and my Man, both bound together, Till gnawing with my Teeth my Bonds afunder, I gain’d my Freedom, and immediately Ran hither to your Grace, whom I befeech To give me ample Satisfaction For thefe deep Shames, and great Indignities. Ang. My Lord, in truth, thus far I witnefs with him; That he din’d not at Home, but was lock’d out. Duke. But had he fuch a Chain of thee, or no? Ang. He had my Lord, and when he ran in here, Thefe People faw the Chain about his Neck. Mer. Befides, I will be fworn thefe Ears of mine Heard you confefs you had the Chain of him, After you firft forfwore it on the Mart, And thereupon I drew my Sword on you; And then you fled into this Abbey here, From whence I think you are come by Miracle. E. Ant. 1 never came within thefe Abbey Walls, Nor ever didft thou draw thy Sword on me; I never faw the Chain, fo helb me Heav’n; And this is falfe you burthen me withal. Duke. Why what an intricate Impeach is this? I think you all have drunk of Grcees Cup: If here you hous’d him, here he would have been. If he were mad, he would not plead fo coldly: You fay he din’d at home, the Goldfmith here Denies that Saying. Sirrah, what fay you 2 E. Dro. Sir, he din’d with her there, at the Porcupixe. Cour. He did, and from my Finger fnatch’d that Ring. E. Ant. *Tis true, my Leige, this Ring I had of her. Duke. Saw’{t thou him enter at the Abbey here? Cour. As fure, my Liege, as Ido fee your Grace. Duke. Why this 1s ftrange; go call the Abbefs hither; I chink you are all mated, or ftark mad. [ Exit one to the Abbe/s. eh geon So a Sh eaatingt pe eset == ae be ny SO patience = os = SSS —- oo » ey 5-4 = eal Tee Tee, ad : = - < = : — 7 ~-— se 3 - t * q ‘ 4 : , qs ¢ I i ae! es) - iy Pi | ai Ae. al ) ian 7 =. ri } (ee , a wit : ay ; y out \ ; opie : nee See ee <== 316 the Comedy of Errors. e£ceon. Moft mighty Duke, vouchfafe me {peak a Word : Haply I fee a Friend will fave my Life, And pay the Sum that may deliver me. Duke. Speak freely, Syracufian, what thou wilt. econ. Is not your Name, Sir, called Antipholis ? And 1s not that your Bond-man Dromio ? E. Dro. Within this Hour I was his Bord-man, Sir, But he, I thank him, gnaw’d in two my Cords, Now am I Dromio, and his Man unbound. egeon. I am fure both of you remember me. E. Dro. Our felves we do remember, Sir, by you; For lately we were bound as you are now. You are not Pinch’s Patient, are you, Sir? e4geon. Why look you ftrange on me? you know me well. E, Ant. I never faw you in my Life ‘till now. eA-geon. Oh! Grief hath chang’d me fince you faw me laft, And careful Hours, with Time’s deformed Hand, Have written ftrange Defeatures in my Face: But tell me yet, doft thou not know my Voice ? E, Ant. Neither. e£Egeon. Dromio, nor thou. E. Dro. No, truft me, nor I. e4Ageon, 1 am fure thou doft. E. Dro. JX, Sir, but I am fure I do not, and whatfoever a Man denies, you are now bound to believe him. e£geon. Not know my Voice! oh Time’s Extremity, Haft thou fo crack’d and fplitted my poor Tongue In feven fhort Years, that hére my only Son Knows not my feeble Key of untun’d Cares? Tho’ now this grained Face of mine be hid In fap-confuming Winter’s drizled Snow, And all the Conduits of my Blood froze up; Yet hath my Night of Life fome Memory, My waiting Lamp fome fading Glimmer left ; My dull deaf Ears a little ufe to hear: And all thefe old Witneffes, I cannot err, Tell me, thou art my Son Axtipholis, E. Ant. I never faw my Father in my Life. 7, eEgeon. The Comedy of Errors. 317 cEgeon. But feven Years fince, in Syracuf/a Bay, Thou know’ft we parted; but perhaps, my Son, Thou fham’ft to acknowledge me in Mifery. E. Ant. The Duke, and all that know me in the City, Can witnefs with me that it: is not fo: I ne’er faw Syracufa in my Life. Duke. \ tell thee, Syracufan, twenty Years Have I been Patron to Adutipholis, During which time he ne’er faw Syracufa: I fee thy Age, and Dangers make thee dote. Enter the Abbefs, with Antipholis Siracufian and Dromio Siracufian. Abb, Moft mighty Duke, behold a Man much wrone’d. | All gather to fee them. Adr. I fee two Husbands, or mine Eyes deceive me. Duke. One of thefe Men is Genius to the other; And fo of thefe which is the natural Man, And which the Spirit? who Deciphers them? S. Dro. I, Sir, am Dromio, command him away. E. Dro. I, Sir, am Dromio, pray let me ftay. S. Ant, —Zgeon, art thou not? or elfe his Ghofte S. Dre. Oh, my old Mafter! who hath bound him here? Abb. Whoever bound him, I will loofe his Bonds, And gain a Husband by his Liberty. Speak, old e£geon, if thou be’[t the Man That hadft a Wife once call’d e£milia, That bore thee at a Burthen two fair Sons2 Oh if thou be’ft the fame e£geon, {peak And {peak unto the fame e£milia. Duke. Why here begins this Morning Story right: Thefe two Autipholiss, thefe two fo like, And thofe two Dromio’s, one in femblance; Befides her urging of her wrack at Sea, Thefe are the Parents to thefe Children, Which accidentally are met together. e“Egeon. If I dream not, thou art e£milia; If thou art fhe, tell me where is that Son That floated with thee on the fatal Raft. Abb. By Men of Epidamnium, he and I, ‘Aod the twin Dromio, all were taken up; But Si Ses == = ae = = - merci aoe ame te = a SSE St 7 — os 7 er et eet — ee - ab > AS —- = = a = = ge eee Sp a ee ee ee ba tS Fares ae ste $e SSS “ fi ape, —— a = Sep sees ee S| EE a ar. FT ee a { if 318 The Comedy of Errors. But by and by, rude Fifhermen of Corinth By force took Dromio and my Son from them, And me they left with thofe of Epidamuium. What then became of them I cannot tell; I, to this Fortune that you fee me in. Duke. Antipholis, thou cam’{t from Corinth firlt. S. Ant. No, Sir, not I, I came from Syracufe. Duke. Stay, ftand apart, I know not which is which. \ E. Ant. 1 came-from Corinth, my moft gracious Lord. E. Dro. And I with him. (rior, E, Ant. Brought to this Town by that moft famous War- Duke Menaphon, your moft renowned Uncle. ._Adr. Which of you two did dine with me to Day? S. Ant. I, gentle Mittrefs. Adr. And are not you my Husband? E. Aut. No, 1 fay-nay to that. S. Ant. And fo do I, yet did fhe call me fo: And this fair Gentlewoman here Did call me Brother. What I told you then, I hope I fhall have leifure to make good, If this be not a Dream I fee and hear. : Ang. That is the Chain, Sir, which you had of me. S. Ant. 1 think it be, Sir, I deny it not. E. Ant. And you, Sir, for this Chain arrefted me. Ang. I think I did, Sir, I deny it not. Aar. 1 fent you Mony, Sir, to be your Bail By Dromio, but I think he brought it not. E. Dro. No, none by me. s. Ant. This Purfe of Duckets { receiv’d from you, And Dromio, my Man, did bring them me: I fee we ftill did meet each others Man, And I was tane for him, and he for me, And thereupon thefe Errors all arofe. E. Ant. Thefe Duckets pawn I for my Father here. Duke. It fhall not need, thy Father hath his Life. Cour. Sir, I muft have that Diamond from you. E. Ant. There take it, and much thanks for my good Cheer. Abb. Renowned Duke, vouchfafe to take the Pains To go with us into the Abbey here, — | And The Comedy of Errors. 319 And hear at large difcourfed all our Fortunes; And all that are affembled in this place, That by this fympathized one Day’s Error Have fuffered Wrong, go keep us Company, And we fhall make full Satisfaction. Thirty three Years have I been gone in Travel ©f you my Sons, and ’till this prefent Hour My heavy Burthens are delivered: The Duke, my Husband, and my Children both, And you the Kalenders of their Nativity, Go to a Goflip’s Feaft, and go with me, After fo long Grief of fuch Nativity. Dake. With all my Heart I'll goffip at this Feaft, | Exeunt omnes. Adanet, the two Antiph. and two Dromios, S. Dro. Mafter, fhall I fetch your Stuff from Shipboard 2 E. Ant. Dromio, what Stuff of mine haft thou imbark’d? S. Dro. Your Goods that lay at hoft, Sir, in the Centaur. S.nt. Hefpeaksto me; I am your Matter, Dromio. Come go with us, we’ll look to that anon; Embrace thy Brother there, rejoice with him. [ Exit. S. Dro. There is a fat Friend at your Mafter’s Houfe, That kitchen’d me for you to Day at Dinner: She now fhall be my Sifter, not my Wife. E. Dro. Methinks youare my Glafs, and not my Brother: I fee by you, I am a {weet fac’d Youth, Will you walk in to fee their Goffiping? S. Dro. Not I, Sir, you are my Elder. E. Dro. That’s a Queftion, how fhall I try it. S. Dro. We'll draw Cuts for the Seniority; *till then, lead thou firft, E.Dro. Nay, then thus | Embracing. We came into the World like Brother and Brother: And now lets go Hand in Hand, not one before another. 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A ® se Oeyo wes ® & sao GPs ¢ 9S é Fee heat Pesan vers G:; os : : ~ | on one eS ned i 7 IT Y eo Cs art ey rs MINION ot RON CIN CASES OO SI OT}OS) CIOs) OP OT) OOT) OFOFMOT) OF) (O GJ OTPOINO POPRIRYOYOIO . POG OK G GIGIGI Much Ado about Nothing. AC TL SCENETL Enter Leonato, Innogen, Hero and Beatrice, with a@ Me(fenger. LEON ATO. Learn in this Letter, that Don Pedro of Ar- ragon comes this Night to AZeffixa. Meff. He is very near by this; he was not three Leagues off when I left him. Leon. How many Gentlemen have you loft in this Action? Mef. But few of any fort, and none of Name. Leon. A Victory is twice it felf, when the Atchiever brings home full number; I find here that Don Pedro hath beftow- ed much Honour on a young Florentine, call’d Claudio, Meff. Much deferv’d on his Part, and equally remembred by Don Pedro, he hath born himfelf beyond the Promife of his Age, doing in the Figure of a Lamb, the Feats of a Lion, he hath indeed better better’d Expectation, than you muft expect of me to tell you how. Leon. He hath an Uncle here in Melina will be very much glad of it. Meff. I have already delivered him Letters, and there ap= pears much Joy in him, even fo much, that Joy could not fhew it felf modeft enough, without a Badge of Bitternefs. Leon, Did he break out into Tears? M€eff. In great meafure. VoL, 3 3 = 2 Leon. eae 2 a ge eee Ae pil? = SS ~ Et TS = : | t } ) « | } \ { : tT ee s ' ; es at : i f iy +H { re hae hay) " ie ley a) My) PAS sa Niet) | Peyy f {i ae ni | : ‘ hh i; Hevaf 7 & Ha ae a Ie , i ge itt ‘eat Pa hogea Ca eed BL bps fh) | Ais. i ES y Wk Yn Aaa iM a ; oF Sal Aa ie i) dit \: (Mi ( ot t it ie t ih Ay test ie Sea)! ie dt a2 ' . oe Bali MOL Wie te 10 % if 4s ‘te By © Faia f "a : (fF ht : af i} eae eet 14 4 } He it 4 "4 ai Uy a Nh eR h ie th AS bs TEMAS ha ay vy iN 5 ey i pt 1% ; 4 ‘ re Se a Oe ee a eg ier eae = ese aes PSs Ss Sa as et Pa = Re eS rs eh St ee. =< eS. 5 han - . + ZA Much Ado about Nothing. Zeon. A kind overflow of Kindnefs ; there are . - aa truer, than thofe that are fo wath’d; how much better 1s it to weep at Joy, than to joy at Weeping$ : Beat. I pray you, is Signior Aountanto return d from the Wars, or no? Meff. 1 know none of that Name, Lady, there was none fuch in the Army of any fort. : Leon. What is he that you ask for, Neice? Hero. My Coufin means Signior Benedick of Padua. Meff. O he is return’d, and as pleafant as ever he was. : Beat. He fet up his Bills here in AZefina, and challeng’d Cupid atthe flight; and my Uncle’s Fool reading the Chal- -lenge, fubfcrib’d for Capid, and challeng’d him at the Bur- bolt. I pray you, how many hath he kilP'd and eaten in thefe Wars?) But how many hath he kil’'d? for indeed I promife to eat all of his killing. | Leon. ’Faith, Neice, eee Benedick too much, it he fl meet with you, 1 doubt it not. sage He hath Ado good Service, Lady, in thofe Wats. Beat. You had mufty Vidtuals, and he hath holp to eat 1t; he’s a very valiant Trencher-man, he hath an excellent Stomach. Meff. And a good Soldier too, Lady. Beat. And a good Soldier to a Lady: But what is he to 4 pis A Lord to a Lord, a Man to a Man, ftuft with all irtues. — 1 i f> indeed, he is no lefs than a {tuft Man: but for the ftuffing well; we are all Mortal. cor Leon, You mutt not, Sir, miftake my Neice; there isa kind of merry War betwixt Signior Benedick and her; they never meet, but there is a Skirmifh of Wit between them. e. Beat. Alas, he getsnothing by that. In our laft CorfliG, four of his five Wits went halting off, and now is the whole Man govern’d with one: So that if he have Wit enough to keep himfelf warm, let him bear tt for a difference between himfelf and his Horfe. For it is all the Wealth that he hath left, to be known a reafonable Creature. Who is his Compa- nion now2 He hath every Month a new {worn Brother. > Is it poflible ¢ i Very Gly poffible; he wears his Faith but as the fafhion of his Hart, it ever changes with the next ate P eff. V2 Much Ado about Nothing. 325 Meff. 1 fee, Lady, the Gentleman is not in your Books. Beat. No, and he were, I would burn my Study. But I pray you who is his Companion? Is there no young Squarer now, that will make a Voyage with him to the Devil? Aef. He is moft in the Company of the right noble Claudio. Beat, O Lord, he will hang upon him like a Difeafe; he is fooner caught than the Peftilence, and the taker runs pre- fently mad, God help the noble Claudio, if he have caught the Benedjck, it will coft him a thoufand Pound e’er it be curd, , Meff. I will hold Friends with you, Lady. Beat. Do good Friend. Leon. You'll ne’er run mad, Neice. Beat. No; not till a hot ‘fanuary. Meff. Don Pedro is approach’d, Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthazar and Don John. Pedro. Good Signior Leonato, you ate come to meeét your trouble: The fafhion of the World is to avoid Coft, and you encounter it. | : Leon. Never came Trouble to my Houfe in the likenefs of your Grace; for, Trouble being gone, Comfort fhould remain: But when you depart from me, Sorrow abides, and Happinefs takes his Leave. Pedro, You embrace your Charge moft willingly: I think this is your Daughter. Leon. Her Mother hath many times told me fo. Bene. Were you in doubt, that you askt her? Leon. Signior Benedick, no, for then were you a Child. Pedro. You have it full] Benedick, we may guefs by this what you are, being a Man, truly the Lady Fathers her felf; be happy, Lady, for you are like an honourable Father. Bene. If Signior Leonato be her Father, fhe would not have his Head on her Shoulders for all Meffina, as like him as fhe ts. 3 Beat. 1 wonder that you will ftill be talking, Signior Be- nedick, no Body marks you. Bene. What my dear Lady Difdain! are you yet li- ving ¢ | P= Beat. 4 } t t ay if 44 —s | — eter OE oa a am a 1 2 a Se SL Ss . - wh oo” eee et ee eee - ——aip “eee = SA Se Pe ee 326 Much Ado about Nothing. Beat. Is it poflible Difdain fhould die, while the hath fuch meet Food to feed it, as Signior Benedick? Courtefie it felf muft convert to Difdain, if you come in her Prefence. Bene. Then is Courtefie a Turn-coat, but it & certain I am lov’d of all Ladies, only you excepted; and [ would I could find in my Heart that I had not an hard Heart, for truly I love none. Beat. A dear Happinefs to Women, they would elfe have been troubled with a pernicious Sutor. I thank God and my cold Blood, I am of your Humour for that ; I had rather hear my Dog bark at a Crow, than a Man {wear he loves me. Bene. God keep your Ladifhip ftill in that Mind, fo fome Gentleman or other fhall fcape a predeftinate feratcht Face. Beat. Scratching could not make it worfe, an ‘twere fuch a Face as yours were. Bene. Well you area rare Parrat Teacher. Beat. A Bird of my Tongue, is better thana Beaft of yours. Bene. I would my Horfe had the fpeed of your Tongue, and fo good a Continuer; but keep your way a God’s Name, I have done. Beat. You always end with a Jade’s Trick, I know you of old. Pedro. This is the fum of all: Leonaro, Signior Claudio, and Signior Benedick; my dear Friend Leovate hath invited you all, I tell you we fhall ftay here at the leafi a Month, and he heartily prays fome Occafion may detain us lon- ger: I dare {wear he is no Hypocrite, but prays from his Heart. Leon, If you fwear, my Lord, you fhall not be forfworn; let me bid you welcome, my Lord, being reconciled to the Prince your Brother; I owe you all Duty. | ohn. Ithank you, I am not of many Words, but I thank ou. 4 Leon. Pleafe it your Grace lead on? Pedro. Your Hand Leonato, we will go together. [ Exeunt all but Benedick and Claudio, Claud. Benedick, didft thou note the Daughrer of Sig- nior Leonato. Bene. I noted her not, but I look’d on het. Claud. Is fhe not a modeft young Lady ¢ Bene. Much Ado about Nothing ee, Bene. Lo you queftion me as an honeft Mad fhould do, for my finple true Judgment ? Or would you havé mé fpeak after my Cuftom, as being a profeffed Tyrant to their Séx e Claud. No, 1 prithee {peak in fober Judgment. Bene. Why ¥ faith methinks fhe’s too low for ah high Praife, toc brown for a fair Praife, and too Jittle for a great Praife ; otly this Commendation I can afford her, that were fhe other than fhe is, fhe were unhandfome; and béing no other but is fhe is, I do not like her, Claud. Thou think{t I am in fport, I pray theé tell me truly howthou Iik’ft her. Bene. Would you buy her, that you enquire after hér2 Claud. Can the World buy fuch a Jewel? Bene. Y:a, and a Cafe to put it into; but fpeak you this with a fad Brow, or do you play the flouting Jack, to tell us Cupid isa good Hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare Carpen- ter? Coms in what Key fhall a Man take you to go in the Song 2 Claud. li mine Eye, fhe is the {weeteft Lady that ever I lookr on, Bene. I :an fee yet without Spectacles, and T fee no fich Mattert There’s her Coufin, an fhe were not poffeft with a Fury, exeeds her as much in Beauty, as the firft of Azay doth the It of December: But I hope you have no intene to turn Husband, have you @ Claud. would {carce truft my felf, tho’ I had fworn che contrary, t Hero would be my Wife. Bene, Ist cometothis? In Faith hath not the World one Man, but-te will wear his Cap with Sufpicion? Shall I never fee a Batclelor of threefcore again? Go toi’ Faith, and thou wilt needs thruft thy Neck into a Yoke, wear the print of it, and fig; away Sundays: Look, Don Pedro is return’d to feek you. | Exter Don Pedro and Dox John. Pedro. What Secret hath held you here, that you follow’d not to Leorato ? Bene. 1 would your Grace would conftrain: me to’ tell. Pedro. \charge thee on thy Allepiance. Bene. You hear, Count Claudio, I cannot: be fecret as a dumb’ Mai, I would have you think fo (but on my Alle. giance, mak you this, on my Allegiance) he is in love, with 4 whom ? 2 ee ee ae pee ee, 2 — m — — - Lf - . Tea ” tf ahs | ai a | a f q 4 * ' 2. 1 ® q 7 7 7 e i. i EE - ~eemt agcte( e —ate - oom a oa _ mF SE yee cl ttt at ty = eet ete te it ig a 328 Much Ado about Nothing. whom? Now that is your Grace’s part: Mark how fhort his Anfwer is, Hero, Leexato’s fhort Daughter. Claud, If this were fo, fo it were uttered, Beue. Like the old Tale, my Lord, it is not fo, mor “twas not fo; but indeed, God forbid it fhould be fo. | Claud. If my Paflion change not fhortly, God forbid it fhould be otherwife. - Pedro. Amen, if you love her, for the Lady is very well worthy. Claud. You {peak this to fetch me in, my Lord. Pedro. By my Troth I {peak my Thought. Claud, And in Faith, my Lord, I {poke mine. Bene. And by my two Faiths and Troths, my Lord, I fpeak mine. Claud. That I love her, I feel. Pedro. That fhe is worthy I know. Bene. That I neither feel how fhe fhould be loved, nor know how fhe fhould be worthy, is the Opinion that Fire cannot melt out of me, I will die in it at the Stake. Pedro. Thou walt ever an obftinate Heretick in the de- fpight of Beauty. Claud. And never could maintain his Part, but inthe force of his Will. Bene. That a Woman conceived me, I thank her; that the brought me up, I likewife give her moft humble Thanks: But that I will have a Rechate winded in my Forehead, or hang my Bugle in an invifible Baldrick, all Women fhall pardon me; becaufe I will not do them the Wrong to miftruft any, I will do my felf the ‘right to truft none; and the fine is, for the which I may go the finer, I will live a Batchelor. Pedro. I thall fee thee e’er I die, look pale with Love. Bene. With Anger, with Sicknefs, or with Hunger, my Lord, not with Love: Prove that I lofe more Blood with -Love, than I will get again with drinking, pick out mine E yes witha Ballet-maker’s Pen, and hang me up at the Door ofa Brothel-houfe for the Sign of blind Cupid. _ Pedro. Well, if ever thou doft fall from this Faith, thou wilt prove a notable Argument. Bene. If I do, hang me in a Bottle like a Cat, and fhoot at me, and he that hits me, let him be clapt on the Shoulder, and call’d Adam, aries Ps Pedro. Much Ado about Nothing. 329 Pedro. Well, as time thall try; in time the favage Bull doth bear the Yoke. Bene, The favage Bull may, but if ever the fenfible Be- nedick bear it, pluck off the Bull’s-horns, and fet them in my Forehead, and let’ me be vildly painted, and in fuch great Letters as they write, Here is a good Hor{e to hire; let them fignifie under my Sign, Here you may fee Benedick the marry’d Man. Claud, If this fhould ever happen, thou wouldft be Hern mad, Pedro. Nay, if Cupid have not {pent all his Quiver in /- vice, thou wilt quake for this fhortly. Bene. Look for an Earthquake too then. Pedro. Well, you will temporize with the Hours in the mean time, good Signior Benedick, repair to Leonato’s, com- mend me to him, and tell him I will not fail him at Supper, for indeed he hath made great Preparation. Bene. I have almoft Matter enough inme for fuchan Em- baffage, and fo I commit you. Claud. To the Tuition of God. From my Houfe if I had it. Pedro. The fixth of Fuly. Your loving Friend, Benedick. Bene. Nay, mock not, mock not; the body of your Dif- courfe is fometime guarded with fragments, and the ‘Guards are but flightly bafted on neither: E’er you flout old Ends any further, examine your Confcience, and fo I leave you. | Exit. Claud. My Liege, your Highnefs now may do me good, Pedro. My Love is thine to teagh, teach it but how, And thou fhalt fee how apt it is to learn Any hard Leffon, that may do thee good. Claud. Hath Leonato any Son, my Lord? Pedro. No Child but Hero, the’s his only Heir: Doft thou affeét her, Claudio 2 Claud. O my Lord, When you went onward on this ended A@ion, I look’d upon her with a Soldier’s Eye, That lik’d, but had a rougher Task in hand, Than to drive Liking to the Name of Love: But now I am return’d, and that War-thoughts Have left their places vacant; in their rooms | Come. Sa eS - = gg ae i gee ee | +) ; 330 Much Ado about Nothing. Come thronged foft and delicate Defires, All prompting me how fair young Hero 155 Saying I lik'd her e’er I went to Wars. Pedro. Thou wilt be like a Lover prefently And tire the Hearer with a Book of Words: If thou doft love fair Hero, cherith it, And I will break with her; was’t not to this end, That thou began’ft to twift fo fine a Story? Claud. How fweetly do you minifter to Love, That know Love’s Grief by his Complexion. But left my liking might too fudden feem, I would have falv’d it with a longer Treatife. Pedro. What need the Bridge much broader that the flood? The faireft grant is the necefliry ; Look what will ferve, is fir; *tis once, thou loveft, And I will firthee with the Remedy. I know we fhall have revelling to Night, I will affume thy part in fome Difguife, And tell fair Hero I am Claudio, And in her Bofom I unclafp my Heart, | E And take her hearing Prifoner with a force And ftrong encounter of my amorous Tale: Then after, to her Father will I break, And the Conclufion is, fhe fhall be thine; In practife let us put it prefently. | Exennt. Euter Leonato azd Antonio. Leon. How now Brother, where is my Coufin your Son: Hath he provided this: Mufick? Ant. He is very bufie about it; but Brother, I can tell you News that you yet dream’d not of. Leon. Are they good? Ant. As the Event ftamps them, but they have a good cover; they fhow well outward: The Prince and Count - Claudio, walking in a thick pleached Alley in my Orchard, were thus over-heard by a Man of mine: The Prince dif- cover’d to Claudio that he lovd my Neice your Daughter, and meant to acknowledge it this Night in a Dance; and if he found her Accordant, meant to take the prefent time by the top, and inftantly break with you of it. 7 Leon. Hath the Fellow any wit, that told you this? Ant. A good fharp Fellow, I will fend for him, and. queftion him your felf. - m3 = ae ~ nas r >=" Ye be 3 ae rr = =--- 1A eS —— ae 5 S~ __~ ————— — ~~ we : = en a ee SS eee IS OR ee Si en eee Sa ee ee ee a =< os TAM oy gS > — 4 YS . bs “ 4 9 ee Pn ro ee = bate rs ow i ~ Ste = Se te. Pes oe SF ee we ee — Wen a te se SaaS FE Leon. AA a9 ee ee Sete ep oe ee SS eee i 5 <= <= Much Ado about Nothing. 331 Leon. No, no; we will hold it as a Dream, ’till it appear it felf: But I willacquaint my Daughter with all, that the may be the better prepared for anfwer, if peradventure this be true; go you and tell her of it: Coufins, you know what you have to do. O I cry you mercy Friend, go you with me and [ will ufe your Skill, good Coufin have a Care this bufie time. [ Exeunt. Exter Don John and Conrade. Cour. What the good Year my Lord, why are you thus out of Meafure fad? John, There is no.meafure in the Occafion that breeds, therefore the Sadnefs is without limit. Cour. You fhould hear Reafon, Fohn, And whenThave heard it, what Blefling bringethit2 Conr. If not a prefent Remedy, yet a patient Sufferance. Fobn. I wonder that thou (being, as thou fay’ft thou art, born under Saturn) goeft about to apply a mortal Medicine to a mortifying Mifchief: I cannot hide what lam: I muft be fad when I have Caufe, and fmile at no Man’s Jefts; eat when I have Stomach, and wait for no Man’s Leifure; fleep when I am drowfie, and tend on no Man’s Bufinefs; laugh when I am merry, and claw no Man in his humour. Cour. Yea, but you mult not make the full thow of this till you may do it without Controlment; you have of late ftood out againft your Brother, and he hathtane you newly into hisGrace, where it is impoffible you fhould take Root, but by the fair Weather that you make your felf; it is need- ful that you frame the Seafon for your own Harveft. Fohn. I had rather be a Canker in a Hedge, than a Rofe in his Grace, and it better fits my Blood to be difdain’d of all, than to fafhion a Carriage to rob Love from any: In this (though I cannot be faid to be a flattering honeft Man) it muft not be deny’d but I am a plain-dealing Villain, I am trufted with a Muzzel, and infranchifed witha Clog, there- fore I have decreed not to fing in my Cage: If I had my Mouth, I would bite; if I had my Liberty, I would do my liking: In the mean time, let me be that I am, and feek not to alter me. Conr. Can you make no ufe of your Difcontent? Toba. ee tee ~ isk ® = <3 -— “ares = — ee A I eR ST I ne + Shee Sine Sate Soe Se a ee ee ee — wee eS ~~ - el a > — tg edges eee + A 4g t i i 14 ; a £ 2 eee eS A at ener oe = ew S oe a rr rn ee ie we is ns + 3$2 Much Ado about Nothing. Fohn. I will make all ufe of it, for I ufe it only, Who comes here 2 what News, Borachio ? Exter Borachio. Bora. | came yonder from a great Supper; the Prince, your Brother, is royally entertain’'d by Leonato, and I can give you 4ntelNgence of an intended Marriage. Fohn. Will it ferve for any Model to build Mifchief on 2 What is he for a Fool that betroths himfelf to Unquiet- nefs ¢ Bora. Marry it is your Brother’s right Hand. Fohn. Whé; the moft exquilite Claudio ? Bora. Even he. Fohn. A proper Squire; and who, and who, which way looks he? Bora. Marry on Hero, the Daughter and Heir of Leoxaro. i at A very forward March-chick, how come you to this ¢ Bora. Being entertain’d for a Perfumer, as I was fmoak- ing a mufty Room, comes me the Prince and Claudio, Hand in Hand in fad Conference: I whipt behind the Ar- ras, and there heard it agreed upon that the Prince fhould woo Hero for himfelf, and having obtain’d her, give her to Count Claudio. Fohn. Come, come, let us thither, this may prove Food to my Difpleafure, that young Start-up hath all the Glory of my Overthrow: If I can crofs him any way, I blefs my felf every way; you are both fure, and will affift me? Cour. To the Death, my Lord. Fohn. Let us to the great Supper, their Cheer is the greater that I fubdu’d, would the Cook were of my Mind: Shall we go prove what’s to be done 2 Bora. We'll wait upon your Lordfhip, [| Exeunt. ne SS ces ae See ee i 1 { My ile ah | f Mi r, Ht 4 mM hh | ee Ais UM. SS 6 ENE 7. Enter Leonato, Antonio, Innogen, Hero, Beatrice, Margaret and Urfula. Leon. ws not Count John here at Supper? | Ant, I faw him not. Beat. How tartly that Gentleman looks; I never can fee him, but I am Heart-burn’d an Hour after. == = Here. Much Ado about Nothing. 333 Hero. He is of a melancholy Difpofition. Beat. He were an excellent Man that were made juft in the mid-way between him and Bexedick; the one is too like an Image, and fays nothing; and the other too like my Lady’s eldeft Son, evermore tatling. . Leon. Then half Signior Benedick's Tongue in Count ‘Fobn’s Mouth, and half Count ‘fohn’s Melancholy in Sig- nior Benedick’s Face Beat. With a good Leg, and a good Foot, Uncle, and Mony enough in his Purfe, fuch a Man would win any Woman in the World, if he could get her good Will. Leon. By my troth, Neice, thou wilt never get thee a Husband, if thou be fo fhrewd of thy Tongue. Ant. In Faith the’s too curft. Beat. Too curft is more than curft, I fhall-leflen God’s fending that Way; for it is faid, God fends a curft Cow fhort Horns, but to a Cow too curft he fends none. Leon. So, by being too curft, God will fend no Horns. Beat. Juft, if he fend me no Husband, for the which Bleffing, I am at him upon my Knees every Morning and Evening: Lord, I could not endure a Husband with a Beard on his Face, I had rather lye in Woollen. Leow. You may light upon a Husband that hath no Beard. Beat. What fhould I do with him? drefs him in my Apparel, and make him my Waiting-Gentlewoman? He that hath a Beard is more than a Youth, and he that hath no Beard is lefs than a Man; and he that is more than a Youth, is not for me; and he that is lefs than a Man, I am not for him: Therefore, I will even take fix Pence in ear- neft of the Bearherd, and lead his Apes into Hell. Leon, Well then, go you into Hell. Beat. No, but to the Gate, and there will the Devil meet me like an old Cuckold, with his Horns on his Head, and fay, get you to Heav’n, Beatrice, get you to Heav’n, here’s no Place for you Maids; fo deliver I up my Apes, and away to St. Peter; for the Heav’ns, he fhews me where the Batchelors fit, and there live we as merry as the Day is long. : Ant, Well Neice, I truft you willbe rul’d by your Fa- ther. [To Hero. Beat. Yes, Faith, it is my Coufin’s Duty to make — 7 1¢, PS ot _ qo a reo Sa ne - - = 2 3 «Se - ~—nee — : z et eee pve’ aalie = tae enone ge > Se i ar tree _ Sree a spain ee = ee — —— =~ = ~~ ~~ pe “er oe = ———— ae ee vt | 7 | ae T i > a ¥ f Ht ++ id - if i Ke ie "| ; af we a = = a = =e = = ee = > Sete ee Se ss —S—— — = "SS+e —- ae SS See po nisipee 3 334 Much Ado about Nothing. fie, and fay, asitpleafe you; but yet for all that Coufin, let him be a handfome Fellow, or elfe make another Curtfie, and fay, Father, as it pleafes me. . Leon. Well, Neice, I hope to fee you one Day fitted with a Husband. ye 7 Beat. Not “till God make Men of fome other Mettal than Earth; wou’d it not grieve a Woman to be over-ma- fter’'d with a Piece of valiant Duft2 to make account of her Life toa Clod of wayward Marle? No, Uncle, T’ll none; dam's Sons are Brethren, and truly I hold it a Sin to match in my Kindred. Leon. Daughter, remember what I told you; if the Prince do follicit you in that kind, you know your Anfwer. Beat. The Fault will be in the Mufick, Coufin, if you be not woo’d in good time; if the Prince be too impor- tant, tell him there is meafure in everything, and fo dance out the Anfwer; for hear me, Hero, wooing, wedding, and repenting, is a Scotch Jig, a Meafure, and a Cinque- pace; The firft Suit is hot and hafty, like a Scotch Jig, (and full as fantaftical) the Wedding mannerly rhadlele (asa Meafure) full of State and Anchentry; and then comes Repentance, and with his bad Legs falls into the Cinque- pace fafter and fafter, ’till he finks into the Grave. Leon, Coufin you apprehend paffing fhrewdly. Beat. I have a good Eye, Uncle, I can fee a Church by Day Light. : Leon. The Revellers are entring, Brother; make good room. Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthazar, and others in Mafquerade. Pedro. Lady, will you walk about with your Friend2 - Hero. So you walk foftly, and look fweetly, and fay nothing, I am yours for the Walk, and efpecially when I walk away. Pedro. With me in your Company. Hero. I may fay fo when I pleafe. Pedro. And when will you pleafe to fay fo2 Hero. When I like your Favour; for God defend the Lute fhould be like the Cafe. Pedro. My Vifor is Philemon’s Roof, within the Houfe is Love. Hero. Much Ado about Nothing. $33 Hero. Why then your Vifor fhould be thatch’d. Pedro. Speak low if you {peak Love. } Bene. Well, I would you did like me. | Marg. So would not I for your own Sake, for I have many ill Qualities. Bene.w Which ts one? Marg. I fay my Prayers aloud. Bene. I love you the better, the Hearers may cry, Amen. Marg. God match me with a good Dancer. Balth. Amen. Marg. And God keep him out of my Sight when the Dance is done: Anfwer Clerk, Balth, No more Words, the Clerk is anfwer’d, Urfm. 1 know you well enough, you are Signior x- thonio. Anth, Ata Word, I am not. Ur{a \ know you by the wagling of your Head. Anth. To tell youtrue, I counterfeit him. Urju. You could never do him fo ill Will, unlefs you were the very Man: Here’s his dry Hand up and down, you are he, you are he. nth. Ata Word, Iam not. Urfu. Come, come, do you think I do not know you by your excellent Wit? Can Virtue hide it felf? Go ~ mum, you are he, Graces will appear, and there’s an end. | Beat. Will you not tell me who told you {02 Bene. Nos you fhall pardon me. Beat. Nor will you tell me who you are? Bene. Not now. Beat. That 1 was difdainful, and that I had my good Wit out of the hundred merry Tales; well, this was Sig- nior Benedick that faid fo. Bene. What’s he? Beat. 1 am fure you know him well enough. Bene. Not I, believe me. Beat. Did he never make you laugh? Bene. 1 pray you what is he 2 _ Beat. Why, he is the Prince’s Jefter, a very dull Fool, only his Gift is, in devifing impoffible Slanders? none but Libertines delight in him, and the Condemnation is not Rah 9 Soe EN See one Te —_ Pete . ee - Pee. gt = r - z eS ee. ee et tote = ee ‘ es = = = | i } i P| } ; | alt | 336 Much Ado about Nothing. not in his Wit, but in his Villany ; for he both pleafeth Men, and angers them, and then they laugh at him, and beat him; I am fure he is in this Fleet, { would he had boarded me. Bene. When] know the Gentleman, I'll tell him what you fay. | Beat. Do, do, he'll but break a Comparifon or two on me, which peradventure (not mark’d, or not laugh’d at) ftrikes him into Melancholy, and then there’s a Par- tridge Wing fav'd, for the Fool will eat no Supper that Night. We muft follow the Leaders. | Bene. In every good thing. Beat. Nay, if they lead to any III, I will leave them at the next Turning. [Exeunt. Mufick for the Dance. Fehn. Sure my Brother is amorous on Here, and hath withdrawn her Father to break with him about it: The Ladies follow her, and but one Vifor remains: Bora. And that is Claudio, 1. know him by his bearing. “fohn. Are not you Signior Benedick?2 Claud. You know me well, I am he. Fohn. Signior, you are very near my Brother in his Love, he is enamor’d on Hero, I pray you diffuade him from her, fhe is no equal for his Birth; you may do the Part of an honeft Man in it. Claud. Hew know you he loves her ? Fohx. 1 heard hinr {wear his Affection. Bora. So did I too, and he fwore he would marry her to Night. 5 Fobn. come let us to the Banquet. | Exennt John and Bora. Claud. Thus anfwer I in Name of Benedick, 3 But hear this ill News with the Ears of Claudio. °Tis certain fo, the Prince woos for himfelf. Friendthip is conftant in all other Things, Save in the Office and Affairs of Love; Thereforeall Hearts inLoveufe their own Tongues, Let every Eye negotiate for it felf, And truft no Agent; for Beauty 1s a Witch, Againft whofe Charms, Faith melteth into Blood. This is an Accident of hourly Proof, Which I miftrufted not, Farewel therefore, Hero. Enter Much Ado about Nothing 337 ? Enter Benedick. Benes Count Claudio. Claud. Yea the fame. Bene. Come, will you go with me? Claud. W hither? Bene. Even to the next Willow, about your own Bu- finefs, Count. Whaet Fafhion will you wear the Garland of@ About your Neck, like a Ufurer’s Chain? Or under your Arm, like a Lieutenant’s Scarf? You muft wear it one way, for the Prince hath got your Hero, Claud. Y with him Joy of her. Bene. Why that’s fpoken like an honeft Drovier, fo they fell Bullocks; but did you think the Prince would have ferved you thus? Claud. I pray you leave me. Bene. No, no! you ftrike like the blind Man; “twas the Boy that ftole your Meat, and you'll beat the Poft. Claud. Vf it will not be, I'll leave you. | Exit. Bene. Alas poor hurt Soul, now will he creep into Sedges. But that my Lady Beatrice fhould know me, and not know me} the Prince’s Fool! ha? it may be I go under that Title, becaufe I am metry; yea but fo Iam apt to do my felf wrong: I am not fo reputed, it is the bafe (though bitter) Difpofition of Beatrice, that puts the World into her Perfon, and fo gives me out; well, Vi] be reveng’d as I may. Enter Don Pedro. . Pedre. Now Signior, where’s the Count? did you fee im? : Bene. Troth my Lord, I have play’d the Part of Lady Fame, I found him here as melancholy as a Lodge in a Warren; I told him, and I think, told him true, that your Grace had got the Will of this young Lady, and IF offered him my Company to a Willow Tree, either to make hima Garland, as.being forfaken, or to bind him a Rod, as be- ing worthy to be whipt, ead tes Pedro. To be whipt, what’s his Fault2 Bene. The flat Tranfgreffion of a School-Boy, who being over-joy’d with finding a Birds Neft, thews it his Companion, and he fteals it. Vez, I. Z Pedro. f ‘ w + | a ie te ¢ ¢ - | : tai : 4 : } |e? ee iee a } : va » “hi. ‘ de ie whi rf io wei eel) ee nr hs j & +f [ ty Oras, *. fie ‘ GT ’ j | 4 me by oe : ashe. 2 : Oa ji is : a (fhe he | Uy AiG yan ie hy ik 1 ee * ae ath; 1 i ; tl, 4 : " i i 4 - sh) 7 ial? 7 ih : WAG - i * ita A hg Va be Mae hit ‘ an \ r ick. ie le b vee fs ie 4s" bi ie : { : if i thre Ne 1. ie H : dee : anit a i 1a h in Peete ; bits. Lee ‘ | ' : ‘<. i (2 ' is : is ‘ 4 u : ij ' Wi) p , tat to ‘ ry 5 > 338 Much Ado about Nothing. Pedro. Wilt thou.make a Truft, a Tranfgreflion? the Tranfgreffion is in the Stealer. Bene. Yet it had not been amifs the Rod had been made, and the Garland too; for the Garland he might have worn himfelf, and the Rod he might have beftowed on you, who (as I take it). have ftol’n his Birds Neft. Pedro. Y will but teach them to fing, and reftore them to the Owner. . Bene. If their finging anfwer your faying, by my Faith you fay honettly. Pedro. The Lady Beatrice hath a Quarrel to you, the Gentleman that danc’d with her, told her fhe 1s much wrong'd by you. 3 Bene. © fhe mifus’d me paft the Indurance of a Block; an Oak but with one green Leaf on it, would have an- fwered her; my very Vifor began to affume Life, and fcold with her; the told me, not thinking I had been my felf, that I was the Prince’s Jefter; and that I was duller than a great Thaw, hudling Jett upon Jeft, with fuch im- poflible conveiance upon me, that I ftood like a Manat a _ Mark, with a whole Army {hooting at me; fhe {peaks Poyniards, and every Word ftabs me; if her Breath were as terrible as. Terminations, there were no living near her, the would infe& to the North Star; I would not marry her, though fhe were endow’d with all that Adam ad left him before he tranfgrefs’d, the would have made Hercules have turn’d Spit, yea, and have cleft hts Club to make the Fire too. Come, talk not of her, you fhall find her the infernal,.4te in good Apparel. I would to God fome Scholar would conjure her, for certainly while fhe is here, a Man may live as quiet in Hell as in a Sanctuary, — ~ and People fin upon Purpofe, becaufe they would go thither, fo indeed all Difquiet, Horror, and Perturbation follows her. Enter Claudio, Beatrice, Leonato ava Hero. Pedro. Look here fhe comes. | Bene. Will your Grace command me apy Service to the Worlds End? I will go-on the flighteft Errand now to the Antipodes that you can devife to fend me on; I will fetch you a Tooth-Picker now from the furtheft Inch of Afia; bring you the length of Preftor Fohn’s Foot; fetch you a Hair off the great Cham’s Beard; do you any Em- baflage Much Ado about Nothing. 339 baffage to the Pigmies, rather then hold’ three Words Conference with this Harpy; you have no Employment for me? Pedro. None, but to defire your good Company. Bene. O God, Sir, here’s a Dith I love not, I cannot in- dure this Lady’s Tongue. 3 (Exit. Pedro. Come Lady, come, you have loft the Heart of Signior Benedick, | | ___ Beat. Indeed my Lord, he fent it me a while, and I gave him ufe for it,a double Heart fora fingle one; Marry, once before he won it of me with falfe Dice, therefore your Grace may well fay I have loft it Pedro. You have put him down, Lady, you have put him down, Beat. So I would not he fhould do me, my Lord, leftI fhould prove the Mother of Fools: I have brought Count Claudio, whom you fent me to feek. Pedro. Why, how now Count, wherefore are you fad 2 Cland. Not fad, my Lord. | Pedro. How-then? fick? Clawd. Neither, my Lord. Beat. The Count is neither fad, nor fick, not merry, hor well; but civil Count, civil as an Orange, and fome- thing of a jealous Complexion. Pedro. T’faith Lady, I think your Blazon to betrue; though I'll be fworn, if he be fo, his Conceit is’ falfe. Here Claudio, I have wooed in thy Name, and fair Hero is won; I have broke with her Father, and his good Will . obtained, name the Day of Marriage, and God give thee Joy. _ Leon. Count, take of me my Daughter, and with’ her my Fortunes; his Grace hath made the Match, and all Grace fay Amen to it. Beat. Speak Count, ’tis your Qu. Claud. Silence is the -perfecteft Herald of Joys; I were but little happy if I could fay, how much. Lady, as you are mine, I am yours; I give away my felf for you, and doat upon the Exchange, Beat. Speak Coufin, or (if you cannot) ftop his Mouth witha Kifs, and let not him fpeak neither. Pedro. In faith Lady, you have a merry Heart. Heat. Yea my Lord, I thank it, poor Fool, it keeps | Z2 on 340 Much Ado about Nothing. on the windy fide of Care; my Coufin tells him in his Ear that he is in my Heart. Claw. And fo the doth, Coufin. Beat. Good Lord, ‘for Alliance; thus goes every one to the World but I,and I am Sun-burn’d, I may fit in aCor- ner, and cry, heigh ho for a Husband. Pedro. Lady Beatrice, 1 will get you one. Beat. I would rather have one of your Father’s getting 5 hath your Grace ne’er a Brother like you; your Father got excellent Husbands, if a Maid could come by them. Pedro. Will you have me, Lady? US Beat, No, my Lord, unlels I might have another for working-Days, your Grace is too coftly to wear every Day: But I befeech your Grace pardon me; I’ was born to fpeak. all Mirth, and no Matter. Pedro. Your Silence moft offends me, and to be mer- ry beft becomes you; for out of queftion you were born - Ina merry Hour. Beat. No fure my Lord, my Mother cry d; but then there was a Star danc’d, and under that I was born. Cou- fins, God give you Joy- a Neice, will you look to thofe things I told you of 2 Beat. I cy you mercy Uncle, by you Grace's pardon. [Exit Beatrice. Pedro. By my Troth a pleafant fpirited Lady. Leon, There's little of the melancholy Element in her, my Lord, fhe is never fad, but when fhe fleeps, and not ever fad then; for I have heard my Daughter fay, fhe hath ofeen dream’d of Unhappinefs, and wak’d her felf with laughing. Pedro. She cannot endure to hear tell of a Husband. Leon. O, by no Means, fhe mocks all her Wooers out of fuit. Pedro. She were an excellent Wife for Benedick. Leon, O Lord, my Lord, if they were but a Week mar- ry’d, they would talk themfelves mad. Pedyo. Count Clandio, when mean you to §0 to Church? Clax. To Morrow, my Lord, Time goes on Crutches, ill Love have all his Rites. oo Leon. / _ Much Ado about Nothing.. 341 Leon. Not till Afonday, my dear Son, which is hence a jult feven Night, and a time too brief to, to have all things anfwer my Mind. Pedro. Come, you fhake the Head at fo long a breathing, but I warrant thee Claudio, the time fhall not go dully by us; I will inthe ivterim undertake one of Hercules’s Labours, which is, to bring Signior Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a Mountain of Affecticn, the one with thecther; I would fain have it a Match, and I doubt not but to fathion It, if you three will but mimfter fuch Affiftance as I fhall give you Dire@ion. Leon. My Lord, I am for you, though it coft me ten 7 Nights Watchings, Clazd. And I my Lord. Pedro, And you too, gentle Hero. ffero. I will,do any modeft Office, my Lord, to help my Coufin to a good Husband. Pearo. And Benedick is not the unhopefulleft Husband that I know: Thus far can I praife him, he is of a noble Strain, of'approv’d Valour, and confirm’d Honefty. I will teach you how to humour your Coufin, that the thall fall in love with Benedicks and J, with your two helps, will fo pradtife on Benedick, and in defpite of his quick Wit, and his queafie Stomach, he fhall fall in love with Beatrice: If we can do this, Czpid is no longer an Archer, his glory fhall be ours, for we are the only Love-gods; go with me, and I will tell you my Drift. | Exeunt, Enter Don John and Borachio. Fohn. I is fo, the Count Claudio fhall marry the Daugh- ter of Leonato. | Bora. Yea, my Lord, but I can crofs it. John. Any Bar, any Crofs, any Impediment, will be medicinable to me, I am fick in Difpleafure to him, and whatfoever comes athwart his Affe@ion, ranges evenly with mine; how canft thou crofs this Marriage? Bora. Not honeftly my Lord, but fo covertly, that no difhonefty fhall appear in me. ‘Fohn, Shew me bricfly how, Bora. 1 think I told your Lordfhip a Year fince, how much I am in the Favour of Margaret, the Waiting-Gen- tlewoman to Hero. Zz. 3 Fobn i) = as 5 ot ee SS f ia vi TP : 25 \ it if ' hime " i) - ae” | 4 \ | \ || a | im Di: es H a + eon i ‘ bea he ‘ * 1) < Ue a ee i] ¥ a), Pas 4" i ’ ra 4 ar? 4 = = os a) wr = i =v ? -< song cee FO ES ee ee - pati hehe = ps we ee Sr Ss I~, > - aie as Tete a ) “Ss — 3 ““. ot ae Sie ——— ROSE tes - -. . aa Sa ee STS Ee eee = <_< = eee toe a a ——< Pp e= HS 342 Much Ado about Nothing. ohn. 1 remember. Bora. \ can, at any unfeafonable inftant of the Night, ap- point her to look out at her Lady’s Chamber Window. Fohn. What Life is in that, to be the Death of this Marriage? Bora. The Poifon of that lyes in you to temper; go youto the Prince your Brother, {pare not to tell him, that he hath wrone’d his Honour in marrying the renown d Claudio, whofe Eftimation do you mightily hold up, to a contami nated Stale, fuch a one as Hero. ; Foha. What proof fhall I make of that? Bora. Proof enough, to mifufe the Prince, to vex Clau- ss to undo Hero, and kill Leonato; lock you for any other ue¢ - Fohn. Only to defpitethem, I will endeavour any thing. Bora. Go then find me a meet Hour, to draw on Pedro, and the Count Claudio, alone; tell them that you know Hero loves me; intend a kind of Zeal both to the Prince and Claudio, as in a love of your Brother’s Honour who- hath made this Match, and his Friends Reputation, who is thus like to be cozen’d with the femblance of a Maid, that you have difcover’d thus; they will hardly believe this with- out Trial: Offer them Inftances which fhall bear no lefs likelihood, than to fee me at her Chamber Window, hear me call AZargaret, Hero, hear A¢argaret term me Claudio, and bring them to fee this, the very Night before the in- tended Wedding, for in the mean time I will fafhion the Matter, that Hero fhall be abfent, and there fhall appear fuch feeming Truths of Hero’s Difloyalty, that Jesloufie: fhall be call’d Affurance, and all the Preparation overthrown. Fobn. Grow this to what adverfe Iffue it can, I will put it in Pra€tice: Be cunning in the working this, and thy Fee is athoufand Ducats. : Bora. Be thou conftant in the Accufation, and my Cun- ning fhal] not fhame me. 2 Fobn. 1 will prefently go learn their Day of Marriage. [ Exennt. A Enter Benedick and a Boy. Bene. Boy. Bo . Si niore si | Bene. Much Ado about Nothing. 343 Bexe. In my Chamber Window lyes a Book, bring it hither to me in the Orchard. Boy. I am here already, Sir, [Exit Boy. Bene. | know that, but I would have thee hence, and here again. Ido much wonder, that one Man feeiag how much another Man is a Fool, when he dedicates his Beha- viours to Love, will after he hath Jaught at fuch fhallow Fol- lies in others, become the Argument of his own Scorn, by falling in love! and fuch a Man is Clawdio, 1 have known when there was no Mufick with him but the Drum and the Fife, and now had he rather hear the Taber and the Pipe: I have known when he would have walk’d ten Mile a Foot, to fee a good Armor; and now will helye ten. - Nights awake, carving the Fafhion of a new Doubler. He was wont to fpeak plain, and to the Purpofe, like an honeft Man and a Soldier, and now is he turn’d Orthography, his Words are a very fantaftical Banquet, juft fo many ftrange Difhes, May I be fo converted, and fee with théfe Eyes? I cannot tell, I think not. I will not be fworn, but Love may transform me to an Oifter, but Piltake my Oath on it, “till he have made an Oifter of me, he fhall never make me fuch a Foo]: One Woman is fair, yet I am well; another is wife, yet I am well; another virtuous, yet I am well: But ’till all Graces be in.one Woman, one Wo- man: fhall not come in my Grace. Rich fhe hall be, that’s certain; Wife, or I’]] none; Virtuous, or Pil never cheapen her; Fair, or I'll never look on her; Mild, or come not near mé; Noble, or not for an Angel; of good Dufcourfe, an excellent Mufician, and her Hair fhall be of what colour it pleafe God. Ha! the Prince and Monfieur Love, [ will hide me inrhe Arbor, Enter Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio avd Balthazar. Pedro. Come, fhall we hear this Mufick 2 | Claud. Yea, my good Lord; how {till the Evening is, As huth’d on purpofe to grace Harmony. Pedro. See you where Benedick hath hid himfelf2 Claud. O very well my Lord; the Mufick ended, We'll fit the Kid-fox with a penny-worth. - Pedro. Come Balthazar, we'll hear that Song again. Balth. O good my Lord, tax not fo bad a Voice, To flander Mufick any more than once. | Z 4 Pedro. 7 } us eer ee. a =e + tS —z ee ee a = fs oe ese Oo masts Fs eg ~ = ee £ Pg 2 Siw 23-5 ae ae 8 7 —_ a = 2 - 23 St Se a ae SS EN a a aE RE a a a eT SSS a —— — ———— oe => ag see ss ae 350 Much Ado about Nothing. As Haggerds of the Rock. Urfa. But are you fure That Benedick loves Beatrice {o intirely ? Hero. So fays the Prince, and my new trothed Lad. Urfa. And did they bid you tell her of it, Madan? Hero. They did intreat me to acquaint her of it, But I perfuaded them, if they lov’d Benedick, To with him wraftle with Affection, And never to let Beatrice know of it. : Urfz. Why did you fo? Doth not the Gentleman Deferve as full as fortunate a Bed, As ever Beatrice fhall couch upon? Hero. O God of Love! I know he doth deferve As much as may be yieldedtoa Man: — : But Nature never fram’d a Woman’s Heart Of prouder Stuff than that of Beatrice. Difdain and Scorn ride fparkling in her Eye, Mif-prizing what they look on, and her Wit Values it felf fo highly, that to her All Matter elfe feems weak; fhe cannot love, Nor take no Shape nor Project of Affection, She is fo felf-indeared. Urfu. Sure I think fo; And therefore certainly it were not good She knew his Love; left the make Sport at it. | Hero. Why you fpeak Truth, I never yet faw Mai, How wife, how noble, young, how rarely featur'd, " But the would fpell him backward; if fair-fac’d, She would {wear the Gentleman fhould be her Sifter; If black, why Nature drawing of an Antick, Made a foul Blot; if tall, a Launce ill-headed; ' If low, an Agat very vildly cut; If fpeaking, why a Vane blown with all Winds; If filent, why a Block moved with none. So turns fhe every Man the*wrong fide out, And never gives to Truth and Virtue that Which Simplenefs and Merit purchafeth. | Urfix Sure, fure, fuch carping is not commendable | Hero. No, for to be fo odd, and from all Fafhions ‘As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable. - But who dare tell her fo? if I thould fpeak, : She tah Much Ado about Nothing. soi She vould mock me into an Air, O fhe would laugh me Out of my felf, prefs me to Death with Wit. | Therefore let Benxedick, like covered Fire, Coniume away in Sighs, watte inwardly ; It were a bitter Death to. die with Mocks, Which is as bad as die with tickling. Crfa. Yet tell her of it, hear what the will fay. Hero. No, rather I will go to Benedick, And counfel him to fight againft his Paffion, Andtruly Vll devife fome honeft Slanders,| To tain my Coufin with; one doth not know, How much an ill Word may impoifon liking. /#. O do not do your Coufin fuch a Wrong, She cannot be fo much without true Judgment, Having fo {weet and excellent a Wit, ~* As fie is priz’d to have, as to refufe So rire a Gentleman as Signior Benedick. Here. He is the only Man of Jtaly, Alwiys excepted my dear Claudio. Crfz. I pray you be not angry with me, Madam, Speaking my Fancy; Signior Benedick, For Shape, for Bearing, Argument and Valour, Goes formoft in Report through Jtaly. Hero. Indeed he hath an excellent good Name. Urf#. His Excellence did earn it e’er he had it. Whun are you marry’d, Madam? Hero. Why every Day, to Morrow; come go in, I'll thew thee. fome Attires, and have thy Counfel, Which is the beft to furnifh me to Morrow. Grfu. She's ta’en, I warrant you; We have caught her, Madam. Fero. If it prove fo, then loving goes by haps, Som: Cupids kill with Arrows, fome with Traps. [Exennt. B:at. What Fire is in my Ears? can this be true? Stand I condemn’d for Pride and Scorn fo much 2 Contempt farewel, and Maiden Pride adieu; No Glory lives behind the Back of fuch, And Benedick, love on, I will requite thee, Taming my wild Heart to thy loving Hand; If thou doft love, my Kindnefs fhall incite thee To bind our Loves up in a holy Band, For bid cmt ied te ee te ee er st 352 Much Ado about Nothing. For others fay thou doft deferve, and I Believe it betrer than reportingly. [ Exit. Enter Don Pedio, Claudio, Benedick and Leonato. Pedro. 1 do but ftay “till your Marriage be confummate, and then I go toward rragon. Claud. Vil bring you thither my Lord, if you'll vouch- fafe me. Pedro. Nay, that would be as great a Soil in the new Glofs of your Marriage, as to fhew a Child his new Coat and forbid him to wear ite I will only be bold with Benedick for his Company, for from the Crown of his Head to the Soul of his Foot he is all Mirth; he hathtwice or thrice cut Cupid’s Bow-String. and the little Hangman dare not fhoct at him; he hath a Heart as found as a Bell, and the Tongue is the Clapper; for what his Heart thinks, his Tongue {peaks. Bene. Gallants, Iam not as I have been. Leon. So fay 1; methinks you are fadder. Claud. 1 hope he be in Love. Pedro. Hang him Truant, there’s no true Drop of Blood in him, to be truly touch’d with Love; if he be fad, he wants Mony. Bene. 1 have the Tooth-ach. Pedro. Draw it. Bene. Hang it. Cland. You mutt hang it firft, and draw it afterwards. Pedro. What? figh for the Tooth-ach. Leon. Which is but a Humour or a Worm. Bene. Well, every one cannot mafter a Grief, but he that has it. Claud. Yet fay I, he is in Love. Pedro. There is no Appearance of Fancy in him, unlefs it be a Fancy that he hath to ftrange Difguifes, as to be a Dutch Man to Day, a French Man to Morrow; unlefs he have a Fancy to this Foolery, as it appears he hath, he is no Fool for Fancy, as you would have it to appear he is. . Claud. Uf he be not in Love with fome Woman, there is no believing old Signs; he brufhes his Hat a Mornings: What fhould that bode? Pedro. Hath amy Man feen him at the Barbers? oe] Claud, Much Ado about Nothing. 353 Claud. No, but the Barber’s Man hath been feen with him, and the old ornament of his Cheek hath already ftuft Tennis Balls. Leon. Indeed he looks younger than he did, by the lofs of a Beard. Pedro. Nay he rubs himfelf with Civet, can you fmell him out by that? Claud. ‘That’s as much as to fay, the {weet Youth’s in Love. Pedro. The greateft Note of it is his Melancholy. Claud. And when was he wont to wath his Face? Pedro. Yea, or to paint himfelf2 for the which I hear what they fay of him. Claud. Nay, but his jefting Spirit, which is now crept into a Lute-{tring, and now govern’d by Stops———_—. Pedro. Indeed that tells a heavy Tale for him; conclude he is in loye. Claud. Nay, but I know who loves him. Pedro. That would I know too, I warrant one that knows him not. Claud. Yes, and his ill Conditions, and in defpight of all dies for him. Pedro. She fhall be bury’d with her Face upwards. Bene. Yet is this no Charm for the Tooth-ake. Old Sig- nior walk afide with me, I have ftudy’d eight or nine wife words to {peak to you, which thefe Hobby-horfes muft not hear. Pedro. For my Life to break with him about Beatrice. Claud. “Tis even fo, Hero and Margaret have by this play’d their parts with Beatrice, and then the two Bears will not bite one another when they meet. Enter Don John, Sohn. My Lord and Brother, God faye you. Pedro. Good Den, Brother, Fohx. If your leifure ferv’d, I would {peak with you. Pedro. In private? Fohn, Vf it pleafe you; yet Count Claudio may hear, for what I would fpeak of concerns him. Pedro. What’s the matter 2 | John. Means your Lordthip to be marry’d to Morrow 2 ‘ : [To Claudio. Vo.. I. Aa Pedro. ( i} a 5 } ae , fy Me in ila ‘i ; ’ J ti be . Ae nl a te ey ‘ je a mr, Ahan! f , } > = | - “WV Ta | yo i ‘at bs 1 {oe Gs Vit, Ae oan is ai oe ee ee BE eS er) Bae at Aga s? 354 Much Ado about Nothing. Ped cdro. You know he does. “tobn. 1 know not that, when he knows what I know. Claud. Uf there be any Impediment, I pray you difcover it. Fohn. You may think I love you not, let that appear vj hereafter,i@and aim better at me by that I now will ma- nifeft; for my Brother, I think, he holds you well,and in ~ dearnefs of Heart hath holp to effect your enfuing Mar- riage; furely Sute ill fpent, and Labour ill beftowed. Pedro, Why, what's the Matter ¢ ohne 1 came hither to tell you, and Circumitances fhortned (for fhe hath been too long a talking of) the La- dy is difloyal. Claude Who? Hero? Sola. Even fhe, Leonato’s Hero, your Hero, every Man’s EHero.. Claud. Difloyal ? John. The Word is too good to paint out her wicked- nefs; I could fay fhe were worfe; think you of a worfe Title, and I will fit her to its Wonder not “till further War- rant; go but with me to Night, you fhall fee her Cham- ber Window enter’d, even the Night before her Wedding: Day; if you love her, then to Morrow wed her; but it would better fir your Honour to change your Mind. Claud. May this be fo? Pedro. 1 will not think it. Fohn. If you dare not truft that you fee, confefs not that you know; if you will follow me, I will fhew you enough; and when you have feen more, and heard more, proceed accordingly. Claud. YfX fee any thing to Night why I fhould net mar- ry her to Morrow, in the Congregation where! fhould wed; there will I fhame her. Pedro. And as I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join with thee to difgrace her. Fobn. I will difparage her no farther, “till you are my Witnefles; bear it coldly but *all Night, and let the Iffue fhew it felf. ; . Pedro, O Day untowardly turned ! . Claud. O Mifchief ftrangely thwarting! Fohn. © Plague right well prevented ! So will you fay when you have feen the Sequel, | Exennt. | fet ta ee Enter Much Ado about Nothing. 355 Enter Dogbery and Verges, with the Watch. Dogb, Are you good Men and true? Ferg. Yea, or elfe it were pity butthey fhould fuffer Sal- vation, Body and Soul. ze ¢ Dogb, Nay, that were Punifhment too eood for them, if hey thould have any Allegiance in them, being chofen for the Prince’s Watch. Ferg. Well, give them their charge, Neighbour Dogbery. Dog. Firft, who think you the moft difartlefs Man te be Conftable2 Watch x. Hugh Otecake, Sir, or George Seacole; for they can write and read. Dogb. Come hither Neighbour Seacole, God hath bleft you with a good Name; to be a weil-favour’d Man, is the Gift of Fortune, but to write and read comes by Nature. Watch 2. Beth which, Mafter Conftable- Dogo. Youhave: 1 knew it would be your Anfwer; well, for your Favour, Sir, why give God thanks, and make no boaft of it; and for your Writing and Reading, let that appear when there is no need of fuch Vanity: You are thought here to be the moft fenfelefs and fit Man for the Conftable of the Watch, therefore bear you the Lanthorn;: this js yout Charge: You fhall comprehend all vagrom Men, you are to bid any Man ftand in the Prince’s Name. Watch 2. How if he will not {tand2 Dogb. Why then take no note of him, but let him eo, and prefently call the reft of the Watch together, God you are rid of a Knave. Verg, If he will not ftand when he js bidden, he is none of the Prince’s Subje@s, Dogh, True, and they are to meddle with none but the Prince’s Subje€ts: You fhall alfomake no Noife in the Streets ; For, for the Watch to babble and talk, is moft tcllerable, and not to be endur’d, Watch. 2.We willrather fleep than talks we know what be- longs to a Watch. Dogo. Why you {peak like an ancient and moft quiet Watch. man, for I cannot fee how fleeping fhould offend ; nly have a care that your Bills be not ftolen: Well, you are to call at all the Alehoufes, and bid them that are drunk get themto Bed, | and thaak A ae Watch SS —_ a ES LBV mt ee ee ee — ee = ail re FSS SS aS SS = = <= 22> sees Bee = SS = ger ——— SS Se [pete Of eae 2 oS Se = — = ae — -< wast at nd REPO PE A Pt AT Se ea SS LOST eae SS ge a 2 Pe £2 ae ——r B ' q Pe SE a —— ao ae oe = oe Hote —— SR ad 2 ae on ne i 356 Much Ado about Nothing. Watch. 2. How if they will not? i; Deck Why then let them alone ’till they are fober; if they ‘make you not then the better Anfwer, you may fay they are notthe Men you took them for. Watch. 2. Well, Sit. ’ Dogb. \f you mecta Thief, you may fufpec& him, by ver- tue ot your Offices to be no true Man; and for fuch kind of Men, the lefs you meddle or make with them, why the raore is for. your Honefty. Watch. >. If we know him to be a Thief, fhall we not lay Hands on hm¢ . Dog. Truly by your Office you may; but I think they that touch Pitch will be defi’d: The moft peaceable way for you, if you do take a Thief, 15, to let him fhew him- fe]f what he is, and fteal out of his Company- Vere. Youhave been always call’d a merciful Man, Partner. Dogh. Truly t would not ru eg Oe my Will, much more a Mai who hath any Honetty in im. verg. If you hear 2 Child cry in the Night, you muft call to the Nurfe, and bid her ftill it. Watch. » How if the Nurfe be afleep, and will not hear us ¢ Dooh. Why then depart in Peace, and let the Child wake her with aying: For the Ewe that will not hear her Limb whim it Baes, will never anfwer a Calf when it Bleats. _ Tis very true. De. “his ie the end of the Charge: You C onftable are to prefent :he Prince’s own Perfon, if you mect the Prince in the Night you may ftay ee te Yay, Birlady, that 1 think I cannot. Dogb. Five Shillings to ont on’t with any Man that knows i ithout the he Statues, he may flay him, marry not wit ae ee ing * ‘ndeed the Watch ought to offend no Man; and it is an Offence to ftay a Man againft his Will. _ 3irlady, I think it be fo. fas. ta, %e ha, well Matters good Night, and there be ur Fel- ay Matte of weight chances, call up me, keep your tows Coinfel, and your own, and good Night; come Neighbotr. : Watch. Much Ado about Nothing 357 Watch 2. Well Mafters, we hear our Charre, let us go fit here upon the Church Bench ’tili two, am then all to Bed. Dogb. One Word more, honeft Neighbours I pray you watch about Signior Leonato’s Door, for the Vedding be- ing there to Morrow, there is a great coi! to Night; adieu; be vigilant I befeech you. | Exeunt. Exter Borachio and Conrade. Bora. What, Coxrade. Watch. Peace, ftir not. | Afide. Bora. Conrade { fay. Conr. Here Man, I am at thy Elbow. Bora. Mafs and my Elbow itch’d I thouglt there would a Scab follow. Cour. I will owe thee an Anfwer for that, and now for- ward thy Tale. Bora. Stand thee clofe then under this PentHoufe, for it drizles Rain, and I will, like a true Drunkard utter all to thee. Watch. Some Treafon Mafters, yet ftand cofe. Bora. Therefore know, [have earned of Da Fobnathou- fand Ducats, Cour. Is it poffible that any Villany fhould be fo dear? Bora. Thou fhouldft rather ask if it were pcffible any Vil- lany fhould be fo rich? For when rich Villins have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what Pricethey will. Conre 1 wonder at it. : Bora. That fhews thou art unconfirm’d, thou knoweft that the Fafhion of a Doublet, ora Hat, or : Cloak, 1s no- thing to a Man. Conr. Yes, it is Apparel. Bora. I mean the Fafhion, Cour. Yes the Fafhion is the Fafhion. Bora. Tufh, I may as well fay the Fool’sthe Fool, but feeft thou not what a deformed Thief this Fahion ts? Watch. 1 know that Deformed, a has bee! a vile Thief this feven Years; a goes up and down like aGentleman: I remember his Name. Bora. Did’ft thou not hear fome Body? Conr. No, ’twas the Vane on the Houfe. Aa 3 Bora. 58 Much Ado about Nothing. Bora. Seeft thou not, I fay, what a deformed Thief this Fafhion is, how giddy he turns about all the Hot-bloods, between fourteen and five and thirty, fometimes fafhioning them like Pharo’s Soldiers in the rechy Painting, fometimes like god- Bell's Priefts in the old Church-window, fometimes like the fhaven Hercules in the fmirch’d worm-eaten Tape- ftry, where his Cod-piece feems as maflie as his Club. Conr. All this I fee, and fee that the Fafhion wears out n10re Apparel than the Man; but art not thou thy felf gid- dy with the Fafhion, that thou haft fhifted out of thy Tale into telling me of the Fafhion? Bora. Not fo neither, but know that I have to Night wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero’s Gentlewoman, by the Name of Hero; fhe leans me out at her Miftrefs’s Chamber Window, bids mea thoufand times good night——I tell this Tale vildly——I fhould firft tell thee how the Prince, Clax- dio, and my Mafter, planted and plac’d, and pofleffed by my Mafter Don ‘Fohn, {aw afar off in the Orchard this amt- able Encounter. Cour. And thought thy Adargaret was Hero ? Bora. Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio, but the Devil my Mafter knew fhe was AZargaret; and partly by his Oaths which firft poffeft them, ‘partly by the dark Night which did deceive them, but chiefly by my Villany, which did confirm any Slander that Don ‘fohw had made, away went Claudio enraged, fwore he would meet her as he was appointed next Morning at the Temple, and there, before the whole Congregation. fhame her with what he faw o’er Night, and fend her home again without a Husband. Watch 1. We charge you in the Prince’s Name ftand. Watch 2, Call up the right Matter Conftable, we have here recovered the moft dangerous piece of Lechery that ever was known in a Common-wealth. Watch +. And one Deformed is one of them, I know him, he wears a Lock. Conr. Matters, Matters. Watch 2. You'll be made bring Deformed forth, J] war- rant you. Conr. Malters, never {peak, we charge you, let us obey you to go with us. ea rm = Tc eS ee ee Sens ee a a ace Sea weet ae ee a eas a —_ - « —— aS eee Ral re eee ne — SS el Se Ca ern SF | eS 4 ee EOE Ft ee : me = — Bora. Much Ado about Nothing. 359 Bora. We are like to prove a goodly Commodity, being taken up of thefe Mens Bills. Conr. A Commodity in queftion I warrant you, come well obey you. | Exeunt. Enter Hero, Margaret avd Urfula. Hero. Good Urfila wake my Coufin Beatrice, and de- fire her to rife. | Urfu. \ will, Lady. Hero. And bid her. come hither. Urfu. Well. | Marg. Troth, I think your other Rebato were better. Hero. No pray thee good 4Zeg, Vl wear this. Marg. By my Troth’s not fo good, and I warrant your Coufin will fay fo. Hero. My Coufin’s a Fool, and thou art another, ll wear none but this. Marg. I like the new Tire within excellently, if the Hair were a Thought browner; and your Gown’'s a moft rare Fafhion ifaith, I faw the Dutchefs of AdZilan’s Gown, that they praife fo. ; Hero. O that exceeds, they fay. Marg. By my Troth’s but a Night-Gown in refpe& of yours; Cloth a Gold and Cuts, and lac’d with Silver, fet with Pearis down-fleeves, fide-fleeves and Skirts, round, un- derborn with abluetfh Tinfel; but for a fine, queint, grace- ful and excellent Fafhion, yours is worth ten on’t. Hero. God give me Joy to wear it, for my Heart is ex- ceeding heavy. Marg. *Twill be heavier foon, by the weight of a Man. Hero, Fie upon thee, art not afham’d? Marg. Of what, Lady? of {peaking honourably? Is not Marriage honourable in a Beggar? Is not your Lord ho- nourable without Marriage? I think you would have me fay, faving your Reverence a Husband: And bad thinking do not wreft true {peaking, I'll offend no Body, is there any harm in the heavier for a Husband? None I think, and it be the right Husband, and the right Wife, otherwife ’tis light and not heavy; ask my Lady Beatrice elfe, here the somes. 4 A a 4 | Entei 360 Much Ado about Nothing. Enter Beatrice. Hero. Good Morrow, Coz. Beat. Good Morrow, {weet Hero. Hero. Why how now? do you fpeak in the fick Tune? Beat. I'am out of all other Tune methinks. Marg. Clap’s into Light a Love (that goes without a Burden,) do you fing it, and I'll dance it. Beat. Yes light a love with your Heels, then if your Husband have Stables enough, you'll look he fhall lack no Barns. Marg. O illegitimate Conftru€tion! I fcorn that with my Heels. Beat. *Tis almoft five a Clock, Coufin; *tis time you were ready: By my troth I am exceeding ill, hey ho! Marg. For a Hawk, a Horfe, ora Husband 2 Beat. For the Letter that begins them all, H. Marg. Well, and you be not turn’d Trk, there’s no more failing by the Srar. Beat. What means the Fool, trow ? Marg. Nothing I, but God fend every one their Heart’s Defire. Hero. Thefe Gloves the Count fent me, they are an ex- cellent Perfume. Beat, I am ftuft, Coufin, I cannot fmell. ‘s cs A Maid and ftuft! there’s a goodly catching of old, Beat. O God help me, God help me, how long have you profeft Apprehenfion ? Marg. Ever fince you left it; doth not my Wit become me rarely. Beat. It is not feen enough, you fhould wear in your Cap. By my troth I am fick. Marg. Get you fome of this diftill’d Carduns Beneditins, and lay it to your Heart, it is the only thing for a Qualm. Hero. There thou prick’ft her with a Thiftle. Beat, Beneditlus? why Benediétus? You have fome Mo- ral in this Benedittus. Marg. Moral? no by my troth, I have no moral mean- ing, I meant plain Holy-Thiftle; you may think perchance phat I think you are in Love, nay birlady I am not fuch a Fool to think what Ilift, nor I lift not to think what I can, nor Much Ado about Nothing. 361 nor indeed I cannot think, if I would think my Heart out of thinking, that you are in Love, or that you will be in Love, or that you can be in Love: Yet Benedick was fuch another, and now is he become a Man; he fwore he would never marry, and yet now in defpight of his Heart he eats his Meat without grudging, and how you may be convert- ed I know not, but methinks you look with your Eyes as other Women do. Beat. What pace is this thy Tongue keeps? Marg. Not a falfe Gallop. Enter Urfula. Ur/#. Madam, withdraw; the Prince, the Count, Sig- nior Benedick, Dor ‘ohn, and all the Gallants of the Town are come to fetch you to Church. Hero. Help to drefs me, good Coz, good Azeg, good Urfula. | Exeunt. Enter Leonato, with Dogberry and. Verges. Leon. What would you with me, honeft Neighbour? Dogb. Marry Sir I would have fome Confidence with you, that decerns you nearly. Leon. Brief I pray you, for you fee ’tis a bufie time with me, Dogb. Marry this it is, Sir. Verg. Yes in truth it is, Sir. Leon, What is it, my good Friends? Dogh. Goodman Verges, Sir, {peaks a little of the matter, - an old Man, Sir, and his Wits are not fo blunt, as, God help, I would defire they were, but in faith honeft as the Skin between his Brows. Verg. Yes i thank God, I amas honeft as aay man li- ving that is an old man, and no honefter than I. Dogb. Comparifons are odorous, palabras, Neighbour Verges. Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious. Dogh. It pleafes your Worfhip to fay fo, but we are the poor Duke’s Officers; but truly for mine own part, if I were as tedious as a King, I could find in my heart to be- {tow it all of your Worfhip. Leon, All thy Tedioufnefs on me! ah—— Dogd. 362 Much Ado about Nothing. Dogh. Yea; and *twere a thoufand times more than ’tis, for I hear as good Exclamation on your Worthip as of any Man in the City, and tho’ I be but a poor Man, I am glad to hear it. Verg. And foam I. Leon. 1 would fain know what you have to fay. Verg. Marry, Sir, our Watch to Night, excepting your Worfhip’s Prefence, have tane a couple of as arrant Knaves, as any in Adeffina. Dogh. Agood old Man, Sir, he will be talking as they fay, when the Age is in, the Wit is out, God help us, it isa World to fee: Well faid rfaith, Neighbour Verges, well, God’s a good Man, and two Men rides an Horfe, one muft ride behind, an honeft Soul i’faith Sir, by my Troth he is, as ever broke Bread, but God is to be worfhipt, all Men are not alike, alas good Neighbour. Eeon. Indeed Neighbour he comes too fhort of you. Dogbh. Gifts that God gives. Leon. I muft leave you. Dogh. One word, Sir, our Watch have indeed compre~ hended two afpicious Perfons, and we would have them this Morning examin'd before your Worfhip. Leon. Take their Examination your felf, and bring it me, J am now in great halte, as may appear unto you. Dogh. It thall be fuffigance. Leon. Drink fome Wine e’er you go: Fare you well. "a Enter a Meffenger. Meff. My Lord, they flay for youto give your Daughter to her Husband. | Leon. Vilwait upon them. Tam ready. | Ex. Leonato, Dogh. Go good Partner, go get you to Francis Seacoale, bid Hi him bring his Pen and Inkhorn to the Goal; we are now tg ie! examine thofe Men, Verg. And we mutt do it wifely. Dogh. We will {pare for no Wit I warrant you; here’s that fhall drive fome of them to a non-come, only get the learn’d Writer to fet down our Excommunication, and meet me at the Goal. [ Exeunt, SSS ESS ee es es a - ee = aed o— : s 3 ee ae ee a ae eT ORE Se wT = “+ = => - er eS =x — peer - 3 ¥ — SS = = = > =~ be 7g <—S <= Sp sstSeS ’ 2 re eS 1 ! ni | | “Act e Muc Ado about Nothing. 36 ; A..Go PR: &-G Si Nee Enter D, Pedro, D. John, Leonato, Frier, Claudio, Benedick, Hero and Beatrice. Leon. OME Frier Francis, be brief, only to the plain / form of Marriage, and you fhall recount their particular Duties afterwards. frier. You come hither, my Lord, to marry this Lady. Cland. No. s Leon. To be marry’d to her, Frier, you come to marry er. frier, Lady, you come hither to be marry’d to the Count. Hero. I do. Frier. If either of you know any inward Impediment why you fhould not be conjoin’d, I charge you on your Souls to utter it. Claud, Know you any, Hero? Hero. None, my Lord.’ Friar. Know you any, Count? Leon. I dare make his Anfwer, None. Clazd. O what Men dare do! what Men may do! what Men daily do! Bene. How now! Interjections? why then, fome be of Jaughing, as ha, ha, he. Claud. Stand thee by, Frier: Father by your Leave, Will you with free and unconftrained Soul Give me this Maid your Daughter 2 Leow. As freely, Son, as God did give her me. Claud, And what have Ito give you back, whofe worth May counterpoife this rich and precious Gift? Pearo. Nothing, unlefs you render her again. Claud. Sweet Prince, you learn me noble Thankfulne( - There Leonato, take her back again. Give not this rotten Orange to your Friend, She’s but the fign and femblance of her Honour: Behold how like a Maid fhe bluthes here! © what authority and fhew of Truth Can curming Sin cover it felf withal ! Comes 364 Much Ado about Nothing. Comes not that Blood, as modeft Eudence, To witnels fimple Virtue¢ would you. not {wear, All you that fee her, that fhe were : Maid, By thefe exterior Shews¢ But fhe i: none: She knows the Heat of a luxurious bed; Her Bluth is Guiltinefs, not Modety. Leon. What do you mean, my Lord? Claud. Not to be marry’d, Not knit my Soul to an ap roved Wanton. Leon. Deat my Lord, if you in rour own Proof Have vanquith’d the Refaftance of her Youth, And made Defeat of her Virginity Claud. 1 know what you would fay: If I have known her, You will fay, fhe did embrace me is a Husband, And fo extenuate the forehand Sin. No, Leonato, I never tempted her with Word to large, But as a Brother to his Sifter, fhev’d Bathful Sincerity, and comely Lov’, Hero. And feem’d I ever otherwfe to you ? Claud. Out on thee feeming, f vill write againtt it, You feem to me as Dian in her Ob, As chafte as is the Bud e’er it be Hown: But you are more intemperate in your Blood Than Venus, or thofe pamper’d Atimals That rage in favage Senfuality, Hero. Is my Lord well, that hedoth fpeak fo wide? Leon, Sweet Prince, why {peak ot you ¢ Pedro. What fhould ¥ fpeak? I ftand difhonour’d, that have gor about To link my dear Friend to a common Stale, Leon. Are thefe things fpoken, or do i but dream ? Fohx. Sir, they are {poken, andthefe things are true, Bene. This looks not like a Nupial. Hero. True! O God! Claud. Leonato, ftand I here? Is this the Prince? Is this the Prince's Brother ¢ Is this Face Hero’s? Are our Eyesour own? Leon. All this is fo; but what this, my Lord? Claud. Let me but move ore Qieftion to your Daughter, ‘And by that fatherly and kindly Power That you have in her, bid her anwer truly. Leon. Much £do about Nothing. 365 Leon. I charge thee do fo, as thou art my Child. Hero. © God deferd me, how am I befet! What kind of catechizing call you this¢ Leon. To make youanfwer truly to your Name. Hero. Is it not Herc? who can blot that Name With any juft Reproach ¢ Claud. Marry that can Hero, Hero her felf can blot out Hero’s Virtue. What Man was he tallt with you yefternight, Qut at your Window betwixt twelvé and one? Now if you are a Maid, anfwer to this. Hero. 1 talk’d with no Man at that Hour, my Lord. Pedro. Why then you are no Maiden. Leonato, I am forry you muft hear; upon mine Fionour, My felf, my Brother, and this grieved Count Did fee her, hear her, at that Hour laft Nighr, Talk with a Ruffian « her Chamber window, Who hath indeed, roft like a liberal Villain, Confefs’d the vile Encounters they have had A thoufand times in fcret. : Fohn. Fie, fie, thry are not to be nam’d, my Lord, Not to be fpoken of, ae There is not Chaftity enough in Language, Without Offence, to utter them: Thus, pretty Lady [am forry for thy mich Milgovernment. Claud. O Hero! vhat a Hero hadft thou been, If half thy outward Graces had been plac’d About the Thought: and Counfels of thy Heart¢ But fare thee well, moft foul, moft fair, farewel Thou pure Impiety, and impious Purity ; For thee I’ll lock upall the Gates of Love, And on my Eyelids fhall ConjeCture hang, To turn all Beauty into Thoughts of Harm, And never fhall it more be gracious. Leon. Hath no Man’s Dagger hese a Point for meé Beat. Why how tow Coufin, wherefore fink you down? Fohn, Come, letus gos thefe things come thus to light Smother her Spiritsup. [Exe. D. Pedro, D. John anda Claud. ‘Bene. How doth the Lady? Beat. Dead 1 think: Help, Uncle. Hero! why Hero! Uncle! Signior Benedick! Frier! Leon, 366 Much Ado about Nothing. Leon, O Fate! take not away thy heavy Hand, Death is the faireft Cover for her Shame That may be with’d for: Beat. How now, Coufin Hero ? Frier. Have Comfort, Lady. Leon. Dott thou look up? Frier. Yea, wherefore fhould the not2 Leon, Wherefore? Why doth not every earthly thing Cry thame upon her? Could fhe here deny ) The Story that is printed in her Blood 2 Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes: For did I think thou wouldft not quickly die, Thouglit I thy Spirits were ftronger than thy Shames, My felf would on the Rereward of Reproaches Strike at thy Life. Griev’d I, I had but one2 Chid I for that at frugal Nature’s frame 2 I’ve one too much by thee. Why had I one2 Why ever waft thou lovely in my Eyes? Why had not I, with charitable Hand, Took up a Beggar’s Iffue at my Gates; Who fmeered thus, and mir’d with Infaniy, I might have faid, no part of it is mine, This Shame derives it felf from unknown Loins? But mine, and mine I Jov’d, and mine I prais’d, And mine that I was proud on, mine fo much That I my felf was to my felf not mine, Valuing of her; why fhe, O fhe is fall’n Into a Pit of Ink, that the wide Sea Hath Drops too few to wafh her clean abain, And Salt too little, which may Seafon give To her foul tainted Fleth. Bene. Sir, Sir, be patient; for my part, I am {0 attired in Wonder, I know not what to fay. Beat. O on my Soul my Coufin is bely’d. Bene. Lady, were you her Bedfellow jaft Night? Beat. No truly, not; altho’ until laft Night ‘I have this Twelvemonth been her Bedfellow. Leon. Confirm’d, confirm’d! O that is itronger made, Which was before barr’d up with Ribs of Iron. Would the Prince lie? and Claudio would he lie, Who lov'd her fo, that {peaking of her Foulnefs, | 3 Wath'd Much Ado about Nothing. 367 Wath'd it with Tears? Hence from her, let her die. Frier, Hear me a little, for I have only been filent fo long, and given way unto this courfe of Fortune, by noting of the Lady. I have mark’d A thoufand blufhing Apparitions To ftart into her Face, a thoufand innocent Shames In Angel whitenefs bear away thofe Bluthes, And in her Eye there hath appear’d a Fire To burn the Errors that thefe Princes hold Againft her Maiden Truth. Call me a Fool, Truft not my Reading, nor my Obfervations, Which with experimental Seal doth warrant The tenure of my Book; truft not my Age, My Reverence, Calling, nor Divinity, If this fweet Lady lye not guiltlefs here, Under fome biting Error. Leom Frier, it cannot be; Thou feeft that all the Grace that fhe hath left, Is, that fhe will not add to her Damnation A Sin of Perjury, fhe not denies it: Why feek’ft thou then to cover with Excufe, That which appears in proper Nakednefs ? Frier, Lady, what Man is he you are accus’d of2 Hero. They know that do accufe me, I know none: If I know more of any Man alive Than that which maiden Modefty doth warrant, Let all my Sins lack Mercy. O my Father, Prove you that any Man with me convers’d At Hours unmeet, or that I yefternight Maintain’d the Change of Words with any Creature, Refufe me, hate me, torture me to Death. Frier, There is fome ftrange Mifprifion in the Prince. Bene. Two of them have the very bent of Honour, And if their Wifdoms be mifs-led in’ this, The Practice of it lives in Fohn the Baftard, Whofe Spirits toil in frame of Villanies. Leon. I know not: If they fpeak but Truth of her, Thefe Hands fhall tear her; if they wrong her Honour, The proudeft of them fhall well hear of it. Time hath not yet.fo dry’d this Blood of mine, Nor Age fo eat up my Invention, | Nor 368 Much Ado about Nothing. Nor Fortune made fuch Havock of my Means, Nor my bad Life reft me fo much of Friends, But they fhall find awak’d in fuch a kind, Both Strength of Limb, and Policy of Mind, Ability in Means, and Choice of Friends, To quit me of them thoroughly. Frier. Paufe 4 while, And let my Counfel fway you in this cafe. Your Daughter here the Princefs (left for dead) Let her awhile be fecretly kept 10, And publith it that fhe is dead indeed : Maintain a mourning Oftentation, And on your Family’s old Monument Hang mournful Epitaphs, and do all Rites That appertain unto a Burial. Leon. What fhall become of this? what will this do2 Frier. Marry, this well carry’d, fhall on her behalf Change Slander to Remorfe, that is fome good: But not for that, dream I on this ftrange courfe, But on this Travel look for greater Birth: She dying, as it mutt be fo maintain’d, Upon the Inftant that fhe was accus’d, Shall be lamented, pity’d, and excus’d Of every Hearer: For fo it falls out, That what we have we prize not to the worth, Whiles we enjoy it; but being lack’d and loft, Why then we rack the Value, then we find The Virtue that Poffeffion would not fhew us Whilft it was ours; fo will it fare with Claudio: When he fhall hear the dy’d upon his Words, Th’ Idea of her Life fhall fweetly creep Into his Study of Imagination, And every lovely Organ of her Life Shall come apparel’d in more precious Habit; More moving, delicate, and full of Life, Into the Eye and Profpect of his Soul, Than when fhe liv’d indeed. Then fhall he mourn, Tf ever Love had Intereft in his Liver, And with he had not fo accufed her; No, tho’ he thought his Accufation true: Let this be fo, and doubt not but Succefs Will Much Ado about Nothing. 369 Will fafhion the Event in better Shape Than I can lay it down in likelihood. But if all Aim but this be level’d falfe, The Suppofition of the Lady’s Death Will quench the Wonder of her Infamy. And if it fort not well, you may conceal her, As bett befits her wounded Reputation, In fome reclufive and religious Life, Out of all Eyes, Tongues, Minds, and Injuries. Bene. Signior Leonato, let the Frier advife you, And tho’ you know my Inwardnefs and- Love Is very much unto the Prince and Claudio, Yet, by mine Honour, I will deal in this As fecretly and juftly, 4s your Soul Should with your Body. Leon. Being that I flow in Grief, The fmalleft Twine may lead me. Frier. *Tis well confented, prefently away; For to ftrange Sores, ftrangely they ftrain the Cure: Come Lady, die to live; this Wedding-Day Perhaps is but prolong’d, have Patience and endure. [Exennt, Adanent Benedick and Beatrice, Bene. Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this while 2 Beat. Yea, and I will weep a while longer. Bene. I will not defire that. Beat. You have no reafon, I do it freely, Bene. Surely I do believe your fair Coufin is wrone’d, Beat. Ahhow much might the Man deferve of me that would right her! Bene. Is there any way to thew fuch Friendfhip? Beat. A very even way, but no fuch Friend, Bene, May a Man do it? Beat. It isa Man’s Office, but not yours, Bene. I do love nothing in the World fo well as you; is not that f{trange?2 Beat. As ftrange as the thing I know not; it were as poffible for me to fay, I loved nething fo well as you; bur believe me not; and yet I lye not; I confefs nothing, nor I deny nothing: I am forry for my Coufin. | Bene. By my Sword, Beatrice, thou loy’ft me, Beat. Do not {wear by it and eat ir, Vou. I. Bb Bene. ———— eS = — a + —-— —————— i = en — Eee = — Saas. a = YU ’ ae 4 | 7 | 4 } Hild |) lt i) ’ ") , 2 || ' * ’ iy ‘a | 1 aly eh aie a tieu es, ' Tie mS Wge Ae whi) nity as 4 iG ile: | fi "peed ies id Oa €. = ——— > a ee Le 2 ez 33 SSS = Seeeest SS SSS ‘= = = 2 370 Much Ado about Nothing. Rene. 1 will {wear by it that you love me; and I will meke him eat it that fays I love not you. Beat. Will you not eat your Word? Rene. With no Sauce that can be devis’d to it; I proteft I love thee: Beat. Why then God forgive me. Bene, What Offence, fweet Beatrice? Beat, You have ftay’d me in a happy Hour; 1 was about to proteft I lov'd you. | Bene. And do it with all thy Heart. Beat. 1 love you with fo much of my Heart, that none is left to-proteft. | Bene. Come bid me do any thing for thee. Beat. Kill Claudio. Bene, Ha! not for the wide World. Beat. You kill me to deny; farewel. Bene. Tarry, {weet Beatrice. Beat. I am gone tho’ I amhere; there is no Lovein you; nay 1 pray you let me go. Bene. Beatrice. : Beat. In faith I will go- Bene. Weill be Friends firft. Beat. You dare eafier be Friends with me, than fight with mihe Enemy. Bene. 1s Claddio thine Enemy ? Beat. Ishe not approved in the height aVillain, that hath flander’d, fcorn’d, difhonour’d my Kinfwoman¢ O that I were a: Man!-What, bear her in Hand until they come to take Hands, and then with publick Accufation; uncover'd Slander, rimittigated Rancour——-O God that I were a Man, 1 would eat his Heart in the Market Place. Bene. Hear me, Beatrice. | Beat. Talk with a Man out ata Window——a propet Say- - ung. Bene. Nay but Beatrice. | Beat. Sweet Hero! fhe is wrong’d, fhe is fiander’d, fheis undone. Bene. But--—— Beat, Princes and Counties! furely a princely Teftimo- ny, a goodly Count-Comfea, a {weet Gallant furely; O chat L were a Man for his fake! or that I had any Friend 3 would ! Much Ado about Nothing. ° 37 would be a Man for my fake! But Manhood is melted in- to Curtefies, Valour into Compliment, and Men are only turn’d into Tongue, and trim ones too; he is now as vali- ant as Hercules, that only tells a Lic, and {wears it; I can- not bea Man with wifhing, therefore I will die a Woman with grieving. Bene. Tarry good Beatrice; by this Hand I love thee. Beat. Ufe it for.my Love fome other way. than {wearing by it. Bene. Think you in your Soul the Count Claudio hath wrong 'd Here? Beat. Yea, as {ure as I have a Thought or a Soul. Bene. Enough, I am engag’d, I will challenge him, I will kifs your Hand, and fo leave you; by this Hand, Clax- dio {hall render me dear Account; as you hear of me, fo think of me; go comfort your Coufir, I muft fay fhe is dead, and fo'farewel. [Exegut. Exter Dogberry, Virges, Borachio, Conrade, the Town- | Clerkand Sexton in Gowns. Yo. Ci. Is our whole Diffembly appear’d ? Dog. O a Stool and Cufhion for the Sexton. Sexton. Which be the Malefaétors2 Verg. Marry that am I, and my Partner. Dog. Nay, that’s certain, we have the Exhibition toe examine, Sexton. -But which are the Offenders that are to be ex- amined? Let them come before Mafter Conftable. To. Ci, Yea, marry, let them come before me; what is your Name Friend ? Bora. Borachio. Zo. Cl. Pray write down Borachio. Yours Sirrah2 Conr. I ama Gentleman Sis, and my Name is Courade. To. Cl. Write down Mafter Gentleman, Courade: Matters, do you ferye God?..Mafters, it is proved already that you arelittle better than falfe Knaves, and it will go near to be thought fo fhortly; how anfwer you for your felves? Cour. Marry, Si’, we fay we are none. Zo.Cl, A marvellous witty Fellow I affure you, but I will go about with him. Come you hither, Sirrah, a Word jn your Ear, Sir; I fay to you, it is thought you are falfe Knaves. Bb 2 Bora. > yes = = 4 » : Wit ; > i. athe | og atti ads hie 4 ao mn” Rh ihe i! We: : iM $ act a iy Ake Sig 1K Lia a5 eK ‘Ste i} ee “ . Bux ‘ 4 i Pi he ' ee ; Wey! - J ay ‘ a { ied % | ' hs | , BI th f { ¥ } ; + 0 ‘ rie + ‘a ‘ ml ( q ' : eS: Spe) 3 4 i a ay 7 “7 sf 4 ria} 372 Much Ado about Nothing. Bora. Sir, 1 fay to yous we are none. T>. Cl. Well; Stand afide, ‘fore God they are both in a Tale; have you writ down they are none? Sexton. Mafter Town-Clerk, you go not the way to exa- mine, you muft call the Watch thet are their Accufers. To. Cle Yea, marry that’s the eafielt Way, let the Watch come forth; Matters, I charge you in the Prince’s Name accufe thefe Men. + Watch. This Man faid, Sir, that Don Fohn, the Prince's Brother, was a Villain. T. Cl, Write down, Prince Fobn a Villains why this is flat Perjury, tocalla Prince’s Brother Villain. Bora. Matter Town-Clerk, T. Cl. Pray thee Fellow Peace, I do not like thy Look, f promife thee. Sexton, What heard you him fay elfe? | > Watch. Marry, That he had receiv’d athoufand Du- cats of Don Fohx, for the accufing the Lady Hero wrong- fully. Kemp. Flat Burglary as ever was committed. Dog. Yea by th’ Mafs that it is. Sexton. What elfe Fellow ¢ Watch. And that Count Claudio did mean, upon his Words, to difgrace Hera before the whole Affembly, and not marry her. te To. Cl, O Villain! thou wilt be condemn’d into everlaft- ing Redemption for this. Sexton. What elfe¢ > Watch. This is all. Sexton. And this ‘1s more Mafters than you can deny, Prince Fob is this Morning fecretly ftol’n away: Hero was = this manner accusd, inthis very manner refus’d, and upon the Grief of this fuddenly dy’d. Mafter Conftable, let thefe Men be bound, and brought to Leonaio; I willgo before, aud thew him their Examination. Dog. Come, let them be opinion’d. Sexton. Let them be in the Hands of Coxcomb. | Exit. Dog. God's my Life, where’s the Sexton? Let him write down the Prince’s Officer Coxcomb, come, bind them, thou naughty Varlet. : Conr. Much Ado about Nothing 373 Conr. Away, you are an Afs, you are an Afs. Dog. Doft thou not fulfpe& my. Place? doft thou not fufpect my Years? © that he were here to write me down an Afs! But. Mafters, . remember that I am an Afs, tho’ it be not written down, yet forget not that Iam an Afs; no thou Villain, thou art full of Piety,as fhali be prov'd upon thee by good Witnefs, I am a wife Fellow, and which 1s more, an Officer; and which is more an Houjholder; and which is more, as pretty a Piece of Flefh asany in Ae/ina, and one that knows the Law, go to, and a rich Fellow enough, go to, and.a Fellow that hath had Loffes, and one that hath two Gowns, and every thing handfome about him, bring him away; O that I had been writ down an Afs, [ Exit. el A GaSe BN: Er. Enter Leonato and Antonio. Ant. TF you go on thus, you will kill your felf, _ And ‘tis not Wifdom thus to fecond Grief, Againit your felf. Leon. I pray thee ceafe thy Counfel, Which falls into mine Ears as profitlefs As Water in a Sieve; give not me Counfel, Nor Jet no Comfart elfe delight mine Ears But fuch a one whofe Wrongs doth fute with mice. Bring me a Father that fo lov’d his Child, Whofe Joy of her is overwhelm’d like mine, And bid him fpeak of Patience ; Meafure his Woe the leagth and breadth of mine, And let it anfwer every Strain for Strain: As thus for thus, and fuch a Grief for {uch, In every Lineament, Branch, Shape, and Form; If fuch a one will {mile and ftroke his Beard, And hollow, wag, cry hem, when he fhould groans Patch Grief with Proverbs, make Misfortuae drunk, With Candle-wafters; bring him yet to me, And I of him will gather Patience. Bb 3 But RS i ia ia if i if 374 Much Ado about Nothing. But there is no fuch Man; for Brother, Men Can council, and give Comfort to that Grief Which they themfelves not feel, but tafting it, Their Counfel turns to Paffion, which before Would give preceptial Medicine to Rage, Fetter {trong Madnefs in a filken Thread, Chari Ach with Air, and Agony with Words. No, tio, ’tis all Mens Office, to fpeak Patience To thofe that wring under the Load of Sorrow; Bit ho Man’s Virtue hor Sufliciency To be fo moral, when he fhall endure The like himfelf; therefore give me no Counfel, My Griefs ery louder than Advertifement. Yat. Therein do Men from Children nothing differ. Leon. I pray thee Peace, I will be Fleth and Blood, For there was never yet Philofopher, That could endure the Tooth-ach patiently ; However they have writ the Stile of Gods, And made a pufh at Chance and Sufferance. Ant. Yet bend not all the Harm upon your felf, Make thofe that do offend you fuffer too. Leon. There thou fpeak’{t Reafon, nay I will do fo, My Soul doth tell me, Hero 1s bely’d, And that fhall Claudio know, fo fhall the Prince, And all of them that thus difhonour her. _ Enter Don Pedro did Claudio. | Ant. Here comes the Prince and Clasdio haftily. Pedro. Good den, good den, Claud. Good Day to both of you. Leon. Hear you, my Lords! — Pedro. We have fome hafte, Leonato. Leon. Some hafte, my Lord! well fare you well, my Lord, Are you fo hafty how? well all is one. Pedro. Nay do not quarrel with us, good old Man. Ant. Uf he could right himfelf with -quatrelling, Some of us would lye low. ; Claud. Who wrongs him? Leow. Marry thou doft wrong me, thou Diffembler thou ; “Nay never lay thy hand upon thy Sword, I fear thee not, Claud. Much Ado about Nothing. 375 Claud. Marry befhrew my Hand, If it fhould give your Age fuch Caufe of Fear; Infaith my Hand meant nothing to.my Sword. Leow. Tuth, tufh, Man, never fleer and jeft at-me, I fpeak not like a Dotard. nor a Foo!, As under Privilege of Age to, brag, What I have done, being young, or what woulddo, Were I not old: Know Claudio, to.thy Head, Thou haft fo wrong’d my innocent Child and me, That I am fore’d to Jay my Reverence by, And with grey Hairs and Bruife of many Days Do challenge thee..to trial of.a Man; I fay thou haft bely’d mine innocent Child, Thy Slander hath gone, through and through her Heart, And fhe lyes bury’d with her Anceftors :_ O in a Tomb where never Scandal flept, Save this of hers, framid. by thy Villany. Claud. My Villany? _ Leon. Thine Claudio, thine I faye Pedro. You fay, not right, eld Man. Leon. My Lerd, my. Lord, I'll prove it on his Body if. he dare; Defpight his nice Fence, and his active Pradtice, His AZay of Youth and Bloom of Luftyhood. Claud. Away, 1 will fot have to do with you. Leon. Can’ft thou fo daffe me? Thou haft kill’d my Child; If thou kill’ft me Boy, thou fhalt kill a Man. Ant. He flall-kill two of .us,.and.Men indeed; But that’s no matter, Ict him kill one farfts Win me and wear me, let him anfwer me; Come, follow me Boy, come Sir Boy; come, follow me, Sir Boy, Pll whip you from your foining Fence; Nay, as I am a Gentleman, I will. Leon. Brother. Ant, Content your felf, God knows T lov’d my Neice, And the is dead, flander’d to Death by Villains, That dare as well anfwer a, Man indeed, As I dare take.a Serpent by the Tongue. Boys, Apes, Braggarts, Jacks, Mulkfops. Leon, Brother Anthony. | Ant, Hold you content; what Man? I know them, yea Bb 4 | And A een ose ee ' : : | } i | | ‘i ' ' a! : Fn ae ~_ SE a ee = —— ” - ee REO SSSI = ni So — nese ey , Se Sas Se a T= See a — a = psd 5 aes SP nis esa ee A a wa iped HB be Me , Lal " HE) A Wa fi " 7 > | ’ : h A a} : Wea mil 4) : ii f } Ave, { ie \ ink, nt a 4 4 N i‘. i at AtTNg my eh!) » Mae ae i, ae De hike ‘ iy d.] x a’ 4 ( 1 | ¢ Ni ry) Bm: Er hk: f 4 me ih). Aa zi bi 5 | HY rat | ey ae fh. me . if ty if 4 Wig + ney WY 4 wy Ab jes! < NY ye ACO FH { ; Ui : ae ur (L¥ + al un ite ‘ a) 2a i” 1M Gas Dhar : q ay , “ 1 Wie ’ oF ry} b tae Re ws , b Sit H Ee: ' 2 2 the 3 b A Oe it % P ft | a R ‘ 4 if > ‘ . . y(t i] i { t Ei hela J } et, ah Wat i: {ties bie i af , j | ot by ee *. a as > oe 7 376 Much Ado about Nothing. ‘And what they weigh, even to the utmoft Scruple s Scambling, outfacing, fafhion-mongring Boys, That lye, and cog, and flout, deprave and flanders Go antickly, and fhow an outward Hideoufnels, And {peak of half a Dozen dangerous Words; How they might hurt their Enemies if they durft ; And this is all, Leon. But Brother Authony: Ant. Come, *tis no mater, Do not you meddle, let me deal in this. Pedro. Gentlemenboth, we willnot wake your Patience ; My Heart is forry for your Daughter’s Death ; But on my Honour fhe was charg’d with nothing But what wastrue, and very full of Proof. Leon. My Lord, my Lord. Pedro. 1 will-not hear you. Enter Benedick. Leon. No! come Brother away, I will be heard. | Exeunt ambo. Ant. And thall, or fome of us will fmart for it. Pedro. See, {ee, here comes the Man we went to feek. Claud. Now Signior, what News? 3 Bene. Good Day, my Lord. Pedro. Welcome Signior; you are almoft come to part almoft a Fray. Claud. We had like to have had our two Nofes fnapt off with two old Men without Teeth. Pedro. Eeonato and his Brother; what thinkft thou? Had we fought, I doubt we fhould have been too young for them. Bene. In a falfe Quarrel there is no true Valour: I came toe feck you both. , Claud. We have been up and down to feek thee, for we are high proof Melancholly, and would fain have it beaten away: Wilt thou ufe thy Wit? | Bene. It is in my Scabbard; fhall I draw it? Pedro. Doft thou wear thy Wit by thy Side¢ Claud. Never aty did fo, tho” very many have been be- fide their Wit. I willbid theedraw, as we dothe Minftrels draw to pleafure us. ; Pedro. AsT aman honeft Man he looks pale: Are thou Sick, at Angry? | Claud. Much Ado about Nothing. 397 Claud. What ! Courage: Man: What tho’ Care kill'd a Cat, thou haft Mettle enough to kill Care. Ben. Sir, I thall meet your Wit in the Career, and you charge it againft me, I pray you chufe another Subject. Claud. Nay, then give him another Staff, this laft was broke crofs. | Pedro. By this Light he changes more and more: I think he be angry indeed, Claud. If he be, he knows how to turn his Girdle. Bene. Shali I foeak a Word in your Earé¢ Claud. God blefs me from a Challenge. Bene. You are a Villains I jeft not, I will make it good how you dare, with what you dare, and when you dare. Do me right, or I will proteft your Cowardife: You have kill’'d a fweet Lady, and her Death fhall fall heavy on you. Let me hear from you. Claud. Well I will meet you, fol may have good Cheer. Pedro. What a Feat? | Claud. 1 faith I thank him, he hath bid me to a Calves Head and a Capon, the which if 1 do not carve moft cu- rioufly, fay my Knife’s naught, Shall I not find a Wood- - cock too? Bene. Sir, your Wit ambles well, it goes eafily. Pedro. Vil tell thee how Beatrice praisd thy Wit the other day: I faid thou hadft a fine Wit; true fays the, a fine little one; no, faid I, a great Wit; right fays fhe, a great grofs one; hay faid I, a good Wit; juft faid fhe, it hurts no body; nay faid I, the Gentleman is wife ; certain faid fhe, awife Gentleman; nay faid I, he hath the Tongues ; that I believe, faid fhe, for he {wore a thing to me on AZon- day night, which he forfwore on 7#e/day morning; there’s a double Tongue, there’s two Tongues. Thus did fhe an hour together tranf-fhape thy particular Virtues, yet at lait fhe concluded with a Sigh, thou waft the propereft Man in Italy. | 3 Claud. For the which fhe wept heartily, and faid fhe car’d not. | Pedro. Yea that fhe did, but yet for all that, and if fhe did not hate him deadly, the would love him dearly, the old Man’s Daughter told us all, = : Claud. = SA ae ee --- pee Fae - ae ~~ he Sessrses EER TS RE EL ee ee ee ——— pasa | = Twas bravely done, if you bethink you of it. Claud. I know not howto pray your Patience, Yet I muft fpeak, chufe your Revenge your felfs Impofe me to what Penance your Invention Can lay upon my Sin; yet finn’d Inot, But in miftaking, Pedro. By my Soul nor I ; And yet to fatisfie this good old Man, I would bend under any heavy weight That he'll enjoin me too, Leon. You cannot bid my Daughter live again, That were impoflible; but I pray you both Poffefs the People in AZeffina here How innocent fhe dy’d, and if your Love Can labour ought in fad Invention, Hang her an Epitaph upon her Tomb, And fing it to her Bones, fing it to Night: To Morrow Morning come you to my Houfe, And fince you could not be ‘my Son-in-Law, Be yet my Nephew; my Brother hath a Daughter Almoft the Copy of my Child that’s dead, And fhe alone is Heir to both of us, Give her the Right you fhould have giv’n her Coufin, And fo dies my Revenge. Claud. O Noble, Sir! Your over-Kindnefs doth wring Tears from me: I do embrace your Offer, and difpofe For henceforth of poor Claudia. Leon. To Morrow then I will expe your coming, ToNight I take my Leave; this naughty Man Shall Face to Face be brought to Aargaret, Who I believe was packtin all this Wrong, Hired to itby your Brother, = = Bora, Much Ado about Nothing. 381 Bera. No by my Soul fhe was not. Nor knew not what fhe did when fhe fpoke tome, But always hath been juft and virtuous, fn any thing that I do know by her. Dog. Moreover, Sir; which indeed is not under white and black, this Plaintif here, the Offender did call me Afs; I befecch you let it be remembred in his Punifhment ; and nlf the Watch heard them talk of one Deformed : They fay he wears a Key in his Ear, and a Lock hanging by it, and and borrows Mony in God’s Name, the which he hath us’d © fo long, and never paid, that now Men grow hard hearted, and will lend nothing for God’s Sake. Pray you examine him upon that Point. Zeon. 1 thank thee for thy Care and honeft Pains. Deg. Your Worthip fpeaks like a moft thankful and re- yerend Youth; and I praife God for you. Leon. There’s for thy Pains. Deg. God fave the Foundation. Leon. Go, 1 difcharge thee of thy Prifoner; and I thank thee. Dog. I leave an errant Knave with your Worfhip, which I befeech your Worfhip to correct your felf, for the Ex- ample of others. God keep your Worfhip; I wifh your Worthip well: God reftore your Health; I humbly give you Leave to depart; and if a merry Meeting may be with’d, God prohibit it. Come Neighbour. [ Exeunt. Leon. Until to Morrow Morning, Lords, farewel. Ant. Farewel my Lords, we look for you to Morrow. Pedro. We will not fail. Cland. To Night I'll mourn with Hero. Leon. Bring you thefe Fellows on, we'll talk with AZar- garet, how her Acquaintance grew with this lewd Fellow. | | Exeunt. Enter Benedick amd Margaret. Bene. Pray thee fweet Miftrefs Azargarer, deferve well at my Hands, by helping me to the Speech of Beatrice. Marg. Will you then write me a Sonnet in praife of my Beauty ¢ 7 Bene. In fo high a Stile AZargaret, that no Man living fall comeover it; for in moft comely Truth thou defervelt ir. Marg. 382 Much, Ado. about Nothing. Marg. To have no Man come over me; why, fhall I al- ways keep below Stairs? Bene. Thy Wit is.as.quick as the Greyhound’s Mouth, it ketches. Marg. And yours as blunt as the Fencers Foils, which hit, but hure net. | Bene. A moft-manly Wit AZargaret, it will not hurt a Woman ; and fo I pray thee call Beatrice; I give thee the Bucklers. Marg. Give us the Swords, we have Bucklers of our own. Bene. If you ufe them AZargaret, you muft put it in the Pikes with a Vice, and they are dangerous Weapons for Maids. Marg. Well, 1 will call Beatrice to you, who I think hath Legs. [ Exit Margaret. Bene, And therefore will come. The God of Love that fits above, and knows me, and knows me, how pitiful I de- ferve, { mean in Singing; but in loving, Leander the good Swimmer, Tyoilus the firft Employer of Panders, and a whole Book-full.of thefe guondam Carpet-mongers, whofe Names yet run fmoothly in the even Road of a blank Verfe, why they were never fo truly turn’d over, as my poor felf in Love; marry I cannot fhew it in Rhime; I have try’d, I can find out no Rhime toa Lady but Baudy, an Innocents Rhime; for fcorn, horn, a hard Rhime; for {choo!, fool, a babling R-hime; very ominous Endings; no, I was not born under a Rhiming Planet, for I cannot woo in feftival Terms. | Enter Beatrice. Sweet Beatrice, would’ft thou. come when I call thee? Beat. Yea Signior, and depart when you bid me. Bene. O ftay but ’tll then. Beat. Then, is fpoken; fare you well now; and yet e’er I go, let me go with that I came, which is, with knowing what hath paft between you and Claudio. Bene. Only foul Words, and thereupon I will kifsthee. Beat. Foul Words are foul Wind, and foul Wind is but foul Breath, and foul Breath is noifome ; therefore I will depart unkift. 7 Bene. Thou haft frighted the Word out of its right Senfe, fo forcible is thy Wit; but I mutt tell thee plainly, gt io Much Ado about Nothing. 383 dio undergoes my Challenge; and either I muft fhortly hear from. him, or I will fubfcribe him a Coward ; and f pray thee: now: tell me, for which of my bad Parts didft thou firft fall in Love: with me? Beat. For theth all together, which maintain’d fo poli- tick a State of Evil, that they will not admit any good Part to intermingle with them: But for which of my good Parts did you fuffer Love for me? Bene. Suffer Love! a good Epithete; I do fuffer Love in- deed, for I love thee again my Will. Beat. In fpight of your Heart, I think ; alas poor Heart, if you fpight it for my Sake, I will {pight it for yours, for I will never love that which my Friend hates. Bene. Thou and'I are too wife to woo peaceably. Beat. It appears not in this Confeffion; there’s not one wife Man among twenty that will praife himfelf. Bene. An old, an old Inftance Beatrice, that liv’d in the Time of good Neighbours; if a Mando not erect in this Age his own Tomb e’er he dies, he fhall live no longer in Monu- ments than the Bells ring, and the Widow weeps. Beat. And how long is that, think you ? Bene. Queftion; why an Hour in Clamour, and a Quar- ter in Rhewm; therefore it is moft expedient for the Wife, if Don Worm (his Confcience) find no Impediment to the contrary, to be the.Trumpet of his own Virtues, as I am to my felf; fo much for praifing my felf; who I my felf will bear Witnefs is Praife-worthy; and now tell me how doth your Coufin? Beat. Very ill. . Bene. ee how do you? Beat. Very ill too. 3 Enter Urfula. Bene. Serve God, love me, and mend; there will I leave you too, for here comes one in hafte. Urfz. Madam, you muft come to your Uncle; yonder’s old Coil at Home; it is proved my Lady Hero hath been falfly accus’d, the Prince and Claudio mightily abus’d, and Don Fohn is the Author of all, who is fled and gone: Will you come prefently ? Beat. Will you go hear this News, Signior¢ Bene, I will live inthy Heart, die in thy Lap, and be cae rie 384 Much Ado about Nothing. ried in thy Eyes; and moreover, I will go with thee tothy Uncle. | Exesnt. Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, and Attendants with Tapers. Claud. Is this the Monument of Leonato ? Atten, It ismy Lord. EY IT. AP Bs: Done to Death by flanderous Tongues, Was the Hero that here lyes: Death in guerdos of her Wrongs, Gives her Famewhich never dies: So the Life that dy'd with Shame, Lives in Death with glorious Fame. Hang thon there upon the Tomb, Praifing ber when I am dumb. Claud. Now Mufick found and fing your folemn Hymn. SON G. Pardon Goddefs of the Night, Thofe that flew the Virgin Knight; For the which with Songs of Woes Reund about her Tomb they go. Midnight affift war Moan, Help us to figh ond groan Heavily, heavil, Graves yawn and yield your Dead, Till Death be sttered, Heavenly, heavy. (this Right. Claud. Now unto thy Bones good night; Yearly willI do Pedro. Good morrow Matters, put your Torches out, The Wolves have prey’d; and look, the gentle Day Before the Wheels 0! Phebus, round about | Dapples the drowfie Eaft with Spots of Grey. Thanks to you all, and Jeave us; fare you well. Claud, Good morrow Matters ; each his feveral way. Auf: Come, let us hence, and put on other Weeds, And then to Leonards we will go. Cland. And Hymez now with luckier Iffue fpeed, Than this for whom we rendred up this Woe. ee aT, L Enter Much Ado about Nothing. 385 Exter Leonat®, Benedick, Margaret, Urfula, Antonio, Frier avd Hero. Frier. Did I not tell you fhe was Imocent? Leon. So are the Prince and Claudio who accus’d her, Upon the Error that you heard debated, But J4argaret was in fome Faule for this; Although againft her Will as it appears, {n the true Courfe of all the Queftion. Ant. Well, I am glad that all things fort fo well. Bene. And fo am I, being elfe by Faith enfore’d Tc call young Claudio to a reckoning for it. Leon. Well Daughter, and young Gentlewomen all, Withdraw into a Chamber by your felves, And when I fend for you come hither Mask’d: The Prince and Claudio promis’'d by this Hour To vifit me; you know your Office Biother, You muft be Father to your Brother’s Daughter, And give her to young Claudio. | Exeunt Laaies. Ant, Which I will do with confirm’d Countenance. Bene. Frier, I muft intreat your Painy I think. Frier. Todo what, Signior 2 Bene. Tobind me, or undo me, one cf them: Signior Leoxato, truth it is good Signior, Your Neice regards me with an Eye of Favour. Ant, That Eye my Daughter lent her, ’tis moft tru Bene. And I do with an Eye of Loverequite her. Leon. The Sight whereof I think you had from me, From Claudio and the Prince; but what’s your Will ¢ Bene. Your Anfwer, Sir, is enigmatical, But for my Will, my Will is, your good Will May ftand withours, this Day to be conjoin’d I’th’ State of honourable Marriage, es In which, good Frier, I fhall defire your help. Leon. My Heart is with your liking. Frier. And my help. Enter Don Pedro and Claudio with Attendants. Pedro. Good Morrow to this fair Affenbly. Leon. Good Morrow, Prince, good Morrow Clandids We here attend you; are you yet determin’d To Day to marry with my Brother’s Daighter? Claud. I'll hold my Mind, were fhe ar Erkiope: soe VoL. I. Ce Leon, er, = ' i i if (i b A | : 4) [af I i \ Hi { 386 Much Ado about Nothing. Leow, Call her forth, Brother, here’s the Frier ready. Pedro. Good morrow, Benedicks why what's the matter 5 That you have fuch a February Face; So full of Froft, of Storm, and Cloudinefs? Claud. 1 think he thinks upon the favage Bull: Tuth, fear not Man, we'll tip thy Horns with Gold, And fo all Ezrope fhall rejoice at thee, As once Enropa did at lufty ‘Fove, When he would play the Noble Beaft in Love. Bene. Bull Jove, Sir, had an amiable Low, And fome fuch ftrange’ Bull leapt your Father’s Cows And got a Calf in that fame noble feat; Much like to you, for you have juft his Bleat. Enter Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, Urfula, Clund. For this I owe you; here come other Recknings. Which is the Lady I muft feize upon? Leon. This fame is fhe, and I do give you her. Claud. Why then fhe is mine; fweet let me fee your Faces Leon. No, that you fhall not, ’till you take her Hand Before this Frier, and fwear to marry her. Claud. Give me your Hand before this holy Frier; I am your Husband if you like of me. Hero. And when I liv’d I was your other Wife; | znmaskings ‘And when you lov’d you were my other Husband. Clazd. Another Hero ? | Hero, Nothing certainer. One Hero dy’d, but I do live; And furely as I live Lam a Maid. Pedro. Fhe former Hero, Hero that is dead. Leon. Shedy’d my Lord, but whiles her Slander liv’d. Frier. All this Amazement can I qualifie, When after that the holy Rites are ended, I'll tell thee largely of fair Hero’s Death: Mean time let Wonder feem familiar, And to the Chappel let us prefently. Bene. Soft and fair, Friers Whichis Beatrice ? Beat. I anfwerto that Name, what is your Will? Bene. Do not you love me¢ Beat. Why, no more than Reafon. Bene. Why, then your Uncle, andthe Prince, and Claadio, have been deceiv’d, they {wore you did, Beat, : = de SE Much Ado about Nothing. 387 Beat. Do not you love me? Bene. Troth no, no more than Reafon. Beat. Why, then my Coufin, A@argaret and Urfula Are much deceiv’d, for they did {wear you did. Bene. They {wore you were almott fick for me. Beat. They fwore your were well-nigh dead for me. Bene, ’Tis no matter, then youdo not love me? Beat. No truly, but in friendly recompence. Leon, Come Coufin, I am fure you love the Gentleman. Cland. And I'll be fworn upon’t that he loves her; For here’s a Paper written in his Hand, A halting Sonnet of his own pure Brain, Fafhion’d to Beatrice. Hero. And here’s another, Writ in my Coufin’s Hamd, ftolen from her Pocket, Containing her Affection unto Benedick. Bene. A Miracle, here's our Hands againft our Hearts; come I will have thee, but by this Light I take thee for pity. Beat. I would not deny you, but by this good Day, I yield upon great Perfwafion, and partly to fave your Life, for as I was told, you were in a Confumption. Leon. Peace, I will ftop your Mouth. Pedro. How dott thou, Benedick, the Married Man2 Bene. I'll tell thee what, Prince, a College of witty- crackers cannot flout me out of my Humour; doft thou think I care for a Satyr, or an Epigram? No, if a Man will be beaten with Brains, he fhall wear nothing handfome about him; in brief, fince I do purpofe to marry, I will think nothing to any purpofe that the World can fay againft it; and therefore never flout at me, for what I have {aid a- gain{t it; for Man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclu- fion; for thy part Claudio, I did think to have beaten thee, but in that thou art like to be my Kinfman, live unbruis’d, aod lovemy Coufin. Claud. I had well hop’d thou wouldft have denied Bea- trice, that I might have Cudgell’d thee out of thy fingle Life, to make thee a double Dealer, which out of Queftion thou wilt be, if my Coufin do not look exceeding narrowly to thee. | Cc2 Bens, 388 Much Ado about Nothing. Benee Come, come, we are Friends, let’s have a Dance e’er we are Marry’d, that we may lighten our own Flearts, © and our Wives Heels. Leon. We'll have Dancing afterwards. Bene. Firft, of my Word; therefore play Mufick. Prince, thou art fad, get thee a Wife, get theea Wife, there is no Staff more reverend than one tipt with Horn, (Luter Mef, Meffen. My Lord, your Brother Fohn is taen in flight, ‘And brought with armed Men back to Adeffina. Bene. Think not on him ’till to Morrow, I'll devife the brave Punifhments for him. Strike up Pipers. Dance. | | Exeunt. “ we eel la el a i —— a Ns a ane Se en ere eee a aoe pase pos ne ae ee, ee ee ww A = a ay Se 2 =| Se ee eS SS re AL (a wi 4 = 4 at & ill. : ——— Sn mee a my 4 +. a eee = rhe wets 3 hae. dele eo in the YEAR 1709. Printed Dramatis Perfonee. Erdinand, King of Navarre. Biron, 2 shree Lords attending upon the King Longavile, Spode : in his Retirement. Dumain; Boyet, 1 Lords attending upon the Prince/s of Macard, France. Don Adriana de Armado, a fantaftical Spaniard. Nathaniel, 4 Curate, Dull, 2 Conftable. Holofernes, 4 Schoolmafter. Coftard, a Clown. Moth, Page to Don Adriana de Armado, Princefs of France. Rofaline, Maria, é Ladies attending on the Princefs. Catherine, Jaquenetta, 2 Country Wench, Officers and other Attendants upon the King and Prince/s. SCENE the King of Navarres Palace, and the Country near tt. Love's Love's Labour's loft. AGC TT) SNe Enter the King, Biron, Longavile avd Dumain. KING. E T Fame, that all hunt after in their Livess Live regiftred upon our brazen Tombs; And then grace us inthe Difgrace of Death: When fpight of cormorant devouring Time, Th’ Endeavour of this prefent Breath may bu That Honour which “fhall bate his Syth’s keen Edge, And make us Heirs of all Eternity. Therefore brave Conquerors, for fo you are, That war againft your own Affections, And the huge Army of the World’s Defires, Our late Edi& fhall ftrongly ftand in force; Navarre fhall be the Wonder of the World, Our Court fhall bea little Academy, Still and contemplative in living Art. You three, Birez, Dumain and Longavile, Have fworn for three Years Term to live with me, My fellow Scholars, and to keep thofe Statutes That are recorded in this Schedule here. Your Oaths are paft, and now fubfcribe your Names: ee ee That : ; ; | ' | : : ; So =~ = ———— eS —— — SS ee —- a ee 392 ' Eowve’s Labour's loft. That his own Hand may ftrike his Honour down, That violates the {malleft Branch herein : If you are arm’d to do as fworn to do, Subfcribe to your deep Oaths, and keep them too. Long. Tam refolv’d; ’tis but a three Years Fatt: The Mind fhall banquet, tho’ the Body pine; Fat Paunches have lean Pates; and dainty Bits Make rich the Ribs, but bankerout the Wits. Dum. My loving Lord, Damain is mortify’d; The groffer manner of thefe World’s Delights, He throws upon the grofs World’s bafer Slaves: To Love, to Wealth, to Pomp, I pine and die, With all thefe living in Philofophy. Biron. I can but fay their Proteftation over, So much (dear Liege) I have already fworn, That is, to live and ftudy here three Years: But there are other ftri&t Obfervances ; As not to fee a Woman in that Term, Which I hope well is not enrolled there. And one Day in a Week to touch no Food; And but one Meal on every Day befide; The which I hope is not enrolled there. And then to fleep but three Hours in the Wight, And not to be feen to wink of all the Day: When I was wont to think no harm all Night, And make a dark Night too of half the Day. Which I hope well is not enrolled there. | O, thefe are barren Tasks, too hard to keep; Not to fee Ladies, ftudy, faft, not fleep. King. Your Oath is paft to pafs away from thefe. Biron. Let me fayno, my Liege, and if you pleafe; I only {wore to ftudy with your Grace, And ftay here in your Court for three Years Space. Long. You fwore to that Biron, and to the reft. Biron. By yea and nay Sir, then I fwore in jeft. What is the End of Study let me know ¢ King. Why that to know which elle we fhould not know. (Senfe. Biron. Things hid and barr’d (you mean) from common King. Ay, that is Study’s God-like Recompence. Biron, Come on then, I will {wear te fludy fo, + | To ween SS Se ase Ne Love's Labour's loft. 393 To know the Thing I am forbid to know; And thus to ftudy where I well may dine; When I to faft exprefly am forbid: Or ftudy where to meet fome Miftrefs fine, When Miftreffes from common Senfe are hid: Or having fworn too hard a keeping Oath, Study to break it, and not break my Troth. If Study’s Gain be thus, and this be fo, Study knows that which yet it doth not know : Swear me to this, and I will ne’er fay no. King. Thefe be the Stops that hinder Study quite, And train our Intelle&s to vain Delight. Biron. Why? all Delights are vain, and that moft vain Which with Pain purchas’d, doth iaherit Pain; As painfully to pore upon a Book, To feek the Light of Truth, while Truth the while Doth falfly blind the Eye-fight of his Look: Light feeking Light, doth Light beguile; So e’er you find where Light in Darknefs lyes, Your Light grows dark by lofing of your Eyes. Study me how to pleafe the Eye indeed, By fixing it upon a fairer Eye; Who dazling fo, that Eye fhall be his heed, And give him Light that it was blinded by. Study is like the Heav’ns glorious Sun, That will not be deep fearch’d with fawcy Looks; Small have continual Plodders ever won, Save bafe Authority from other Books. Thefe earthly Godfathers of Heav’ns Lights, That give a Name to every fixed Star, Have no more Profit of their Shining Nights, Than thofe that walk, and wot not what they are. Too much to know, is to know nought but Fame ; And every Godfather can give a Name. King. How well he’s read, toreafon againft reading. Dum. Proceeded well, to ftop all good Proceeding. Long. He weeds the Corn, and ftill cts grow the Weeding, Biron. The Spring is near when Green Geefe are a breed- ing. | Dum. How follows that? Biron, Fit in his Place and Time, : aes Dum, ers ; : i } Nt j hat ; tal Wis q D til iy + “nT wi mie { ie bide if . "h | ai i Hh bie | in, ip! ‘Be ot a] " i Bi tb rh il A} i, ay "Nj ‘ t 1 i ‘ > ty rp iS tf + ‘i ’ FY mie co a i bal §) . “4 + . v4 1 B ; ries aA te ; t ts) eet ie nn aah 1K f i mT mh Ws Ee ¢ i ene 402 Love's Labour s loft: Damfel, I muft keep her at the Park, fhe is allow’d for the Day-woman. Fare you well, [ Exit. Arm. 1 do betray my {elf with blufhing: Maid. Faq: Man. Arm, I will vifit thee at the Lodge. Fag..'That’s here by. Arm. I know where it is fituate. Faq. Lord how wife you are. Arm, 1 will tell thee Wonders. * Faq. With that Face 2 Arm. \ love thee. Faq. Sol heard you fay. Arm. And fo farewel. Maid. Fair Weather after you. Come Faguenetta, away. [ Exeunt. Arm. Villain thou fhalt faft for thy Offences e’er thou be pardoned. Coff, Well, Sir, I hope when I do it, I fhall do it ona full Stomach. Arm. Thou fhalt be heavily punifh’d. Cot. YT am more bound to you than your Fellows, for they are but lightly rewarded. Arm, Take away this Villain, fhut him up. Adfoth. Come you tranfgrefling Slave, away. Goff. Let me not be pent up, Sir, I will be faft being loofe. Moth. No; Sir, that were faft and loofe; thou fhalt to Prifon. , | Cof?. Well, if ever I do fee the merry Days of Defola- tion that I have feen, fome {hall fee. Math. What fhall fome fee ¢ Coft. Nay nething, Matter AZorh, but what they look upon. It is not for Prifoners to be filent in their Words, and therefore I will fay nothing ; I thank God, I have as Jittle Patience as another Man, and therefore I can be a ; | | Exit. Arm. 1 do affe& the very Ground (which is bafe ) where her Shoe (which is bafer) guided by her Foot (which is bafeft) doth tread. I fhall be forfwern, which is a great Argument of Falfhood, if I Love. And how can that be true Love, which is falfly attempted? Love is a Familiar, . Love Love's Labour's Toff. 403 Love is a Devil; there is no evil Angel but Love, yet Sampfon was fo tempted, and he had an excellent Strength; yet was Solomon fo feduced, and he hada very good Wit. Cupid's But-thaft 1s too hard for Hercules Club, and there- fore too much odds for a Spaniard’s Rapier; the firft and fecond Caufe will not ferve my turn; the Paffado he refpe&s not, the Dzello he regards not; his Difgrace is to be call’d Boy; but his Glory is to fubdueMen. Adieu Valour, ruft Rapier, be {till Drum, for your Manager is in Love ; yea, he loveth. Afiift me fome extemporal God of Rime, for I am fure I fhall turn Sonnet. Devife Wit, write Pen, for I am for whole Volumes in Folio. LE ES ES eS (= tee ee ee A, God dh Gi Bolu I. Enter the Princefi of France, Rofaline, Maria, Catherine, Boyet, Lords and other Attendants, Boyet. OW, Madam, fummon up your deareft Spirits, Confider whom the King your Father fends; To whom he fends, and what’s his Embafly. Your felf, held precious in the World’s Efteem, To parly with the fole Inheritor Of all Perfection that a Man may owe, Matchlefs Wavarre; the Plea of no lefs weight Than Aquitain, a Dowry for a Queen. Be now as prodigal of all dear Grace, As Nature was in making Graces dear, When fhe did ftarve the general World befide, And prodigally gave them all to you. Prin, Good Lord Boyer, my Beauty though but mean, Need not the painted flourifh of your Praife ; Beauty is bought by Judgment of the Eye, Not utter'd by bafe Sale of Chapmens Tongues. Tam lefs proud to hear you tell my Worth, Than you much willing to be counted wife, In {pending thus your Wit in praife of mine. But now to task the “Tasker; good Boyer. You are not ignorant, all-telling Fame Doth noife abroad, ‘the King has made a Vow, , | Ddz ‘Tull pia rite SSeS ——— Se . ipo Se aad a ————— = = 3 ee, SS Se ad - — es > —- — = ae = aS eee === = ew EM y Pik : he 7 a Gn ee ee BS pe wan . oT ee St t | | | ’ { | ! . : 4 ’ { 118 | 4) on SRR ee re rn eet eee tS = —_ . 404 Love's Labour's loft. Till painful Study fhall out-wear three Years, No Woman may approach his filent Court; Therefore to’s feemcth it a needful courfe, Before we enter his forbidden Gates, To know his Pleafure; and in that behalf, Bold of your Worthinefs, we fingle you As our beft moving fair Sollicitor. Tell him the Daughter of the King of France, On ferious Bufinefs, craving quick Difpatch, Importunes perfonal Conference with his Grace. Hafte, fignifie fo much, while we attend, Like humble vifag’d Sutors, his high Will. Boyet. Proud of Imployment, willingly I go. [ Exit. Prin. All Pride is willing Pride, and yours is fo; Who are the Votaries, my loving Lords, that are Vow-fel- lows with this virtuous Duke? | Ler, Longavile is one. Prins Know you the Man? Mar. Uknew him, Madam, at a Marriage Feaft, Between Lord Perigort, and the beauteous Heir Of Faques Faulconbridge folemnized. In‘ Normandy faw I this Longavile, A Man of Sovereign Parts he is efteem’d ; Well fitted in the Arts, glorious in Arms, Nothing becomes him ill that he would well. The only Soil of his fair Virtue’s Glofs, (If Virtue’s Glofs will ftain with any Soil,) Is a fharp Wit match’d with too blunt a Will; Whofe Edge has Power to cut, whofe Will ftill wills, It fhould none fpare that come within his Power. Prin. Some merry-mocking Lord belike, 1s’t fo2 Mar. They fay fo moft, that moft his Humours know. Prin. Such fhort-liv’d Wits do wither as they grow. Cath. The young Dumain, a well accomplifh’d Youth, OF all that Virtue love, for Virtue lov’d. Moft Power'to do moft harm, leaft knowing ill; For he hath Wit to make an ill Shape good, And Shape to win Grace, tho’ he had no Wit. JT faw him atthe Duke Alauzon’s once, And much too little.of that Good I faw, Is my Report to his great Worthinefs. , i Rofas ; Love’s Labour's loft. 405 Rofa. Another of thefe Students at that time, Was there with him, as I have hearda Truth; Biron they call him: Buta merrier Man, Within the Limit of becoming Mirth, I never fpent an Hour’s Talk withal. His Eye begets occafion for Wit, For every Obje& that the one doth catch, The other turns to a Mirth-moving Jett, Which his fair Tongue (Conceit’s Expofitor) Delivers in fuch apt and gracious Words, That aged Ears play Truant at his Tales, And younger Hearings are quite ravifhed; So {weet and voluble is his Difcourfe. Prin. God blefs my Ladies, are they all in love? That every one her own hath garnifhed, With fuch bedecking Ornaments of Praife¢ Mar. Here comes Boyer. Enter Boyet.» Prin. Now, what Admittance, Lord ¢ Boyet. Navarre had Notice of your fair Approach; And he and his Competitors in Oath, Were all addreft to meet you, gentle Lady, Before I came: Marry thus I have learnt, He rather means to lodge you in the Field, Like one that comes here to befiege his Court, Than feek a Difpenfation for his Oath, To let you enter his unpeopled Houfe. , Enter the King, Longavile, Dumain, Biron, and Attendants. Here comes WVavarre. : King. Fair Princefs, welcome to the Court of Vavarre. Prin. Fair I give youback again, and welcomel have not yet: The Roof of this Court is too high to be yours, and welcome to the wide Fields, too bafe to be mine. King. You fhall be welcome, Madam, to my Court. Prin. I will be welcome then; condu& me thither, King. Hear me, dear Lady, I have fworn an Oath. Prin, Our Lady help my Lord, he'll be forfworn. King. Not for the World, fair Madam, by my will. Prin. Why, will fhall break it will, and nothing elfe. King. Your Ladythip is ignorant what it 1s. Prin. Were my Lord fo, his Ignorance were wife, og D d 3 Where | ah ; } lh aa Ni 4 i pial ' lh bia {Nh ; ve : vi wi! Ba i} H , tH) A AI. ‘ag nih nei! ’ iti Lg DPA be fi ; Hal eMP' } et ay ) ) | Hh? | , (3 Mie by) tu \4 ‘ Hal ‘Sy , Ly Yt Ki it, it hl, at " yey : ait fA) oa i : ei (Np egy ' +4 i} k aay } 1) i) bs | Fi 0 | ! (3 \ b Vee q r} ‘i ha! a hf Per ye x | tt Pie i -" A mf 4% 4 it hi rhe: HI a ip tet fi W 4 ! | - \ : y > = poe — amas = re “yn —— | eee 406 Love's Labour's loft. Where now his Knowledge muft prove. Ignorance. I hear your Grace hath fworn out Houfe-keeping : *Tis deadly Sinto keep that Oath my Lord; And Sin to break it. But pardon me, I am too fudden bold, To teach a Teacher ill befeemeth me; Vouchfafe to read the purpofe of my coming, - And fuddenly refolve me in my Suit. King. Madam, 1 will, if fuddenly I may. Prin. You will the fooner that I were away, For you'll prove perjur’d if you make me ftay. Biron. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once? Rofa Did not I dance with you in Brabant once? Biron, I know you did. Rofa. How necdlefs was it then to ask the Queftion 2 Biren. You muft not be fo quick, Rofa. ’Tis long of you that {pur me with fuch Queftions. Biron. Your Wit’s toohot, it fpeeds too fait, twill tire. Rofa. Not ’till it leave the Rider in the Mire, Biron, What Timea Day? Rofa. The Hour that Fools fhould ask. Biron. Now Fait befall your Mask. Rofa. Fair falls the Face it covers. Biron. And fend you many Lovers. Rofa. Amen, fo you be none. . Biron, Nay then will I be gone. King. Madam, your Father here doth intimate The Payment of one hundred thoufand Crowns; Being but th’ one half of an intire Sum, Disburfed by my Father in his Wars. But fay that he, or wes as neither have, Receiv’d that Sum; yet there remains unpaid A hundred thoufand more; in Surety of the which, One part of Agnitain is bound to us, Although not valu’d to the Mony’s worth, If then the King your Father will reftore But that. one Half which is unfatisfy’d, We will give up our Right in 4quitaia, And hold fair Friendfhip with his Majefty : But that it feems he little purpofeth, For here he doth demand to have repaid | An } Love's Labour's loft. — 407 An hundred thoufand Crowns, and, not remembers One Payment of an hundred thoufand Crowns, To have his Title live in Aguitain ; Which we much rather had depart withal, And have the Mony by our Father lent, Than Aguitain fo guelded as it 1s. Dear Princefs, were not his Requefts fo far From Reafon’s yielding, your fair felf fhould make A yielding ’gainft fome Reafon in my Breaft, And go well fatisfy’d to France again. Prin. You do the King my Father too much Wrong, And wrong the Reputation of your Name, In fo unfeeming to confefs’ Receipt Of that which hath fo faithfully been paid. King. I do proteft I never heard of it; And if you prove it, I'll repay it back, Or yield up Aquitain. Prin. We arreft your Word: Boyet, you can produce Acquittances For fuch a Sum, from fpecial Officers Of Charles his Father. King. Satisfie me fo. Boyet. So pleafe your Grace, the Packet is not come, Where that and other Specialties are bound: To Morrow you fhall have a Sight of them. . King. It fhall fufice me; at which Interview, All liberal Reafon would I yield unto: Mean time receive fuch welcome at my Hand, As Honour, without breach of Honour may Make tender of, tothy true Worthinefs. You may not come, fair Princefs, in my Gates, But here without you fhall be fo receiv’d, As you fhall deem your felf lodg’d in my Heart, Tho’ fo deny’d farther Harbour in my Houfe: Your own good Thoughts excufe me, and farewel; To Morrow we fhall vifit you again. Prin. Sweet Health and fair Defires comfort your Grace, King. Thy own With, withT thee, in every Place. [Exit. Biron, Lady, I will commend you to my own Heart, Rofa. Pray you do my Commendations ; I would be glad to fee it. ~ = 7 = ——- - — ~ ~; - =r -- = = = : ; ae - 3 1 ie —~ -- = > i = = : — — — = —= =e a <= = — ——— —= - — SS - —— = a SSS th = eo * == > ie a. a, ee an SE EE > » 7 —- —— = ee a — zs a ee ——— — en se eee ee ee ar tae ok RE Se aes as — SS =A “I : <= \ t} t fl vale ‘ i } i yi et a ig Ht sed P} SSS aur aipearimane ta = eS Pe ae meas ee — oie Fs ne ie —- : ee ee Dd 4 Biren. 408 Love's Labour's loft. Biron. I would you heard it groan. Rofa. Is the Soul fick ? Biron. Sick at the Heart. Rofa. Alack, let.ic Blood. Biron. Would that do it good ? Rofa. My Phyfick fays ay. Biron. Will you prick’t with your Eye. Rofa. Ne poynt, with my Knife. Biron, Now fave my Life. Rofa. And yours from long living. : Biron, I cannot {tay Thankfgiving. | Exit. Enter Dumain. Dum. Sir, I pray you a Word: What Lady is that fame 2 Boyet. The Heir of Alanfon, Rofaline her Name. _ Dum. Agallant Lady; Monfieur fare youwell, | Exit. | Enter Longavile. Long. I befeech you a word: What is fhe in white ? Boyet. A Woman fometimes, if you faw her in the Light. Long. Perchance Light in the Light: I defire her Name. Boyet. She hath but one for her felf ; To defire that were a Shame. Long. Pray you Sir, whofe Daughter? Boyet. Her Mother’s, I have heard. Long. God’s Bleffing on your Beard, Boyet. Good Sir be not offended. She is an Heir of Faulconbridge. Long. Nay, my Choller is ended: She is a moft fweet Lady. Boyet. Not unlike Sir, that may be. | Exit Long, Enter Biron. | Biron. Whiat’s her Name’ in the Cap? Boyet. Katherine by good hap. Biron. 1s fhe wedded or no? Boyer. T6 her Will, Sir, or fo. Birez. You are welcome Sir: Adieu. Boyer, Farewel to me Sir,and welcometo you, [| Ex.Biron, Mar. That laft is Biron, the merry Mad-cap Lord ; Not a Word with him but a Jeft. Boyet. And every Jeft but a Word. | Prin. It was well done of you to take him at his word. Boyet. I was as willing to grapple as he was to board. SEE Mar. . | Love's Labour's loft. = 409 Mar. Two hot Sheeps, marry; ' And wherefore not Ships? (Lips. Boyer. No Shcep ({weet Lamb) unlefs we feed on, your Mar. You Sheep and I Pafture ; fhall that finith the Jet? Boyet. So you grant Pafture for me. Mar. Not fo, gentle Beaft; My Lips are no Common, though feveral they be. Boyet. Belonging to whom 2 | Mar. To my Fortunes and me. Prin. Good Wits will be jangling; but Gentles agree. This Civil War of Wits were much better us’d On Navarre and his Book-Men; for here tis abus’d. Boyet. If my Obfervation (which very feldome lyes, By the Heart’s ftill Rhetorick, difclofed with Eyes) Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected. Prin. With what? Boyet. With that which we Lovers intitle affe@ed. Prin. Your Reafon?2 3 Boyet. Why all his Behaviours do make their Retire To the Court of his Eye, peeping thorough Defire: His Heart like an Agot with your Print impreffed ; Proud with his Form, in his Eye-Pride expreffed: His Tongue all impatient to {peak and not fee, Did ftumble with hafte in his Eye-fight to be : All Senfes to that Senfe did make their Repair, To feel only looking on Faireft of fair: Methought all his Senfes were lock’d in his Eye, As Jewels in Chryftal for fome Prince to buy: (glaft, Who tendring their own Worth from whence they were Did point out to buy them along as you paift. His Faces own Margent did coat fuch Amazes; That all Eyes faw his Eyes inchanted with Gazes: Pll give you 4quitain, and all that is his, And you give him for my fake but one loving Kifs. Prin. Come to our Pavillion, Boyer is difpos’d. Boyer. But to fpeak that in Words which his Eye hath I only have made a Mouth of his Eye, (difclos’d; By adding a Tongue which I know will not lie. ; Rofa. Thou art an old Lovesmonger, and fpeakeft skil- ully. . Mar, He is, Cupid's Grandfather, and learns News_of him, Rofa. — SS —— a ee = - — wie yl Ee kL ee a ; K i ———+ - RE Ge IN a remaastepneis ae 410 Love's. Labour's loft. Roja. Then was Venus like her Mother, for her Father is but grim. Boyet. Do you hear, my mad Wenches? Mar. No. Boyet. What then, do you fee? Rofa. Ay, our way to be gone, Boyet. You are too hard for me. | Exeunt omnes. AO Y BEYS CEN Fe Enter Armado asd Moth. SONG, igen." Sara Child, make paflionate my Senfe of hear- ing. Moth. Concolinel. Arm. Sweet Air; go Tendernefs of Years; takethis Key, give Inlargement to the Swain; bring him feftinately hither: I muft imploy him in a Letter to my Love. | Moth. Will you win your Love with a French Braul? Arm. Wow mean’ft thou, brauling in French 2 Moth. No my compleat Mafter, but to Jig offa Tune at the Tongue’s End, canary to it with the Feet, humour it with turning up your Eye; figh a Note and fing a Note, fomething through the Throat: If you fwallow'd Love with Singing, love fometime through the Nofe, as if you fnuft up Love by {melling Love, with your Hat Penthoufe-like oer the Shop of your Eyes, with your Arms crofton your thinbelly Doublet, (like a Rabbet on a Spit) or your Hands in your Pocket, like a Man after the old Painting, and keep not too long in one Tune, but a Snip and away: Thefe are Complements, thefe are Humours, thefe betray nice Wenches that would be betray 'd without thefe, and make them Men of Note: Do you note Men that moft are affected to thefe? | Arm. How haft thou purchas’d this Experience? - Moth. By my Pen of Obfervation. Arm, But O, but O. Moth. The Hobby-horfe 1s forgot. Arm. Call’ ft thou my Love Hobby-horfe, Math, } Love's Labour's loft. a Moth. No Matter, the Hobby-horfe is but a Colt, and your Love perhaps a Hackney : But have you forgot your Love? Arm. Almoft 1 had. Moth. Negligent Student, learn her by heart. Arm. By heart, and in heart, Boy. Moth. And out of Heart, Mafter: All thofe three I will prove. ym. What wilt thou prove? Moth. A Man, if Elive (and this) by, in, and without, upon theInftant: In Heart you love her, becaufe your Heart is in love with her; and out of Heart you love her, being out of Heart that you cannot enjoy her. ym, 1 am all thefe three. Moth. And three Times as much more; and yet nothing at all. Arm. Fetch, hither the Swain, he muft carry me a Let- ter. Moth. A Meflage well fimpathiz’d ; a Horfe to be Embal- fador for an Afs. Arm, Ha, ha; what fay ft thou ¢ Moth. Marry Sir, you muft fend the Afs upon the Horfe, for he is very flow gated: But I go. Arm. The way is but fhort; away. Moth. As fwift as Lead, Sir. Arm, Thy Meaning, pretty Ingenious? isnot Leada Me- tal heavy, dull and flow? Moth. Minime honeft Mafter, or rather Mafter no. Arm. I fay Lead is flow. Moth, Yow are too fwift Sir, to fay fo. Is that Lead flow, Sir, which is fir’d from a Gun2 - Arm. Sweet Smoak of Rhetorick; He reputes me a Cannon, and the Bullet ‘that’s he - I fhoot thee at the Swain. Moth. Thump then, and I fly. [ Exit. Arm. A moft accute Favenal, voluble and free of Grace ; By thy Favour, fweet Welkin, I muft figh in thy Face. Moft rude Melancholly, Valour gives the Place. My Herald is return’d. | | Enter Love's Labour's loft. Enter Moth and Coftard. Moth. A Wonder, Mafter, here’s a Coftard broken ina Shin. Arm. Some Enigma, fome Riddle, no Lenvoy, begin. Coft. NoEgma, no Riddle, no Lexvoy, no Salve, in the Male, Sir. © Sir, Plantan, a plainPlantan; no Lexvoy, no Lenvoy, or Salve, Sir, but Plantan. Arm. By Vertue thou inforceft Laughter, thy filly Thought, my Spleen, the heaving of my Lungs, provokes me to ridiculous Smiling: O pardon me my Stars, doth the inconfiderate take Salve for Lezvoy, and the word Lenvoy for a Salve ? Moth. Do the Wife think them other, is not Lenvoy a Salve ? (plain Arm, No Moth, it is an Epilogue or Difcourfeto make Some obfcure Precedence that hath tofore been fain. | Now will I begin your Moral, and do you follow with my Lenvoy. The Fox, the Ape, and the Humble-bee, Were ftill at odds, being but three. Moth. Until the Goofe came out of Door, Staying the odds by adding four. A good Lenvoy, ending in the Goofe ; would you defire more @ Coffs The Boy hath foldhima Bargain, a Goofe that’s flat, Sir your penny-worth is good, and your Goofe be fat. To fella Bargain well is as cunning as faft and loofe. Let me fee a fat Lenvey, I that’s a fat Goofe. Arm. Come hither, come hither; How did this Argument begin¢ | Moth. By faying that a Cofferd was broken ina Shin, Then call’d you for a Lenvoy. Coft. True, and I for a Plantan; Thus came your Argument in; Then the Boys fat Lexvoy, the Goofe that you bought. And he ended the Market. | ea But tell me; how was there a Coftard broken in a Shine ih sbtes ee Afoth, 1 will tell you fenfibly. _. Coft. Thow haft no feeling of it, 4Zoth, I..will fpeak that Lenvoy. ; A12 Love's Labour's loft. 413 I Coftard running out, that was fafely within, Fell over the Threfhold, and broke my Shin. Arm. We willtalk no more of this Matter. Coff. *Till there be more Matter in the Shin. Arm. Sirrah, Coffard, 1 will infranchife thee. Coft. O, Marry me to one Francis, I {mell fome Lenvoy, fome Goofe in this. Arm. By my {weet Soul, I mean fetting thee at Liber- ty. Enfreedoming thy Perfon; thou wert immur'd, re- ftrained, captivated, bound. Coff. True, true, and now you will be my Purgation, and let me loofe. Arm. 1 vivethee thy Liberty, fet thee from durance, and in lieu théreof, impofe on thee nothing but this; bear this fignificant to the Country-Maid Faguenetta; there is Re- muneration, for the beft ward of mine Honours is reward- ing my Dependants. AZoth, follow. | [ Exit. Moth. Like the Sequel I. Signior Coftard adieu. Coft. My {weet Ounce of Man’s Flefh} my in-cony Few: Now will I look to his Remuneration. , Remuneration, O, that’s the Latin Word for three Far- things: Three Farthings Remuneration, What's the Price of this Incle? five Farthings. No, I'll give youa Remuneration: Why 2 It carries its Remuneration: Why ?It isa fairer Name thana French-Crown. I will never buy and fell out of this Word. Enter Biron. ? Biron. O my good Knave Coffard, exceedingly well met. Coff. Pray you Sir, how much Carnation Ribbon may a Man buy for a Remuneration? Biron. What is a Remuneration 2 Coff. Marry Sir, half-penny Farthing. Biron. O, why then three Farthings worth of Silk. Cof?. I thank your Worfhip, God be with you. Biron. O ftay Slave, I muft employ thee : As thou wilt win my Favour, my good Knave, Do one thing for me that I fhall intreat. Coft. When would you have it done, Sir? Biron. O this Afternoon. Cof. Well, I will do it Sir: Fare you well. = Biron, 414 Love's Labour's loft. Biron. O thou knowelt not what it is. Coft. I fhall know, Sir, when I have done it. Biron. Why Villain, thou muft know it firft. Coft. I will come to your Worfhip to Morrow Morning. Biron. Xt muit be done this Afternoon. Hark Slave, it is but this: The Princefs comes to hunt here in the Park: And in her Train there is a gentle Lady; . When Tongues {peak fweetly, then they name her Name; And Rofaline they call her; ask for her, And to her white Hand fee thou do commend This feal’d up Counfel, There’s thy Guerdon; go. Coft. Guerdon, O fweet Guerdon, better than Remu- neration, eleven Pence Farthing better: Moft {weet Guer- don. I will do it, Sir; in Print: Guerdon, Remuneration. 3 | Exit. Biron. O! and I forfooth in Love, I that have been Love’s Whip; A very Beadle to a humorous Sigh: A Critick; Nay, a Night-wateh Conftable. A domineering Pedant o’er. the Boy, Than whom no Mortal more magnificent. — ‘ This whimpled, whining, purblind wayward Boy, This Signior funio’s Giant Dwarf, Don Cupid, Regent of Love-rimes, Lord of folded Arms, Th anointed Sovereign of Sighs and Groans: Liege of all Loyterers, and Malecontents: Dread Prince of Plackets, King of Codpieces. Sole Emperator, and great General Of trotting Parators (O my little Heart !) And I to be a Corporal of his Field, And wear his Colours like a-Tumbler’s Hoop: What? Ilove! I fue! I feck a Wife, A Woman, that is like a German Clock, Still a repairing; ever out of Frame, And never going aright, being but a Watch, But being watch’d, that it may {till go right. Nay to be perjur’d, which is worft of all: Andamong three, tolove the worft of all, A whitely Wanton with a Velvet Brow, With two Pitch Balls {tuck .in her Face for Eyes, Ay, Love’s Labours loft. 4ls Ay, and by Heav’n, one that will do the Deed, Tho’ Argus were her Eunuch and her Guard ; And I to figh for her! to watch for her! To pray for her! go too: It is a Plague That Czpid will impofe for my neglect OF his almighty, dreadful, little Might. Well, I willlove, write, figh, pray, fue and groan, Some Men muft love my Lady, and fome Foan, [Exit. oe ACTIV SCENETL Enter the Princefs, Rofaline, Maria, Catherine, Lords, Attendants, and a Forefter. Prin. AS that the King that fpur’d hisHorfe fo hard ' Againft the fteep unrifing of the Hill¢ Boyet. 1 know not, but I think it was.not he. Prin. Who e’er he was, he fhew’d a mounting Mind. Well Lords, to Day we thall have our difpatch, On Saturday we will return to france. : Then Foreffer, my Friend, where is the Bufh That we muift ftand and play the Murtherer in¢ For. Hereby upon the edge of yonder Coppice, A ftand where you may make the faireft fhoot. Prin. I thank my Beauty, I am fair that fhoor, And thereupon thou fpeak’ft the faireft fhoot. For. Pardon me,. for I meant not fo. Prin. What, what? Firft praife me, then again fay no. O fhort-liv’d Pride. Not Fair? alack for wo. For. Yes Madam, Fair. Prin. Nay, never paint me now, Where Fair is not, Praife cannot mend the Brow. ‘Here (good my Glafs) take this for telling true; Fair Payment for foul Words is more than due. For. Nothing but Fair is that which you inherit. Prin. See, fee, my Beauty will be fay'd by Merit. O Herefie in fair, ft for thefe Days, A giving Hand, though foul, fhall have the Praife. But S AIG Love’s Labour's loft. But come, the Bow; now Mercy goes to kill, And fhooting well, is then accounted ill. Thus will I fave my Credit in the fhoot, Not wounding, Pity would not let me dot: If wounding, then it was to fhew my Skill, That more for Praife than Purpofe meant to kill. And out of Queftion, fo it is fometimes, Glory grows guilty of detefted Crimes, ‘When for Fame’s fake to praife an outward Part, We bend to that, the working of the Heart. As I for Praife alone now feek to fpill ' The poor Dear’s Blood, that my Heart means no ill. Boyet. Do not curft Wives hold that felf-fovereignty Only for Praife fake, when they ftrive to be Lords o’er their Lords? | Prin. Only for Praife, and Praife we may afford To any Lady that fubdues her Lord. Enter Coftard. Boyet. Here comes a Member of the Common-wealth. Coft. God dig-you-den all, pray you which is the head Lady 2 : Prin. Thou fhalt know her, Fellow, by the reft that have no Heads. Cof?. Which is the greateft Lady, the higheft2 Prin. Thethickeft and the tallett. | Coft. The thickeft and the talleft; it is fo, truth istruth. And your Wafte, Miftrifs, were as flender as my Wit, One a thefe Maids Girdles for your Watte fhould be fit. Are not you the chief Woman? You are the thickeft here. Prin. What’s your Will, Sir? What’s your Will? _ Coff. I have a Letter from Monfieur Biroz, To one Lady Rofaline. Prin. O thy Letter, thy Letter: He’s a good Friend of Stand afide, good Bearer. (mine. Boyet, you can carve, | Break up this Capon, Boyet. I am bound to ferve. | This Letter is miftook, it importeth none here; It is writ to Faquenetta. Prins. We will read it, I fwear. | Break the Neck of the Wax, and every one give Ear. | 1 | Boyet. Love's Labour's loft. 417 Boyet reads. Y Heaven, that thou art Fair, is moft infallible; true that thou art Beauteous; Truth itfelf that thou art Lovely; more fairer than Fair, beautiful than Beauteous, truer than Truth it felf; have Commiferation on thy heroi- cal Vaflal. The magnanimous and moft illuftrate King Co- phetua {et Eye upon the pernicious and indubitate Beggar Zenelophon; and he it was that might rightly fay, /ev/, vidi, vici; which to Anatomize in the Vulgar, O bafe and ob{cure Vulgar; videlicer, he came, faw and overcame; he came one, faw two, overcame three. Who came? the King. Why did he come? to fee. Why did he fee? to overcome. To whom came he? to the Beggar. What faw he ¢ the Beggar. Who overcame him? the Beggar. The Conclufion 1s Victory; On whofe fide? the King’s; thee Captive is inrich’d; On whofe fide? the Beggar's. The Cataftrophe is a Nuptial: On whofe fide? the King’s: Nc, on both inone, or one in both: I am the King, (for fo ftands the Comparifon) thou the Beggar, for fo witnefleth thy Low- linefs, Shall I command thy Love ? I may. Shall I enforce thy Love? I could. Shall I entreat thy Love? I will. What fhalte thou exchange for Rags? Robes; for Tittles? Titles; for thy felf? me. Thus expeéting thy Reply, I prophane my Lips on thy Foot, my Eyes on thy Pi€ture, and my Heart on thy every Part. Thine in the deareft defign of Tnduftrys Don Adriana de Armado, Thus doft thou hear the Memean Lion roar ‘Gainft thee thou Lamb, that ftandeft as his Prey: Submiflive fall his princely feet before, And he from Forage will incline to play. —_, But if thou ftrive (poor Soul) what art thou then? Food for his Rage, Repafture for his Den. Prin, What Plume of Feather is he that indited this Ler- ter? What Vane? What Weathercock? Did you ever hear better 2 Beyet. Tam much deceived, but I remember the Stile. Prin, Elfe your Memory is bad, going o’er it e’re while, Boyet. Uhis Armado isa Spaniard that keeps here in Court, A Phantafme, a Monarcho, and one that makes Sport You. FF Ee So Ge 418 Love's Labour's loft. Tothe Prince and his Book-mates. Prin. Thou Fellow, a Word. Who gave thee this Letter¢ Coft. told you, my Lord. Prin. To whom fhould’ft thou give it¢ Coft. Frommy Lord to my Lady. | Prin. From which Lord to which Lady ? Coft. From my Lord Berown, agood Mafter of mine, ToaLady of France that he call’d Rofaline. Prin. Thou haft miftaken his Letter. Come Lords away. Here Sweet, put up this, "twill be thine another Day. | | Exeunt. Boyet. Whoisthe Shooter? who is theShooter? Rofa. Shall I teach youto know 2 Boyet. Ay, my Continent of Beauty. Rofa. Why fhe that bears the Bow. Finely put off. Boyer. My Lady goes tokill Horns; butif thou marry, Hang me by the Neck, if Horns that Year mifcarry. Finely put on, Rofa. Well then, Tamthe Shooter. Boyet. And who is your Deer? Rofz. If we chufeby Horns, your felf; come net near. Finely put on indeed. Mar. You till wrangle with her, Boyet,and the ftrikes at the Brow. ( Boyet. But the her felf is hit lower. Have I hit her now 2 Rofa. Shall I come upon thee with an old Saying, That was a Man when King Pippin of France was a little Boy, as touching the hit it. Boyet. So I may an{wer thce with one as old, That was a Woman, when Queen Guinover of Britain was alittle Wench, as touching the hit it. | Rofa. Thou can’ft not hit it, hit it, hic it. Thou can’ft not hit it, my good Man. ’Boyet. I cannot, cannot, cannot. And [cannot another can. { Exit. Rofa. Coft. By my troth mott pleafant, how both did fit it. Mar. A Mark marvellous well thot; for they both did hit it. Boyett. ne Love's Labour's loft. 419 Boyet. A Mark, O mark but that Mark! a Mark, fays my Lady. Let the Mark havea Prick in’t, tomeetat, if it may be. Mar, Wide a’th bow Hind, 1faith your Hand is out. Coff. Indeed a’muft fhoot nearer, or he'll ne'er hit the Clout. Boyet. And if my Hand be out, then belike your Hand is in. Coft. Then will fhe get the upfhot by cleaving the Pin. Adar. Come, come, you talk greafily, your Lips grow foul. Cof#. She’s.too hard for you at Pricks, Sir, challenge her to bowl. Boyer. I fear toomuchrubbing; good night, my good Owl. Coff, By my Soul a Swain, a moft fimple Clown. Lord, Lord! how the Ladies and I have put him down. O my troth moft fweet Jefts, moft incony vulgar Wit, When it comes fo fmoothly off, fo obfcenely, as it were, fo fir. Armado xth to fide, Oa moft dainty Man. To fee him walk before a Lady, and to bear her Fan. To fee him kifs his Hand, and how moft fweetly he will {wear: , And his Page at other fide, that handful of Wit, Ah Heav’as! it isa moft pathetical Nit. Sowla, Sowla, | Exeunt. Shout within. Exter Dull, Holofernes, azd Nathaniel. Nath, Very reverent Sport truly, and done in the Teftimo- ny of a good Confcience. Hol, The Deer was (as you know) fanguisin Blood, ripe as a Pomwater, whonow hangeth like a Jewelin the Ear of Celo the Sky, the Welkin, the Heaven, and anon falleth like a Crab on the face of Terra, the Soil, the Land, the Earth. — . Nath. Truly Mafter Holoferves, the Epithetes are fweetly varied like a Schollar at the leaft: But, Sir, I aflure ye, it was a Buck of the firft Head. Hol. SitNathaniel, hand credo, Dall. *T was net a hand credo, “twas a Pricket. me°3 Hol. eee ne ee > Spenser ae ee ae a ae Spi sie. ee ere 7 x " a — pes ee ag = ann a a &, - : su == z : ‘a x SS OS . *; in = Se — ida x 420 Love's Labour's loft. Hol. Moft barbarous Intimation; yet a kindof Infinua- tion, as it were i# via, in way of Explication facere, as it were Replication, or rather offentare, to {how as it were his Inclination after his undrefled, unpolifhed, uneducated, un- pruned, untrained, or rather unlettered, or rathereft uncon- firmed Fafhion, to infert again my hand credo for a Deer. Dull, I faid the Deer was not a baud credo, ’twas a Pricket. Hol. Twice fod Simplicity, bis coftus ; O thou Monfter Ignorance, how deformed doeft thou look ¢ Nath. Sir, he hath never fed on the Dainties that are bred in a Book. , He hath not eat Paper as it were; He hath not drunk Ink. His Intelle@ is not replenifhed, he is only an Animal, only fenfible in the duller parts; and fuch barren Plants are fet before us, that we thankful fhould be; which we tafte, and fecling, are for thofe Parts that do fructifie in us more than he. For as it would ill become me to be vain, indifcreet, or a Fool ; So were there a Patch fet on Learning, to fee him in a School. But omne bene fay I, being of an old Father’s Mind, Many can brook the Weather, thatlove not the Wind. Dall. You too are Book-men; Can you tell by your Wit, what was a Month old at Caius Birth, that’s not five Weeks old as yet? Hol. Dittinna Good-man Dull, Dittinna Good-man Dall. Dall. What is Dittinna? Nath. A Titleto Phebe, to Luna, to the Afoon. Hol. The Moon was a Month old when dam was no more. And wroughtnot to five Weeks when he came to fivefcore. Th’ Allufion holds in the Exchange. Dull, °Tis true indeed, the Collufion holds in the Ex- change. Hol. God comfort thy Capacity, I fay the Allufion holds in the Exchange. : | Dull. And I fay the Pollufion holds in the Exchange; for the Moon is never but a Month old; and I fay befide that, twas a Pricket that the Princefs kill’d. Hol. Lowe's Labour's loft. 421 Hol. Sir Nathaniel, will you hear an extemporal Epitaph on the Death of the Deer, and to humour the Ignorant, 1 have call’d the Deer the Frincefskill’d, a Pricket. Nath. Perge good Matter Holofernes, Perge, {o it fhall pleafe you to abrogate Scurrility. Hol. I will fomething affe@ the Letter, for it argues Fa- cility. The praifeful Prince[s pierc’d and pricke a pretty pleafing Pricket. Some fay a Sore, but not a Sore, till now made fore with foooting, The Dogs did yell, put Elizo Sore, then Sorrel jumps from Thicket ; Or Pricket-fore, or elfe Sorell, the People fall a hooting. If Sore be Sore, then Eli to Sore, makes fifty Sores, O Sorell! Of one Sore I an hundred make, by adding but one mere L. Nath, Arare Talent. | Dull. If a Talent bea Claw, look how he claws him with a Talent. Nath. This isa Gift that I have, fimple, fimple’; a foolith extravagant Spirit, full of Forms, Figures, Shapes, Objects, Ideas, Apprehenfions, Motions, Revolutions, Thefe are be- got in the Ventricle of Memory, nourifh’d in the Womb of Pia mater, and deliver'd upon the} mellowing of Occafion; but the Gift is good in thofe in whom it is acute, and Iam thankful for it. Hol. Sir, I praife the Lord for you, and {o may our Parifhio- ners, for their Sons are well tutor’d by you, and their Daugh- ters profit very greatly under you; you are a good Member of the Commonwealth. Nath, Me hercule, If their Sons be ingenuous, they thall want no Inftruction: If their Daughters be capable, I will put it tothem. But Vir fapit, qui pauca loguitur, a Soul Fe- minine faluteth us. ea Se Enter Jaquenetta and Coftard. ‘Faq. God give good Morrow, Mafter Parfon. Hol., Mafter Parfon, guaf Pexfon. And if one fhould be pierc’d, whichis the one? (“sé 3 Coft. i pe - i a EO ee 2} Te e- eheE ee = Me ge i —— Se ee ae —=-- -= i \ i i i oe a ‘ { w Se SS SSS 422 Love's Labour's loft. Coft. Marry Mafter School-mafter, he that 1s likeft to a Hogthead. Hol. OF perfing a Hoghhead, a good Clufter of Conceit in a Turph of Earth, Fire enough fora Flint, Pearl enough for a Swine: ’Tis pretty, it is well. Faq. Good Matter Parfon be fo good as read me _ this Letter; it was given me by Co/fard, and fent me from Don Mymatho, 1 befeech you read it. Hol. Faufte precor gelida, quando, pecus omne [ub umbr ay yuminat, and fo forth. Ahgood old Afantuan, I may {peak of thee as the Traveller doth of Venice; Venechi, venache a, qui non te vide, i non te piaech, Qld Atantuan, old Man- twan. Who underftandeth thee not, wt re fol lamifa. Un- der pardon Sir, What are the Contents? or rather, as Horace fays in his; What! my Soul Verfes. Nath, Ay Sir, and very learned. Hol. Let me hear a Staff, a Stanza, a Verfe; Lege do- Mine. (Love? Nath. lf Love make me forfworn, how fhalll iwear to Ah, never Faith could hold, if not to Beauty vow’d; Though to my felf forfworn, to thee I’ll faithful prove, Thofe Thoughts to me were Oaks, to thee like Ofiers bow’d. Study his Biafs leaves, and makes his Book thine Eyes; Where all thofe Pleafures live, that Art would. comprehend. If Knowledge be the Mark, to know thee fhall fuffice, Well learned is that Tongue, that well can thee commend, All ignorant that Soul, that fees thee without Wonder: Which is to me fome Praife, that I thy Parts admire; Thy Eye Fove’s Lightning bears, thy Voice his dreadful Thunder ; | Which not to Anger bent, is Mufick, and {weet Fire. Celeftial as thou art, Oh pardon, Love, this Wrong, That fings Heav’n’s Praife with fuch an Earthly Tongue. Hol. You find not the Apoffrophes, and fo mifs the Ac- cent. Let me fupervife the Cangenet. | Nath. Here are only Numbers ratify’d, but for the Ele- gancy, Facility, and golden Cadence of Poefie caret: Ovidius Nafo was the Man. And why indeed Wa/o; but for {mel- ling out the odoriferous Flowers of Fancy? The Jerksof In- vention Love's Labour's loft. 423 vention imitary is nothing: So doth the Hound his Matter, the Ape his Keeper, the tir’d Horfe his Rider: But Damo- fella Virgin, was this directed to you? | Faq. Ay Sir, from one Monfieur Biron, one of the ftrange Queen’s Lords. Nath. 1 will overglance the Superfcript. To the fnow-white Hand of the moft beauteous Lady, Rola line. I will look again on the Intellect of the Letter, for the Nomination of the Party writing, to the Perfon writ- ten unto. Your Lady fhip’s in all defir'd Employment, Biron. Dull. Sir Holofernes, this Biron is one of the Votaries with the King, and here he hath fram’d a Letter to a Sequent of the ftranger Queen’s, which accidentally, or by the way of Progreffion, hath mifcarry’d. Trip and go my {weet; deli- ver this Paper into the Hand of the King; it may con- cern much; ftay not thy Complement; I forgivethy Duty : Adieu. , Faq. Good Coftard go with me. Sir, God fave your Life. Coft. Have with thee, my Girl. | Exit. Colt. and Jaq. Hol. Sir, you have done this in the Fear of God, very Religioufly: and asa certain Father faith Dull. Sir, tell not me of the Father, I do fear colourable Colours. But to return to the Verfes: Did they pleafe you, Sir Nathaniel? Nath, Marvellous well for the Pen. Hol. I do dine to Day at the Father’s of a certain Pupil ef mine; where if (being repaft) it fhall pleafe you to gra- tifiethe Table with a Grace; I will on my Priviledge I have with the Parents of the forefaid Child and Pupil, undertake your bien venuto, where I will prove thofe Verfes to be ve- ry unlearned, neitherfavouring of Poctry, Wit or Invention. I befeech your Society. Nath. And thank you too: for Society (faith the Text) is the Happinefs of Life. Hol. And certes the Text moft infallibly concludes it. Sir, I do invite you too; you fhall not fay me nay? Panca verba. = Ee4 , Away, ne a Sg eS NS = . = oS le me Me Ae ag Se eo | 4 bi i q fF 4 i ee ys eS Se Se SS Sa P « a, AL4 Love's Labour's loft. Away, the Gentles are at their Game, and we will to our "Recreation. | Exeunt. Enter Biron with a Paper in his Hand, alone. Bion. The King he is hunting the Deer. Tam courfing my felf. They have pitcht a Toyl, I am toyling in a Pitch, Pitch that defiles; defile, a foul Word: Well, fet theedown Sor- row; for fo they fay the Fool faid, and fo fay I, and I the Fool, Wellprov’d Wit. By the Lord this Love is as mad as Ajax, itkills Sheep, it kills me, I a Sheep. Well proy’d again on my Side. ‘I will not love; if I do, hang me: I’faith I will not. ©O but her Eye: By this Light, but for her Eye, I would not love her; yes, for her two Eyes. Will, I do nothing in the World but lie, and lie in my Throat. By Heaven I do love, and it hath taught me to Rhime, and tobe Melancholly; and here is part of my Rhime, and here my Melancholly. Well, the hath one a‘my Sonnets alr:ady ; the Clown bore it, the Fool fent it, and the Lady hath it: Sweet Clown, fweeter Fool, fweeteft Lady. By the World, I would not care a Pin if the other three were in. Here comes one with a Paper, God give him Grace to groan, | He [tands afide. Enter the King. King, Ay me. | Biron. Shot, by Heav’n! Proceed, {weet Cupid; thou haft thumpt him with thy Birdbolt under the left Pap: In faith SECretS. King. So {weet a Kifs the golden Sun gives not, To thofe frefh Morning Drops upon the Rofe, As thy Eye-beams when their frefth Rays have {mote The Night of Dew that on my Cheeks down flows; Nor fhines the filver Moon one half fo bright, Through the tranfparent Bofom of the Deep, As doth thy Face through Tears of mine give Light; Thou fhin'tt in every Tear that I do weep; No Drop, but as a Coach doth carry thee, So rideft thou triumphing in my Woe. Do but behold the Tears that {well in me, And they thy Glory through my Grief will fhew: But do not love thy felf, then thou wilt keep My Tears for Glafles, and {till make me weep. ———— — — Love's Labour's loft. 425 O Queen of Queens, how far do’ft thou excel ! No Thought can think, nor Tongue of Mortal tell. How fhe fhall know my Griefs? I'll drop the Paper; Sweet Leaves fhade Folly. Whois he comes here? Enter Longavile. [ The King fieps afide. What! Longavile! and reading: Liften Ear. Biron. Now in thy Likenefs one more Fool appears. King. Ay me, I am forfworn. Biron, Why he comes in like a Perjur’d, wearing Papers. Long. In Love I hope, {weet Fellowfhip in Shame. Biron. One Drunkard loves another of the Name. Long. Am I the firft that havebeen perjur’'d fo? (know, Biron. I could put thee in Comfort: Not by two that I Thou mak’ft the Triumvirat the three Corner-Cap of Society, The Shape of Loves Tibzrn, that hangs up Simplicity. Long. I fear thefe ftubborn Lines lack Power to move: O {weet Alaria, Emprefs of my Love, Thefe Numbers will I tear, and write in Profe. Biron, O Rhimes are Guards on wanton Cupid's Hofe: Disfigure not his Shop. Long. This fame fhall go. | He reads the Sonnet. Did not the heavenly Rhetorick of thine Eye, ’Gainft whom the Werld cannot hold Argument ; Per{uade my Heart to this falfe Perjury? Vows for thee broke deferve not Punifbment : A Woman I forfwore, but I will prove; Thou being a Goddefs, I forfwore nor thee. Ay Vow was earthy, thom a.heav'nly Love: Thy Grace being gain’d, cures all Difgrace in me, Vows are but Breath, and Breath a Vupour is, Then thou fair Sun, which on my Earth doft fhines Exhal'ft this Vapour-Vow ; in thee it is; If broken then, it is no Fault of mine; If by me broke, what Fool is not fo wife, Zo lofe an Oath to win a Paradif{e? _ Biron, This is the Liver-vein, which makes Fleih a Deity; A green Goofe a Goddefs, pure, pure Idolatry. God amend us, God amend, we are much out o’th’ way. Exter A26 Love's Labour's loft. qa Enter Dumain. Long. By whom fhall I fend this! (Company ¢) Stay. Biron. All hid, all hid, an old infant Play; Like a Demy God, here fit I in the Sky; And wretched Fools Secrets heedfully o’er eye: More Sacks to the Mill! O Heav’ns I have my Wifh, Dumain transform’d; four Woodcocks in a Difh. Dum. O moft divine Kare. Biron. O moft prophane Coxcomb. Dum. By Heav'n the Wonder of a mortal Eye. Biron. By Earth fhe is not; Corporal, there you lie. Duws. Her Amber Hairs for Fowl have Amber coted. Biron. An Amber-colour’d Raven was well noted. Dum. As upright as the Cedar. Biron. Stoop I fay, her Shoulder is with Child. Dum. -As fair as Day. Biron. Ay as fome Days; but then no Sun mult fhine. Dum. O that T had my With¢ | Long. And I had mine. King. And mine too, good Lord. Biron. Amen, fo J had mine. Is not that a good Word Dum. 1 would-forget her, but a Feaver fhe Reigns in my Blood, and will remembred be. Biron. A Feaver in your Blood! Why then Incifion Would let her out in Sawcers, fweet Mifprifion. Dum. Once more V’ll réad the Ode that I have writ. Biron. Once more I’]] mark how Love can vary Wit, Dumain reads his Sonnet. Ox a Day, alack the Day: Love, whofe Month is every May, Spy’d a Bloffom palfing fair, Playing in the wanton Air: Through the Velvet Leaves; the Wind, . All unfeen, can Paffage find. = That the Lover fick.to death, Wifk'd himfelf the Heav'n’s Breath. Air, (quoth he) thy Cheeks to blow’, Air, would I might triumph fo. But alack my Hand is fworn, Ne’er to pluck thee from thy Throne : Love's Labour's loft. 427 Vow alack for Youth unmeet, Youth fo apt to pluck.a Sweet. Do not call it Sin in me, That I am forfworn for thee. Thou for whom Jove would fwear, Juno but an Ethiope were, And deny himfelf for Jove,' Turning Afortal for thy Love. This will I fend, and fomething ‘elfe more plain, That fhall exprefs my true Love’s fafting Pain ; O would the King, Biron and Longavile, Were Lovers too, illto example ill Would from my Fore-head wipea perjur’d Note: For none offend, where all alike do dote. Lon. Dumain, thy Loveis far from Charity, That in Loves Grief defir’{t Society : [ Coming forward. You may look pale, but I fhould bluth I know, To beo’er-heard, and taken napping fo, King. Come, Sir, youbluth; as his, your Cafe isfuch, : | Coming forward. You chide at him, offending twice as much. | You donot love Maria, Longavile Did never Sonnet for her fake compile; Nor never lay’d his wreathed Arms athwart His loving Bofom, to keep down his Heart. I have been clofely fhrowded in this Buth And markt you both, and for you both did bluth. Theard your guilty Rimes, obferv’d your Fafhion; Saw Sighsreek from you, noted well your Paffion. Ahme, faysone! O ove, the other cries! Hier Hairs wereGold, Cryftal the others Eyes. ‘You would for Paradife break faith and troth, And Fove for your Love would infringe an Oath. What will Biron fay, when that he fhall hear A Faith infringed, which fuch Zeal did fwear2 How will he fcorn? how will he fpend his Wit2 How willhe triumph, leap, and laugh at it2 For all the Wealth that ever I did fee, E would not have him know fo much by me. Biron, Now {tep I forth to whip Hypocrifie. Ah good my Liege, I pray thee pardonme. [Coming forward. | God 428 Love's Labour's loft. Good heart, what grace haft thou thus to reprove’ Thefe Worms for loving, that ar’t moft in love ¢ Your Eyes do make no Couches in your T ears; There is no certain Princefs that appears. You'll not be perjur'd, *tisa hateful thing: Tuth, none but Minftrels like of Sonnetting. But are younot afham’d? Nay, are you not All three of you, to be thusmucho’er-fhot ¢ You found his Mote, the King your Mote did fee: But I a Beam do find in each of three. O what aSceneof Fool’ry have I feen, Of Sighs, of Groans, of Sorrow, and of Teen? Ome, with what ftri& Patience have I fat, To fee a King transformed to a Gnat 2? _ To fee great Hercules whipping a Gigg, And profound Solemen tuning a Jygg¢ . And Neftor play at Pufh-pin with the Boys, And Critick Tymon laugh at idle Toys, Where lyes thy Grief? © tell me good Damain; And gentle Loxgavile, wherelyes thy Pain? And where my Liege’s? allabout the Breaft, A Candle hoa! | King. Too bitter is thy Jeft, Are we betrayed thus to thy Over-view ? Biron. Not youby me, butI betrayed to you. I thatam honeft, I that hold it Sin, | To break the Vow I am ingaged in. | I am betray’d by keeping Company With Men, like Men of ftrange Inconftancy. When fhall you fee me write athing in Rhime¢ Or groan for Hoan ? or {pend a Minute’s time In pruning me? When fhallyou hear that 1 will praife a Hand, 4 Foot, a Face, an Eye, a Gate, a State, a Brow, a Brealt, a Walte, aLeg, a Limb¢ | King. Soft, whither away fo faft2 A true Man, ora Thief, that gallops fo. Biron. 1 poft from Love, good Lover let me go. Enter Jaquenetta, and Coftard. Faq. God blefs the King. King. What Prefent haft thou there2 Coft, SomecertainTreafon, | King. Love’s Labours loft. 429 King. What makes Treafon here¢ Coff. Nay it makes nothing, Sir. King. If it mar nothing neither, The Treafon and you go in Peace together. Faq. Ubefeech your Grace, let this Letter be read, Our Perfon mifdoubts it: it was Treafon he faid. King. Biren. Read it over. He reads the Letter. Where hadft thou ité Faq. OF Coftard. King. Where hadft thou it? Coff. Of Dun Advramadio, Dun Adramadio. King. How now, what mean you? why doft thou tear it 2 Biren. A Toy, my Liege, a Toy: Your Grace needs not fear it. Leng. It did move him to Paflion, and therefore let’s hear it. Dum. It is Biron’s Writing, and hereis his Name. Biren. Ah you whorefon Loggerhead, you were born to do me Shame. Guilty my Lord, guilty: I confefs, I confefs. King. What? Biron. That you three Fools lackt me Fool, to make up the Meds. He, he, and you: and you my Liege, and {, Are Pick-purfes in Love, and we deferve to dye. O difmifs this Audience, and I fhalltell you more. Dum. Now the Number is even. Biron. True, true, we are four: Will thefe Turtles be gone?¢ King. Hence, Sirs, away: Cof?. Walk afide the true Folk, and let the Traitors ftay. Biron. Sweet Lords, fweet Lovers, O let usimbrace : ‘As true we areas Flefh and Blood can be. The Sea will ebb and flow, Heav’n will fhew his Face : Young Blood doth not obey an old Decree. We cannot crofs the Caufe why we were born: Therefore ef all hands muft we be forfworn. ae What did thefe Rent-lines thew fome Love of thine? | Birore ee eS SS SS = Pie ee ee Al ice i Si I A NS | i if en a —— a hs en re el eee SS ee ae ee eee — 4 ES ED en = iit | ia if hie hi y iif | 1a | ite ih ut i 4 i i if i,t a j 1 ig } / H i } tj mi) lit ae U Hil * i : rae ae hh ele +} 1 4 4 Oe Wi til ii { ' r : f iv ‘ f eb : : i if ¥ : : Hi : F SES ese ee Fy ee. oe ee Nath, Amoft fingularand choice Epithet, . [ Draws out his Table-Book, Hol. He draweth out the Thred of his Verbofity finer than the Staple of his Argument. [abhor fuch phanatical Phan- tafms, fuch infociable and point devife Companions, fuch - Rackersof Orthography, as do {peak dout fine, when he fhould fay doubt; det, when he thould pronounce debt; d, e, b, t 5 not det: He clepeth a Calf, Cauf: half, hauf: Neighbour vo- catur nebour ; neigh abreviated ne: This is’ abominable, which we would call abominable: It infinuateth me of In- famy: Ve intelligis Domine, to make Frantick, Lunatick. Nath. Laus deo, bene intelligo. Hol. Bome boon for boon prefcian; alittle fearch, “twill ferves ar Sear eee Co pr gE ern — i Smt tt he a OA a a a Sa eS ee PS alte “an ear ‘ Pe wom ee Ni dent ettor> ee Sen, te eee “ —— Eater _ ———————————— = a _ — - a — ———— = _—e - “ ws = re ar enn nee 0 ee ee RS OT ee oe - ae te = : — Love's Labour's loft. “aay Enter Armado, Moth aad Coftard. Nath, Vides-ne quis nevit? Hol. Video, er LAMAEGs Arm, Chirra. fol. Quare Chirra, not Sirra2 “trm, Men of Peace well incountred. Hol, Moft Military Sir, Salutation. Moth. They have been at a great Feaft of Languages, and {tole the Scraps. Coffs O they have liv’d long on the Alms-basket of Words. I marvel thy. Mafter hath not eaten thee for a Word, for thou art not fo long by the Head as Honorificabilitudinita- tibus: Thou art eafier {wallow’d than a Flap-dragen. Moth, Peace, the Peal begins. <4rm, Montieur, are you not lettered 2 A4oth, Yes, yes, he'teaches Boys the Horn-book : What is Ab fpelt backward with the Horn on his Head 2 Ffol, Ba, pueritia with a Horn added. Mtorh. Ba;moft filly Sheep, with a Horn. You hear his Learning. Ffol. Quis, quis, thou Confonant? Moth, The laft of the five Vowels, if you repeat them, or the fifth if I. - Hol, I will repeat them, a¢I—— | Moth, The Sheep; the other two concludes it ou. “drm, Nowby the fale Wave of the ALediteraneam, a fweet Tutch, a quick Venew.of Wit; {nip fnap, quick and home ; it reyoiceth my Intelle@; true Wir. Moth. Offer’d by a Child: to an old Man: whichis Wit. old. 3 : Hol, What is the Figure? What is the Figure? Moth. Horns. / Hol. Thou difputeft like an Infant; go, whip thy Gige. Afoth. Lend me your Horn to make one, and I will whip about your Infamy wawm cita, a Gigg of a Cuckold’s Horn. | Coff. AndI had but one Penny inthe World, thou fhould#t have it to buy Ginger-bread; Hold, there isthe very Remu- neration I had of thy Mafter, thou Half-penny Purfe of Wit, thou Pidgeon-egg of Difcretion. ©, and the Heav’ns were fopleafed, that thou wert at Baftard ! What a joyful Fa- | a ther 436 Love's Labour's loft. cher wouldftthoumake? Go-too, thou halt it ad dunghil, at the Finger’s ends, ‘as they fay. | Hol. Oh, I {mell falfe Latins dunghil for unguem. Arm. Arti-man.preambula; we will be fingled from the: Barbarous. . Do you not educate Youth at the Charge-houfe on the Top of the Mountain. Hol. Or Monson the.Hill. , Arm, At your {weet Pleafure, for the Mountaia. Hol: 1 do fans queftion. y! Arm. Sit, it is the King’s moft, fweet Pleafure and. Af- fection, to congratulate the Princefs at. her Pavilion, in the pofteriors of this Day, which the rude Multitude call the Afternoon. 7 Hol. The Pojfferior of the Day, moft generous Sir, is li- able, congruent, and meafurable for the Afternoon:. The Word is well cull’d, choice, {weet, and apt, I do affure you Sir, I do affure. Arm. Sir, the King is a noble Gentleman, and my Familiar, I do affure ye, my very good Friend; for what is inward be- tween us, let it pafs ——I do befeech thee; remember thy. Cur- tefie——lI befeech thee apparel thy Head, and among other importunate and moft ferious Defigns, and of great import ‘deed too——But let that pafs, for I muft tell thee it will pleafe his Grace (by, the World) fometime to.lean upon my poor Shoulder, and with his Royal Finger thus dally with my Excrement, with my Muftachio; but, {weet Heart, let that pafs. By the World I recount no Fable; fome certain {oecial Honours it pleafeth his Greatnefs to impart to Arma- do a Soldier, a Man of Travel, that hath feen the World; but let that pafs---- the very all of allis: But, fweet Heart, I do implore fecretly, that the King would have me prefent the Princefs (fweet Chuck) with fome delightful Oftentati- on, or Show, or Pageant, or Antick, or Fire-work, . Now underftanding that the Curate and your {weet felf are good at fuch Eruptions, and fudden breaking out of Mirth (as ++ were) I have acquainted you withal, to the end to crave your Affiftance. | sabe Hol. Sir, you fhall prefent before her the nine Wor- thies. Sir, as concerning fome Entertainment of Times, fome Show in the Pofferior of this Day, to be rendred by our Affiftants at the King’s Command, and this moft gale | 7 ant, Love's Labour's loft. 437 lant, illuftrate and fearned Gentléman, before the Princefs : I fay none fo fit as ta prefent the nine Worthies. ‘ Nath. Where will you find Men worthy enough to prefent them ¢ Hol. Fofza, your felf, this gallant Gentleman Judas Miachabeus, this Swain (becaufe of his great Limb or Joint) fhall pafs* Pompey the Great, and the Page Her- cules. Arm. Pardon Sir, Error :*He is not Quantity enough for that Worthy’s Thumb; he is not fo big as the End of his Club. | Fol. Shall I have Audience? He fhall prefent Hercules in Minority: His Evrer and Exir fhall’be {trangling a Snake ; and T will have an Apology for that Purpofe. Meth, An excellent Device: So if any of the Atidience hifs, you may cry; Welldone, Hercules, now thou crufheft the Snake; that isthe way to make an Offence gracious, tho’ few have the Grace to do it. 4trm, For the reft of the Worthies? fol. I will play three my felf. Moth. Thrice worthy Gentleman. Arm, Shall {tell youathing ? Hol. We attend. | Arm. Wewillhave, if this fadge not, an Antique. I be- feech you follow. Hel. Via good-man Dull, thou haft fpoken no Word all this while. Dall, Nor underftood none neither, Sir. Hol, Allons, we will employ thee, Dull, Yl make one in aDance, or fo: Or will play on the Taber to the Worthies, and let them dance the Hay. Hoel. Moft Dull, honeft Dull, toourSportaway. [ Exit. Enter Princes, and Ladies. Prin. Sweet Hearts, we fhall be rich eer we depart, If Fairings come thus plentifully in. A Lady wall’d about with Diamonds! look you, what I have from the King. | Rofa. Madam, came nothing elfe along with that? Prin. Nothing butthis? yes, as much Love in Rime, As would be cram'd up ina Sheet of Paper, ; BEE Ff-3 a. Wriz ; 438 Loves Labour's loft. Writ on both fides the Leaf, Margent and all, That he was fain to feal on Cupid's Name. Rofa. That was the way tomake his God-head wax, For he hath been five thoufand Yearsa Boy. Kath. Ay, anda fhrewd unhappy Gallows too, Rofa. You'll ne’er be Friends with him, he kill’d your Si+ fter, Kath. He made her melancholly, fad and heavy, And fo fhedied; had fhe been light like you, Of fuchamerry, nimble, ftirring Spirit, She might have beena Grandom e’er fhe dy’d. And fo may you; fora light Heart lives long, _. Rofa, What’s your dark Meaning, Moufe, of this light Word? . Kath, Alight Condition, in a Beauty dark, Rofa. We need more Light to find your Meaning out. Kaib, You'll marr the Light by taking tin Snuff: Therefore I'll darkly end the Argument. Rofa. Look what you do; you doit ftilli’th dark. Kath. So donot you, for you area light Wench. Rofa. Indeed I weigh not you, .and therefore light. Kath, Youweighmenot, O that’s, you care not for me. Rofa. Great Reafon; for paft Care, 1s ftill paft Cure. Prix. Wellhandledboths a Set of Wit well play’d. But Rofaline, you havea Favour too? Who fent it? and what 1s. 1t@ | Rofz. I would you knew. Andif my Face were butas fair as yours, - My Favour were as great, be witnefs this. Nay, I have Verfestoo,. I thank Birox. The Numberstrue, and werethe numbring too, I were the faireft Goddefs on the Ground. I am compar’d to twenty thoufand Fairies. O he hath drawn my Picture in his Letter. Prin. Any thing like ¢ Rofz. Muchinthe Letters, nothing in the Praife. Prin, Beauteous Inks agood Gonclufion, Kath, Fair asa Text B ina Copy-Book. Rofa. Ware Pencils. How? Letmenotdieyour Debter, My red Dominical, my golden Letter, O that your Face were full of Oese - pe | Pria, ; Love’s Labour's loft. 439 Prin. A Pox of that Jeft, and I befhrew all Shrews: But Katharine, what was fént to you From fair Damain? Kath. Madam, this Glove. Prin. Did he not fend you twain? Kath. Yes, Madam; and moreover; Some thoufand Verfes of a faithful Lover. A huge Traaflation of Hypocrifie, Vildly compil’d, profound Simplicity. Mar. This, and'thefe Pearlsto mefent Longavile. The Letter is too long by half a Mile. Prin. Ithinksolets; Doftthou not with in Heart The Chain were longer, and the Letter fhort¢ Mar. Ay, or I would thefe Hands might never part. Prin. Weare wife Girls, to mock our Lovers fo, Rofi. They are worfe Fools to purchafe mocking fo. That fame Biron I'll torture e’er I go, O that I knew he were but in by th’ Week, How I would make him fawn, and beg, and feek, And wait the Seafon, and obferve the Times, And {pend his prodigal Wits in bootlefs Rimes, And fhape his Service'allto my Behefts, And make him proud to make me proud with Jefts. So pertaunt like would I o’erfway his State, That he fhould be my Fool, and I his Fate, Prin. None arefofurely caught, when they are catch’d, As Witturn’d Fool; Folly in Wifdom hatch’d, Hath Wifdom’s Warrant, and the helpof School, And Wit’s own Grace to grace a learned Fool. Rofa. The Blood of Youth burns not in fuch Excefs, As Gravities revolt to Wantonnefs. | Mar. Folly in Fools bears not fo ftrange a Note, As Fool’ry in the Wife, when Wit doth dote: Since all the Power thereof it doth apply, To proveby Wit, worth in Simplicity. Enter Boyet. Prin. Here comes Boyer, and Mirth in his Face. Boyet. O, Lam ftab’d with Laughter, Where's her Grace? Prin. Thy News, Boyer? . Ff 4 Boyer. _ oe ee a ————E — 2. ee - aha Ht } $ , itl , oo | SBE li. 1H 1 0 } | aang i" i hie : { ; oe, i ea I Sif vaet \, Cd tae haf n eat | iq 4 4: 1 } 1 ees | \" { 1 Hab eu. Vil PR 1 p ? a i 1) || ds +} - & : BLa | Tees | | y | ' - | mu it. ' 4 U : * is : ee : 7 hut ' NY ly LARLY i) “ Var’ Pits \j I a | 1 mM ] ; { | ut | t| - ¥ ’ Lia ; i — a — —— r BA ee ge ee ~ — ee — “ eer eet a ~a oS mE te era 1. —oce = eh +E ML, Rly PTT ye ee gee Sos se ee ee ee -a 2 — ~~ = ~ > = rn 440 Love's Labour's loft. Boyet, Prepare, Madam, prepare. Arm Wenches, arm,.Incounters mounted are _ Againft your Peace, Love.doth approach,’ difguis’d, Armed in Arguments, you'll be furpriz’d, Mutter your Wits,,dtand in yourown Defence, Or hide your Heads |ike,Gowards, and fly hence. Prin, Saint Denxis,\t0 Saint Cupid ;,\What are they ‘That charge their Breath againft us?) Say,-Scout, fay. Boyer. Underthe cool Shade of a Sycamore, - I thought to clofe mine Eyes: fome half :an hour ; When lo to interrupt my purpos’d, Reft, Toward that Shade, I might behold, addreft The King and his Companions; warily? , I ftole into a Neighbour Thicket by, | And over-heard, what you thall over-héars) 9 That by and by difguis’d they will be here. Their Herald is a pretty} knavith Page, > ‘That well by heart hath conn’d his Embaflage. Action and Accent did they, teach him. there; Thus muft thou {peak, and thus thy Body bear. And ever and anon they. madeadoubts: jon ts Prefence Majeftical would. put him out: | For, quoth the King, an Angel fhalt thou fee, Yet fear not thou, but {peak audacioufly. The Boy reply’d, an, Angel.is not.evil; I fhould have fear’d her, had: the! beena Devil. OWA With that all Jaugh’d,..and. clap’d him onthe Shoulder; «v Making the bold Wag by their Praifes bolder. o: One rub’d his Elbow. thus,, and 'fleer’d,, and fwore, A better Spaech-was.never {poke before. Another with his: Finger, and his Thumb, Cry d via, we wilhdo’t, come whar will comes The third he caper*d.and cry’d, All goes well; The fourth turn’don the Toe, and down he fell; With that they all did tembleon the Ground, With fuch a zealous Laughter, fo profound, i That in this Spleen ridiculous appears, To check their Folly Paffions, folemn Tears. Prin. But what, but what, come they to vifit us? Boy. They do, they do; and are apparel’d thus, - Like Adufcovites, or Rufians, asl guels, | = Pheir } Love's: Labour's lof. 441 Their Purpofe is to parley, ‘court, and ‘dance, And every one his Love-feat will advance Unto his feveral Miftrefs:: Which they'll know By Favours fev’ral, which they did beftow. Prin. And will they fo? the Gallants-fhall be taske; For Ladies, we will every one be maskt: And not‘a ‘Man of them: fhall have the Grace Defpight of Sute, ‘to feea Lady’s face. Hold Rofaline, this Favour thou fhalt wear, And then the King will-court thee for his Dear: Hold, take thou this my Sweet, and give me thine, So fhall Biron take me. for Ro/aline. And change your Favours too, fo fhall your Loves Woo contrary, deceiv'd by thefe Removes. Rofa. Come on'then, ‘wear the Favours moft in fight. Kath, But in this changing, What is your Intent? Prin. The Effe& of my Intent is to crofs theirs ; They do it but in: mocking Merriment, And Mock for Mock is only my Intent. Their feverat Counfels they unbofom ‘fhall To Loves miftook, and fo be mockt withal : Upon the next Occafion that we meet With Vifages difplay’d to talk and greet. Rofa. But fhall we dance; if they defire us to’t? Prin. No, to the Death we will not move a foot, Nor to their pen’d Speech render we no Grace : But while ’tis fpoke; each turn away. her Face. Boyer. Why that Attempt will kill the Keeper’s Heart, And quite divorce his Memory from his Part. Prin. Therefore I do it, and I make no doubt, The reft will ne’er come in, if he be our. There’s no-fuch Sport, as Sport by Sport o’erthrown; To make theirs ours, and ours none but our own; So fhall we ftay mocking intended Game, And they well mockt, depart away with Shame. —[ Sound. Boy. The Trumpet founds, be maskt, the Maskers come. Enter the King, Biron, Longavile, Dumain, and ; — a a se Se i PENS AS we 1 i ih get: vat Bh a} a ¥ ee — . Aj2 Love's Labour's loft. Enter Armado. Arm. Anointed, Limplore fo much Expence of thy Royal fweet Breath, as will utter a Brace of Words. Prin. Doth this Man ferve God? Biron. Why ask you? Prin. He {peaks not like a Man of God’s making. Arm. That’s all one, my fair {weet honey Monarch; fer I proteft the Schoolmafter 1s exceeding fantaftical : Too too vain, too too vain: But we will put it, as they fay, to Fortunadelaguar. 1 with you the Peace of Mind, moft Royal Cupplement. | King. Here is like tobe a good Prefence of Worthies: He prefents Heétor of Troy, the Swain Pompey the Great, the Pa- rifh-Curate Alexander, Armado’s Page Hercules, the Pedant Fudas Machabens; and if thele four Worthies in their firft Shew thrive, thefe four will change Habits, and prefent the other five. Biron. There are fivein the firft Shew. King. You are deceiv’d, tis not fo. Biron. The Pedant, the Braggart, the Hedge-Prieft, the Fool, and the Boy. . A bare throw at Novum, and the whole World again Cannot prick out five fuch, take each one in’s Vein. King. The Ship is under fail, and here fhe comes amaine Enter Coftard for Pompey. | Coft. I Pompey am. Boyet. You lye, you are not he. Coft. I Pompey 47. Boyet. With Libbara’s Head on Knee. — Biron, Well faid, old Mocker, I mutt needs be Friends with thee. Coft. J Pompey am, Pompey furnam d the Big. Dum. The Great. 7 | Coft. It is great, Sir: Pompey; furnam a the Great ; That oft in Field, swith Targe and Shield, ) did make my Foe to fweat 3 And travelling along this Coaft, I here am come by Chances — And lay my Arms before the Legs of this fivect Lafs of gree ‘j Love’s Labour's loft. / 453 If your Ladythip would fay Thanks Pompey, 1 had done. Prin. Great Thanks, great Pompey. Coft. °Tis not fo much worth; but I hope I was perfec. I made a little Fault in great. | | Biron. My Hat to a Half-penny, Pompey proves the beft Worthy. Enter Nathaniel for Alexander. Nath. When in the World I liv'd, I was the World’s Com- meander, By Eaft, Weft, North and South, I Ipread my conquering | Might: | i My Efcutcheon plain declares that I am Alifander. Boyer. Your Nofe fays no, you are not; For it ftands too right. Biron. Your Nofe {mells no, in this moft tender {melling Knight. | Prin. The Conqueror is difmaid: - Proceed, good Alexander. Nath. When in the World I lie’d, I was the World's Com- WAUALL Boyer. Moft true, ’tis right; you were fo me ee re me ln ee ee Be ee ee ee a ‘ a : —— = a a ee — he es : = ra > « : : : has $ ad ‘ aot Z jf te / ~, +> —™ aR. ee . 7 fa i. * Meee, ee, 1S re : DwSe rs i _% 4 Pr 1 See 4 a . at ‘ s, a ~ ro - — ~~ rs SSRI TET = ate aah oo ar = ~ > : re ~ ~ — » - p- < ~ 2 — — . - . ~ ~ ~ => = —_ u ~—< e ~ — a My > a te ne - " “s 7 \ : " | , - : 4 : - * ~ ~ 7 4 a a. ™ . ™ - S . ‘ 1 ‘ 4 a c 7 - ! o \ ‘ - u rai : - m "> _ 5 ition ed Ana = e