THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL ENDOWED BY THE DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC PR2952 •S5 UNIVERSITY OF N biTY OF NC AT CHAPEL HILL 00011790403 ^. This book is due at the WALTER R. DAVIS LIBRARY on the last date stamped under "Date Due." If not on hold it may be renewed by bringing it to the library. °^^^ RET DUE "^'- °^^^ RET DUE "^'- '^^^BEC 9 1 ^^H! Al#%« m ^ mJV 2 ^m SIX OLD PLAYS, ON WHICH SHAKSPEARE FOUNDED HIS MEASURE FOR MEASURE. COMEDY OF ERRORS. TAMING THE SHREW. KING JOHN. K. HENRY IV. AND K. HENRY V. KING LEAR. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME. L IIIIM I * LONDON, Printed for S. L E a c r o f t, Charing-Crofs : And fold by J. Nichols, Rcd-Lion Paffage, Flect-flrcct; T. E V A N s, in the Strand ; and H. P a y n e, Pall Mali. MDCCLXXIX. # OLD PLAYS- VOLUME THE FIRST. CONTAINING PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. MEN^CHMI. THE TAMING OF A SHREW. THE TROUBLESOME REIGN OF K. JOHN. PART I. * a 3 £ ^^\ [ vil ] ADVERTISEMENT. lyrR; STEEVENS being of opinion that "^ thefe fix dramatic pieces, which have been occafionally quoted in the notes to the lafl edi- tion of Shakfpeare, are requifite in an entire (late 10 his illuftration ; I have undertaken to pubHIh them without departure from the original copies. Their claim to be preferved is built on their having fuggefted fuch plans as his fuperior genius and judgment enabled him to improve. — A bafket placed by accUlent over a weed, and covered with a tile, is recorded by Vitruvias as the origin of the Corinthian capital. Thefe Plays are here given In a fize corref[:>ond'* ing vAih that of the three Volumes of Antlent Englidi Dramas re publiPiied by the hue Mr. Hawkins, and may be confiJered as fu])p!emen:al to yiii ADVERTISE ]VI EN T. to his work. The plays of K. John and K. Lear had indeed been feparately re-printed, but were thought neceffary to complete the prefent col- le£lion. March ai, 1779. J. Nichols. T iiz THE RIGHT EXCELLENT AND FAMOUS H I S T O R Y E O F PROMOS AND CASSANDRA: Divided into Commical Discourses. In the Fyrfle Parte is fliowne, The unfufferable Abufe of a lewde Magi strate The vertuous Behaviours of a chalt^ L a d y e : The uncontrowled Leavvdenes ot a favoured Curtis an : And the undeferved Eilimadon of a pernicious Parasyte* In the Second Parte is difcourfed. The perfect Magnanimitye of a noble Kinge, In checking Vice and favouringe Vertue : Wherein is fhowne, The Ruyne and Overthrovve of dilhoneft Pradifes : . with the Advauncement of upright Dealing. The W o R K E of GEORGE WHETSTONES Gent. For7na: nulla fides. t 3 1 To his worfliipfuU Friend E, and Kinseman, yiLLIAM FLEETEWOODE Esquier, Recorder oF London. SYR, (defirous, to acquire yourtryed frenddvips, with fomc token of good will :) ot late I perufed divers ot my v.n- perfe6t workes, fully minded to bellowe on you, the travell of Ibme of my forepall'ed time. But (refohed to accompanye the adventurous Capraine b) r Humfrey Gylhert^ in his honorable voiadge,) I found my leyfure too littei to corred the errors in my fayd workes. So tiiat (intorced) I lerte them difparied, among my learned treendes, at theyr lealure, to polil'h, if I faild to returne : fpoyling (Dy this meanes) my fluddy ot his neceifarye furnyture. x'\monge other imregarded papers, I fownde this difcourfe ot Promos 2ii\di,CaJJlindra: which, for the rarenefl'e (and the needeful knowledge) of -he neceliary matter contained therein (to make the actions appeare more lively), I devided the whole Hillory into two Commedies : for that, dcconan ufed, it would not be convayde in one. The effects of both, are good and bad : vf rtue intermyxt with vice, un- lawfull defjres (yf it were pofible) queancht with chafle de- nyals : al needeful actions (1 thinke) for publike vewe. For by the reuarde of the good, the good are encowraged in *">fl doinge: and with the fcowrge of the lewde, the lewde are feared from evill attempts : maintaining this my oppinion with Platocs au6fority. Navj^htincJJc^ com?nes of the ccrriJption of nature y and not by read'mge or hearingc the li-vcs of the good or le-zi'dc (for fuch publication is necejfarye) , b^d goodmjj} (fayth hi.) is hea^wti- fycd by either aBion^ And to thele endes ; Menander^ Flautus^ and Terence themielves many yeares fince intombed (by their Commedies) in honour, live at this daye. The auncient Romansy heald their fliowes of fuche prife, that they not onely allowde the pbbllke exercife of them, but the grave Senators themfelves countenaunced the Aclon with their prei'enee: who from thefe trifles wonne morally tye, as th'" See f tckes honny from weedes. But rhe advifed devife? of auncient Pcets, ilifcredited, with the tryfeis of yonge, unadvifed, and rafhe A 2 witted r 4 ] r/itted wryters, hatli brought this commendable exercife in mifiike. F. r at this daye, the Italia}!, is fo hircivious in his Commedies, that honeft hearers are j^reeved at his a6lions : the Frenchman raid ^paniank tulows the Italians humor : the Germaine is too holye : tor he prefentes on every common .Stage, what Preachers fhould pronounce in Pulpets. The J^nglijjj^an in this quallirie, is mjfl vaine, indilcrev^re, and outot order: he firil: gr'unf'.es his worke, on impolTibilities : then in three hi^vvers ronnes zo. ihrovve the worlde : marryes, gets chil- dren, makrs children men, m.en to conquer kingdomes, murder monilers, and hringeth Gods riom Heaven, and tetcheth divels iVc.m Bel. And (ihat which is worft) their ground is not fo vinperfecl, as their wo'kinge indifcreete : not waving, fo the people lau^h, though ihey iaugh them (for thevr follyes) to fcorne: Manye.tymes (to make myrthe) they make a clowne companion with aKinge:'in theyr grave Counfels, they al- low the advife ot fools : yea they ufe one order of Ipeach f ^r all perfons : a grofe InJeccrum^ iv.x a Crowe, wyll yll countertet the Nightingales fueete voice : even fo, atleded Speeche doth milbecome a Clowne. For to worke a Commedie kindly, grave olce men, Ihouid inflruft : yon2e men, fliould fncwe the :mperre(5tions of youth : flrumpets ihculd be lafcivious : Boyes unhappy: andClownes, (hould be di {orderly e: enterniinglingall thefe actions, in fuclt forte, as the grave matrer may inftruct, and the pleafaht ^ielight : for without this chaunge, the at- tention, would be fmall : and the likirp;e, lefle. But leave I this rehearfall, of the ufe, and abufe of Com- medies : lealt.that, I checke that in others, which I cannot amend in myfelf. But this i am afiured, what actions fo ever pafTeth in this Hift:ory, either merry, or morneful : grave, or lafjivious": the concluiion Ihowcs, the confufion of vice, and the cheriling of Vertue. And fythe the end tends to this good, although the worke (becaufc of evei handiinge) be un- worthy your learned Cenfure, a'llowe (I befeechc you) of my good wyll, untyl leafure ferves me, to perfetf^, fomc labour of more worthe. No more, but that, almightye God be your protedtor, and preferve me from dainger, in this voiadge, the xxix. of July, 1578. Your Kinfihaii to ufe, George Whetstone- The [ 5 ] The PRINTER to the READER GENTLE Reader, this labour of Malfler Wbetflous, came into my handes, in his fyr^l: coppy, whofe leafure was fo lyttle (being then rendie to depart his Country) that he had no time to worke it anew, nor to geve apt in{l:ruv5tions, to prynte fo difficult a worke, bevng full of variety, both matter, fpeache, and verfe: for that c/ery fundry Acior, hath in all thefe a fundry crrace ; fo that, if I commit an error, without blaming the Auftor, amend mv amifi'e: and ifbychaunce thou light of fome fpeache that feemeth dark, coniider of it with judgment, before thou condemne the worke: for in many places he is driven, both to praife, and blame, with one breath, which in readinge wii feenie hard, and in ai^ion ap- peare pla^ne. Uline this ccurtefy, I hould my paynes wel fatisfyed, and Maifter IVhetJlon uninjured : and for my owne part, I wil not faile to procure fuch bookes as may profit thee with delight. Thv Friend R. I. THE E ? 3 THE A R G U M E N OF THE W H O L E H I S T O R Y E. IN the Cy tie o^ Julio (fometimes under the dominion of Cor-ae*s clamors, he comirjaunded the Gayler fecretly, to preient Cajfandra with her brother's head. The Gayler, with the outcryes of Andrugio^ abhonyng Promos lewdene?, by the providence of God, provyded thus tor his I'atery. He pre- vented Cajfandra with a fe'ons head n^wJie executed, who (being mangled, knew it not from her brother's, by the Gaylor, who was fet at ilberiie) was fo as^reeved at this trccherye, that at the pointe to kyl her felfe, fhe fpared that llroke to be avenged Q>{ Fromoi, And devifyng a way, flie concluded, to make her fortunes knov/ne unto the kinge. She (executinge this refolu- tion) was io highly favoured of the king, that forthwith he hafted to do juliice on Promos: whofe judgment was, to marrye CoJJltndra^ to repaire her crafed honour : which donne, for his hainous offence he fli®uld lofe his head. This maryage for lerhpnifed, Cajfandra tyed in the greatell: bondcs of aftcdtion to her hu{band, became an 'earneft futer for his life: the kinge (tendringe the generall benefit of the common weale, before her fpecial cafe, ahhough he favoured her much) would not graunt her fute. Andntgio (difguifed amonge the company) forrowing the griefe of his filter, bewrayde his fafetye, and craved pardon. The kinge, to renowne the vertues of CaJ- fandra, pardoned both him and Promos, The circumiiances of this rare Hiiloryej in action lyvelye foloweth. TH E THE H I S T O R I E O F PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. ACTUS I. S C E N A I. Promos, IMayor, Shlrife, S'.vorde-bePcrer : 0;2e vjil/j a hunche of kijes : Phailax, Prcmos Man. YO U officers which now in Julio flaye, Know you our leauge, the Kmg ot 'llungarky Sent me Vromos^ tojoyne with you in fvvay. That ilill we may to Juilice have an eye. And now to fliow my rule and pawer at large Attentiveiie his Letters Pattents heare: PhaUaXf reade but my Soveraines chardge. Phailax, As you commaunde, I wyl give heedefull earc. [Phailax rcadeth the Kinge*s Letters y njohicb muji he fayre I'critten in parchment^ -xnth fame great count frfeat zeale. Promos, Loe, here you fee what is our ibveraignes wyl ; Loe, heare his wifli that right, not might beare Iwaye; I-oe, heare his care to weede trom go- d the yll, 7"o koLirge the wights good lawes that diiob.iy. Such I 1^ THEHISTOKIEOJ Such ieale he beares unto the Common wcale, (How fo he bids, the ignorant to fave) As he commaundes, the levvde do rigor feele : 5uch is his vviHi, fuch is my wyli to have ; And fuch a Judge, here Proinos vovves to be. No ivylfull wrong Iharpe purifiiment fhall myfle; The fimple ihrall Ihal be judgde with mercie, l^ve^ hate Each (hall be doombde even as his merite is. andgaine, tf:e Xove fh?-li not ftaye, nor hate revenge procure, caufes of Li' Ne yet fhall coyne corrupt or foller wrong : jtifiice* I doo proteil, whylUe that my charge indure, For friende nor foe to finge a partial fong. Thus have you heard howe my Commiffion goes ; He abfent, I prefent our Soveraigne rtiil : It aunfweres then, each one his dutie Ihowes, To mee, as him, what I commaunde and wyll. Mayor, Worthy Deputie, at thy chardge wc jcye, We doe fubmitte our felves to worke thy heaft : Receive the fword of Juftice to deflroy The wicked impes, and to defend the reft. Sbzrife. Our Citty keyes take wiftit Liftenant heare ; We doe committe our fafetie to thy head : Thy wyfe forefight will keepe us voyde of feare. Yet wyil we be affiilant iHll at neede. Fromos, Both {^QT^xz and keies unto my princes ufe I doo receive and gladlie take my chardge. Jr reiieth nowe, for to reforme abufe, A\''e poynt a tyme of xrouncell more at lardgc ; To treat of which, a whyle we wyil depart. All Jpeake, To worke jour wyil we yeelde a wyllinglimt. ACTUS PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. |^ ACTUS I. SCENAII. Lamia, a Gurtlzane^ enireth Jynging^ Tlie SONG. Al a flaunt now vaunt it, bra. e wenche caft away care Willi Layes of Love chaunr ir, for no coft fee thou iparc. Sith nature hath made thee wi(h bewty tnofl brave, Sith fortune doth lade thee vvitn what thou wo.ildft have; Ere pleafjrc doth vade thee, thy felle fet to fale, All wai.tons will trade thee, and ftowpe to thy llale. AH a flaunt, ut Jupra, Yong Ruflers maintaines thee, defends thee and thine ; Olde Dottrels retalnes thee, thy beuties fo fliine ; Though many difdayncb thee, yet none may thee tuch j Tlius envie refraynes thee, thy countinaunce is fuch. Ail a flaunt, ut fupra. Shee fpeahth, Triumphe fayre Lamia now, thy wanton flag advaunce, Set foorth thy felf to bravefl fliow, boft thou of happy chauncc Gyrle, accompt thou thy felfe the cheefe of Lady Pleafure*f traine \ Thy face is faire, thy forme content, thy fortunes both doth flaine. Even as thou wouldfl: thy houfe doth llande, thy furniture is 'J'hy weedes are brave, thy face is fine, and who for this doth paye ? Thou thy felf? no, the rufhing Youthes that bathe in wanton blifle, Yea, olde and dooting fooles fometimes doo helpe to paye for this. Free coit betweene them both I have, all this for my behove ; I am the ilerne that gides their thoughts, looke what I like, they love. Few of them flurre that I byd ftaie; if I bid go, they flye ; It I on foe purfiie revenge, Akrme a hundred crye, Th» 12 THEHISTORIEOF The brnvefr, I their havf?, .their handes, their purfes holdc at wyl, Joynde ;vith the credire of the bell:, to bovvlfler mee in yll. But fee wi.eras my truftie man doth run ; what newes brinos he? ACTUS I. SCENA III. Rolko (Lamia's Mar,) Lamia, Good people ; did none of you my millreire Lamia fee? Lav^Ia. Rpf:o, what newes, that in fuch hall you come blovvinor? Rojfko, MiflrefTe, you mufl (hut up your fliops, and leave your oc- cupying. L.amla. What fo they be, foolifli knave, tell me true ? Rojho, Oh yll, for thirtie befyde> you. Lamia. For me, good fellowe ! I prav thee why fo ? Rqjlo. Ee patient MlHrefie, and you fhali kncwc. Lamia» Go too, h^j on. Rojho. Marrie, right nowe at the Seffions I was, And thirtie muft to Trujfum corde go. Among the which (I vveepe to fhowe) alas : Lamia, Why, what's the matter, man ? RoJJio, O Arulruno, For loving too kindlic, mud loofe his heade, And his fweete hart mull: wcere the fl-iamefuU weedes Ordainde for Dames that fall through licflily deedes. Lainia. Is this offence in queflion come againc ? Teil, tell no more; tys tyme this tale were done: See, f.e, how foone mv triumphe tunies to paine. Rojlo. PROMOS AND CASS ANDRA. 13 MillrefTe, you promifed to be quiet. For Gods fake, for your owne fake, be fo. Lamia, Alas, poore Rofio, our dayntie dyet Our braverie and all we muft torgo. Rqjh. I am forie. Lamia, Yea, but out alas, forrowe wyll not ferve : Rfljlco, tbou mull needes provide thee elfe where ; IMy gayncs are pail, yea, I my {q\\q might llarve, Save that I did provide tor a deare yeare. RcJI:o. They rewarde fayre (iheir harveil in the ilacke) When winter comes that byd their fcrvaunts packe. Alas mifrrelfe, if you turne mee off now, Better then a Roge none wyll me ailowe. Lamia, Thou 111 alt have a Pafporte. RqfJ:o, Yea, but after what forte? Lamia, Why, that thou wert mv man. Rofco, O the judge, fylde {howes the favour. To let one theefe bayle another : Tufli, I know, ere L)ng you fo wyll flyp awaye. As you, for your felfe, mull feeke fome tellimony Of your good lyfe. Lamia, Never feare : honeilly * Lamia nowe meanes to ly ve even tyll fae dve. Rqfro. As jumpe as apes in view of nuttes to daunce, Kytte will to kinde, of cuttome, or by chaunce : Well, howe fo you frande upon this Holy poynt. For the thing you knovy.e, you v/y 11 jeopard a joynt. L.amia, Admitte I would, my hazarde \\ ere in vaine. , Rojh U THEHISTORIEOF Rnjho. Perhappes I know to tnrne the fame to galne. Lamia. Thou comforts mee, good Rojho^ tell me howe ? Rojho, You wyl be honeft, 'twere fyn to hinder you. Lamia, I dyd but jeafl, good fweete fervaunt, tell mee. Rojko, Su'eete fcrvaunt now, and lare, pack Syr, God bwy 3-e.' Lamia, Tufh, to trye thy unwiningneffe, I dyd but jeafl. RoJJ:o, And I do but trye how long you would be honef!. Lamia. I thought thy talke was too fweete to be true. Rofno, Yea, but meant you to byd honeicie a due ? Lamia, No, I dyd fo long fince, but inforile by need. To byd him welcome home againe, I was decreede* RoJliO. Verle good, m'lftrefle, I know your minde. And for your eafe this remedle 1 finde : Prying abroade for playfcllowes and fuch. For you millrefle, I heard of one Fhallax, A man elleemde of Promos verie much : Of whofe nature I was fo bolde to axe. And I fmealt he loved lafe mutton we!L La}}iia» And what of this ? RoJko, Marry of this, if you the Witye can tell To towle him home, he of you wyll be fayne, Whofe countenaunce wyll fo excufe your faultes, As none, for life, dare of your lyfe complaine. Laynia, A good device, God graunt us good fuccefle; But I praye thee, what trade dorh he pi ofcife ? Rojj^o, He is a paltrie petyfogger. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, i^ Lcwiia, All the better, fufpition wyll be the lefle* Well, go thy wayes, and if thou him efpye. Tell him from mc that I a caufe or two Woulde put to him at leyfure wyllinglie. Rojho. Hir cafe is fo common, that fmall pleading wyl ^'^^ purge of ferve, ^'^w^ (and not I go (nay ronne), your commaundement to ob- ^f"^^^^, ^^P^*^ ferve. '^^ kwde m lamia. «''^^- Aye me alas, lefle P/jallax heipe poore wench undone I am ? My foes nowe in the winde wyll lye to worke my openfharac t Mow envious eyes will prie abroade offenders to intrap, Of force noweLamla mull be chaffe, to Ihun a more milhap. And, wanton girle, how wilt thou fhift for garments fine and gay ? For dainty fare, can crufts content? who fhal thy houferent pay? And that delights thee mofl: of all, thoxKmuft thy daliauncc leave ; ^ And can then the force of lawe or death, thy mindc of lovs- bereave ? In good faith, no: the wight that once hath tail the fruits oT love, UntiU her dying daye will long Sir Chaucer's jefts to prove, ACTUS r. SCiiNAIV. Lamia's Mayde, Lamia; MayJe. Forfooth Mlilris yourthraule flayesforyou at home; Lamia. Were you borne in a myll curtole? you prate io hyc. Mayde, The gcntelman that came the lail day with Captain Prlf. ,,,, Lami09 Wl hat, young Hipolito f i6 THEHISTORIEOF Even he. Lamia, Leafl: he be gone, home hye. And will that Dalia pop him in the neather roome. And keepe the falling doore cloie tyil I come ; And tell my thraulc his tortune vvyll not ihne. Wyll you ought elfe ? [Exif. Lamia, Pratyng vixen, away ! Gallants adue, I venter muft Hipoiito to fte. He is both young and welihy yet, the better fpoyle for mec. 'Note, ^^'Iy halfard for hi> fake I trowe, fhall make him pray and pay : He, he (hail pranck me in my plumes, and deck mee brave and Of Curtifie, I praye you yet, if Pbailax come this waye, Report, to put a cafe with him, heare Lamia long dyd flay, lExit, ACTUS II. S C E N A I. Callandra, a jSIayd. Cajfandra. AYE mce, unhappy wenche, that I muft live the day To fee Anclntgio tymejes dye, my brother and my flay. The only meane, God wor, that fhould our houfc -.'.dvaunce Who in the hope of his good hap, muft dy through wanton chance. O blynde aifedes in love, whofe torment es none can tell. Yet wantons wyll byde fyre and frofl, yea halfard The force death, nay hell, " ^ of Love, To tafle thy fowre iweete frute=, digefled flyll with care ! Fowle fail thee Love, thy lightning joyes hath blafled my vveli'are ; Thou fyerft aftedion fyrft within my brothers brefl : Thou PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, i; Tliou mad'll PoUna graunt him (earfc) even what he would re" quell : Thou mad'ft him crave and have a proofe of Fenus nieede, For which foule aft he is aujudg'd eare long to lofe his heade. The lawe is fo fevere in fcourging flefhly finne As marriage to worke atter mends doth feldorae favor win. A law firil made of zeale, bur wrefled much amis : Faults fliould be meafured by defert, but all is one A good lav:t in this : -y^^ executed. The lecher fyerd with lull: is punifhed no more Then he which fel through force of love whofc marriage falves his fore ; So that poore I difpayre of my Andrugios lyfe, O would my dayes myght end with his, for to appeafe my ftryfe! A C T U S II. S C E N A II. Andrugio in Prifo?u Caflandra. CaJJandra* My good fyfler Cajfandra ? Cajfandra, Who calleth Cajfandra ? Andrugio, Thy wofull brother Andrugio, Cajfandra, Andru^ioy o difmall day, what greefes doe mee aflaylc ? Condempned wretch to lee thee here fall fettered now in jayle ! How haps thy wits were witched fo that knowing death was mcede . . . Thou wouldell commit (to flay us both) this vile lafcivious deede. Andrugio, O good Cajfandra, leave to check, and chide me thraulc therfore, If laterepentaunce wrought me helpe, I would doe fo no more. But out alas, I wretch, too late doe forrowe my amys Unles Lord Promos graunt me grace, ia vayne is had ywiil. g Wherfort «8 THEHISTORIEOF Wherfore fvveete fifler whyUl In hope my dampned lyfe yet were, Aflaulte his hart in my behalfe with battering tyre of teares. If thou by fute doell lave my lyfe, it both our joyes will be, If not, It may fuffice thou foughtft to fet thy brother free : Wherfore fpeede to proroge my dayes, to-morrow e elfe I dye, Cajpittdra* I w^'ll not fayle to pleade and praye to purchafe the mercye, Farewell awhyle, God graunt me well to fpeede. Andrugio, Syiler adew ; tyl thy returne I lyve twene hope and dreede. Cajfandra, Oh happy tymc ! fee where Lord Pro?nos comes. Now tongue addrcffe thy felfe my mind to wray : And yet leaft hade worke wafte, I hold it befl In covert, for fome advauntage, to Hay. ' . ACTUS II. S C E N A IIL Promos 'Vjlth the Shrlefe, and their Officers, Promos, 'Tis (Irange to thinke what fwarms of unthrlfts live Within thistowne, by rapine, fooyle, and theft. That were it not that juftice ofte them greeve The j'jft mans goods by ruflers fnould be reft. At this our fyfeare thirtye judgde t® dye Whofe falles I fee their fellowes fmally feare. So that the way is, by feverity Such wicked weedes even by the rootes to teare. Wherefore, Shrlefe y execute with fpeedy pace The dampned wights, to cutte of hope of grace. Shrlefe, It ilial be done. Cajfandra to hhfelfc, O cruell words they make my hart to bleedc : Kow, now I muft this dome feekc to revoke Leart grace come (hort when llarved is the (leede. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 19 She hieeling fpeakes to Promos. JMoft mighty lord, a worthy judge, thy judgement fharpe abate, Vaile thou thine eares to heare the plaint that wretched I relate. Behold the wo full fyfter here of poore Andruglo^ Whom though that lavve awardeth death, yet mercy do him fhow. Way his yong yeares, the force of love which forced his amis, Way, way that'mariage works amends for what committed is. He hath defilde no nuptiall bed, nor forced rape hath mov'd ; He fel throucrh love who never ment but wive the wight he lov'd : And wantons fure to keepe in awe thefe ftatutes firft were made, Or none but lullfull leachers Ihould with rygrous law be payd. And yet to adde intent thereto is farre from my pretence ; I fue^vith teares to wyn him gra^^that forrows his offence. Wherefore herein, renowned lorde, jufrice with pitee payfe Which two, in equall ballance waide, to heaven your lame will raife. Promos, Cajpindm, leave of thy bootleffe fute, by law he hath bene tride, tawe founde his faulte, lawe judgde him death, Cajfandra, Yet this maye be repiide, That law a mifchiefe oft permits to keepe due forme of lawe. That lawe fmall faultes, with greateft doomes, to keepe men llyl in awe. Yet kings, or fuch as execute r'egall authoritye, If mends be made, may over-rule the force of lawe with mercie. Here is no wylful murder wrought which axeth blood againe j Andritgio^s fiiuke may valued be, marriage vv'ipes out his ilayne. Promos, Faire dame, I fee the naturall zeale thou bearSfi: to Andrugio^ And for thy fake (not his delart) this favour wyll I fhowe : 1 wyll repry ve him yet a whyle, and on the matter pawl'e ; To-morrowe you fliall lycence have afrefli to pleade his caufe, 8bri\fe execute my chardge, but llaye Andrugio, Untill that vou in this behalfe more of my pleafure knowe. B 3 ^kr'^^fi^ 20 '-" T H E H I S T O R I E O F Shriefe, I vvyll performe your wyll. CaJJanJra, O mofl worthy magiftrate, myfelfe thy thrall I blnde, Even for this lytle lightning hope which at thy handes I finde. Now wyl I go and comfort him which hangs twixt death and life. {Exit, Promos. Happle is the man that injoyes the love of fuch a wife. I do proteft hir modefl wordes hath wrought in me amaze. Though (he be fairc, (he is not deackt with garifh fhewes for gaze; Hir bewtee lures, hir lookes cut off fond futes with chall dif- dain; O God I feele a fodaine change that doth my freedome chayne ! What didft thou fay ? fie Promos, fie ! of hir avoide the thought. And fo I will ; my other cares will cure what love has wrought. Come awaye. \_Exeu?it, A C T U S II. S C E N A IV. Phallax, Promos Officer, Gripax atid Rapax Promoters, Phallax, My trufty friendes about your bufinefie ftraight. With fymple fhovves your fubtile meanings bayte : Promote all faults up into my office, Then turne me lofe the offenders to fleece. Gripax, TuHi, to finde lawe breakers let me alone, I have eyes will look into a mvlrtone. Phallax, God a mercy Gripax, Rapax. And I am fo fubtyll fighted I trowe, As I the very thoughts of men doo know. Gripax. I fayth, Rapax what thought thy wife when fh?. To lye with the precil by night Hole from thee ? Ritrx PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, ai Rapax. Marry (he knew yon and I were at Iquare; And leart we fell to bloivcs, (he did prepare To arme my head, to match thy horned browe. Gripax* Goe and a knave with thee. Rapax, I Hay for you. PbaJIax. No harme is done, here is but blow for blow, Byrds of a fether beil flye together : Then like partners about your market goe : Marrowes adew : God fend you fayre wether. Grip ax. Fare you well ; for us take no care, With us this brode fpeeche fildome breedeth fquare. [Exeunt, Phallax. INlarry Syr, wel fare an office, what fome ever it be, [Phallax The very countenaunce is great, though llender be the alone, fee. I thanke my good Lord Promos now, I am an officer made, In footh more by hap then defart, in fecret be it fayde. Office, No force for that, each fnyft for one, for Phallax will doo fo ; Well Hire a head can take his tyme, noy watch for tyme I trow. I fmyle to thinke of my fellowes how fome brave it, fome waight, And thinke reward there fervice juft, with olfred A note for fl-iifts wyl bayght ; wqyghters. When they (poore foulcs) in troth do falle a myle upon account, For flattery and fervent plefing are meanes to make men mount : I fpeak on proofs : Lord Pro^nos I have pleafed many a day, Yet am I neither learned, true, nor honelf any way. What fkyls for that, by wit or wyle, I have an office got, By force wherof every lycence, warrant, pattent, pafport, Leace, fyne, fee, ct cetera^ pas and r-cpas, through Phallax hands Difordred perfons brybe me wel to efcapc from juHice hands. And welthy churles for to promote, I have now fet a worke Such hungry lads as foone will fmell where iktute breakers lurk J B 3 And 21 THE HISTORIC OP And if they come within our grype, we meane to flripe them To As (if they fcape from open fhame) their bagges with us Ihall goe. And truft me this, we officers of this mylde mould are wrought ; Agree with us and fure your fhame by us (hal not be fought. But foft a whyle, I fee my Lord ; what makes him lowie fo ? I vvyll intrude into his fight, perhaps his greefe to know. ACTUS II. S C E N A IV. Phallax. Promos* Promos, Well mette Vhallax^ I long have wyflit to (howc A caufe to thee which none but I yet know. FhaUax, Say on my Lord, a happy man weare I If any way your wifh I could fupply. PrCrllOi, Faine would I fpeake, but oh, a chyliing feare (The cafe is fuch) makes mee from fpeech forbeare. Phallax. Thefe wordes my lord (whome ever have bene juft) Now makes, me thinke, that you my truth miflruft. But dsafe fufpetl, my wyll with yours (liall gree, IVhat fp (or againft whome) your dealing be. Promos, Againft a wight of fmall account it is, And yet I feare, I fhall my purpofe inys. Phallax, Feare not my Lord, the olde proverbe doth fayc Faynt harts doth fleale fayre ladyes feld away. Promos, Fayre ladyes ! O, no ladye is my love, And yet fhe fure as coyc as they wyl prove. Phallax. I thought as much love did torment you (o. But what is Ihe that dare faye Promos noe ? Promos, Doe what one can, fvre wyll breake forth 1 fee, :RIy PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. :1 My words unwares hath ihowen what gieeveth me : My wound is fuch as love muft be my leache, Which cure wyll bring my gravity in fpeechc. For what may be a folly of more note, Then for to fee a man gray beard to dote, Phallax, No my lord, Amor omnia 'vincit. And O-vid fayth, Forma 7iumen habet. And for to prove love's fervice feemes the wife, Set Sailamoii and Sampfon^ before your eyes ; For wye, and rtrength who wonne the cheefeft prife. And both lyv'd by the lawes love did devife, Which proves in love a certaine Godhed lyes : And Goddes rule yearely by wifdome from the ftye?> Whofe wyis (thinke I) are wrought bell by the wife. Promos, Indeede divine I thinke loves working is, l^rom reafons ufe in that my fenfes fwarve ; In pleafure paine, in payne I fy nde a blyfle ; On woe I feede, in fight of foode I flearve : .Thefe ftrange effects by love are lodg'd in mee, My thoughts are bound, yet I mvfelfe am free. Fballax, Well my good Lord, I axe (with pardon fought) Who fhe may be that hath your thrauldome wrought. Promos, The example is fuch as I fygh to fhowe, Syfler fhe is to dampned Andrugio, Phallax, All the better for you the game doth goe ; The Proverbe fayth that kyt wyll unto kinde : If this be true, this comfort then I fynde — CaJJlvidra^s flerti is as her brother's frayle ; Then wyll fhe floupe (in cheefe) when lords afTayle. Promos, The contrary (through feare) doth worke my payne, For in her face fuch modelly doth raigne. As cuttes of loving futes with challe difdayne. Phallax, What love wyll not necelSty fhall gayne ; B 4 ' Hrr f^ THEHISTORIEOI? Her brother's lite will make her glad and fayne. Promos, What is it V>eft Andnigio free to fet, Ere I am lure his fyfter's love to gette ? Fhallax, My Icvyng lorr^, your fervaunt meanes not fo ; But if you wyll, eife where in fecret goe : To worke your wyl), a Ihift I hope to fhowe^ Promos. "With ryght good w)-ll, for fuch my ficknes is, As I fhall dye ii" her gopd will I mys, \Exeunf, A C T U S II. S C E N A V. T^r Hangman 'with a greate matty ropes abciight his ncdc. The wynd is yl blowes no man's gaine, for cold I neede not care, • Here is n -ne and twenty fates of apparrell for my {hare : And fome, 'oerkdy, very good, for fo Itanderh the cafe As neyther gentelman nor other lord, Promos Iheweth grace. But I marvell much poore flaves, that they are hanged fo foone j They were wont to Haye a day or two, now fcarce an after noone. All the better for the hangman, I pardons dreaded fore, Would cutters fave whofe clothes are good, I never fear'd the poore. Let me fee, I mufl be dapper in this my facultie ; Heare arc new ropes : how are my knots ? I faiih fyr, flippery. At fall or loofe, with my Giptlan^ I meane to have a call ; Tenne to one I read his fortune by the marymas fall. Serg, Away, what a flur is this, to lee men goe to hanging ? Irlangmaji. Harke, Godi bwy ye : I mull be gone, the prlfncrs are a {Exit. ACT U S iTvOMOS AND CASSANDRA; aj ACTUS II. S C E N A VI. Si>\c pyijhicrs honntie tvltb cords. Tivo Hackfters, one Woman, o:jc like a Giptian, the rcji poore Roges, a Preacher, w/V/fi» other Officers, They Jlng, With harte and voyce to thee O Lordc, Ar latter gafpe, for grace we crie : Unto our futes, good God accorde. Which thus appcale to thy mercie. Forfake us not in this dlfrreire, Which unto thee our linnes confelTe : Forfake us not in this dillrelTe, Which unto thee our finnes confefTe. Flrft Hacyrer. Al forts of men beware by us whom prefent death aflliults ; Looke in your confcience what you find, and forow for }'our faults. Example take by our freih harme?, fee here the fruites of pride : ], for my part deferred death, long ere my theft was fpide. O careles youth lead awrie with everie pieafing toy, Note well my words, they are of woorth, the caufe though my annoy. Shun to be pranckt in peacocks plumes for gaze which only are; Hate, hate the dyce even as the divell ; of wanton Dame* beware. Thefe, thefe wer they that fuckt my vvelth ; what fclowed them in neede, Twas intiit by lawlcs men on theevifli fpoyles to feede. And nufled once in wicked deedes I fcard not to ottende, From bad, to worfe and vvorll I fell, I would at leyfure mcndc. But oh, prefuming over much ftyll to efcape in hope, My faultes were found and I adjudgde to totter in a rope: To which I go with thefe my mates, likewife for breach of laives. For mL;rdcr feme, for theeverie fome, and fome for litle caufe. S^eccnd i6 THEHISTORIEOF Second Hackjier, Beware deere friends of quarelling, thirflfpoile of no mans breath ; Biood axeih blood \ I (heeding blood iintimelie catch my death. A Woman, Maides and women, fiiun pride and (loth, the rootes of every vice ; My death ere long wil iliew their ends ; God graunt it make you wife 1 A Scoffing Cafchpole, How now, Giptian f All a inort knave, for want of com- pany ? Be cruitie man : the Hangman flraight "wil rcade fortunes with thee. I'he Preacher, With this thy fcoffing fpeach, good friend, offend him not, Kis faults are fcorged ; thine fcape (perhaps) that do deferve his lot. Apoore Roge. Jefus fave me, I am call for a purfe with three halfc pence, A cburlijlo Officer. Difpatch, prating knave and be hang'd, that we were jogging hence. They ley furablie depart fynging; the Preacher whifpcring fume one or other of the Prifoners Ityil in the eare. Toeyjlng, Our fecrete thoughts, thou Chrill doft knowe, Whome the vvorlde doth hate in thrall j Yet hope we that thou wilt not foe, On whome alone we thus do call. Forfake us not in this diftreife, Which unto thee our linnes confeiTe ; Tor fake us not, &c, ACTUS tROMOS AND CASSANDRA, i; ^^^'^'§'-?S5-'^^ ACTUS III. S C E N A I, Promos ahm, Pro??J05, D O what I can, no reafon cooles defire : The more I ftrive my fonde aticdes to tame. The hotter (oh) I feele a burning fire Within my brcall:, vaine thoughts to forge and frame* ilraying efTectes of blinde afle6ted love. From wifdomes pathes which doth aftraye our wittes ; Which makes lis haunt that which our harmes doth move^ A ficknefle lyke, the fever Etticke firtes, Which {hakes with colde when we do burne like fire. Even fo in Love we freefe through chilling feare, When as our hartes doth frye with hote deiire. What faide I ? lyke to Erticke fittes ? nothing neare ; ^ In fowreft Love, fome iweete is everfuckt : The lover findeth peace in wrangling ftrife. So that if paine were from his ple.akire pluckt. There were no heaven like to the Lover's life. But why ftande I to pleade their joye or woe, And reit unfure of hir I wifii to have? 1 know not if Cajjancfra love, or noe : Bat yet admytte fnegraunt not what I crave, It I be nyce to hir brother lyfe to give : Hir brother's life too much wyll make her Might moo yeelde— ^ Jlas right, A promife then to let hir brother lyve. Hath force inough to make her flie the fielde. Thus though iute fayle, necelfitie fhall wyn Of lordlie rule the conquering power is fuch : Bat (oh fweete fight) fee where Ihe enters in : Both hope and dreade, at once my hane doth tuch. ACTUS 2$ THEHISTORIEOF ACTUS III. S C E N A II. CafTandra, Promos. Cajfandra fpeahes to herfdfe, Cajfandra, I fee tu'o thralles, iwztx^ feen-ies a lytle joye ; For fancies '*Vee Avdnr-lo's brcail iiath Icope : " But leaft cietrad doth rayle a new annoye, .1 nowe will feeke to runic to happe his hope. See, as I vviilit, Lord PrcfKJs is in place ; Nowe in my fute God graunt I maye finde grace. Shfc kneel! rijr fpeahs to Piomos. Renowned Lnrde, whylll life in me doth lail, In homage bondes I binde myfelfe to thee ; .And though I did thy goodnelTe lafelie taile, Yet once againe on knees I mercie feeke l^r,^ his behaife that hanges twene death and life, \Vho tlyil is pi eart if you the mendes do leeke, His la'A'les love to make his lawfull wile. Fror/uys. Faire casne, I wel have wayd thy fute, and wifn to do thee good, K'.it all in vaine, al things conclude to have thy brother's blood, Tlie ilricknes of the lawe condempnes an ignorant abufe, Then wyltifl taulres are hardlie helpt or cloked with excufe; And what maye be more wylrull then a maide to violate? CrJJanrf-^-a, The force was fmal when with her wyl he, wretch, the con- queil gate. Pro:nas. Lawe ever at the worft dodi confter evyl intent. Cajfandra, And lawe even with the worft awardes them punifnment ; /.nd firh that ligoro-is lawe adjudged him to dye, Your glorie ;vili be much the more in (hov/ing him mercie. The world will tl;iink how that yoii^do but giuunt him grace on caufc : ^ And P R ?vl O S AND CASSANDRA. 5^ And where caufe is there mercy fnoiild abate the force of lawes. Pro.'nos. Caffanilra, in thy brother's halfe thou hafl fayde what may be; And for thy fake it is- it^ I doe fet Andrugio free. " Shart talc to make, thy beauty hath furpryzed me with love. That maugre wit, I turne my thoughts as blynd affedions move. And quite fubdude by Cupids might, neede makes me fue for grace To thee Cajfandra which doeft holde my freedome in a lace. Yeelde to my will, and then commaund even what thou wilt of mee ; Thy brother's life, and all that elfe may with thy liking grce. Caffandra, And may it be, a Judge' himfelf the felf fame [CaJJaiudra fault fliould ax, ~ to herfelf. For which he domes an others death ? O crime without ex- cufe ! Renowned lorde, you ufe this fpeach (I hope) your thrall to trye, If ctherwife my brother's life fo deare I will not bye. Fromos. Faire dame my outward lookes my inward thoughts bewray. If you millruft, to fearch my harte, would God you had a kaye ! Cajfandrcit -If that you love (as fo you faye} the force of love you know. Which felt, in coni'cience you iliould my brother ravour Ihow. Promoi, 111 doubtful! warre one prifoner ilill doth fet another free. Cajfandra, What fo warre feekes, love unto warre contrary is you fee. Hate folireth warre, love cannot hate, then m.aye it covet force. Idromost The lover ofte fues to his foe, and findeth no remorfe. Then if he hap to have a helpe to wyn his frowarde foe, 1^00 kindle a foole I will him holde that lets fuch vantage goe, Cajjiindra, Well, to be fiiort, my felte vvyll dye ere I my honor ftayne ; You know my myade, leave oif to tempt, your ctlers are in vaine. 30 THEHISTORIEOF Promos, ^Bethink yourfelf at price enough I purchafe, Aveet, you|; love ; Anilruglo'* s life fuffis'd alone your fcraungenes to remove ; The which I graunt, with any wealth that elie you wyll re*» quire : Who buyeth love at fuch a rate, payes well for his dclire, Cajfandra, No, Promos^ no ; honor never at value maye be folde ; Honor farre dearer is then life, which palTeth price of gold* Promos, To bule this Juel at the full, my wife I may thee make. Cajjandra, For unfure hope, that peerelefs pearle I never will forfake. Promos, Thefe futes feemes flrange at lirll, I fee v.her \J'o hm- modefty beares fway ; felf, I therfore wil fet down my wyll, and for hir anfwer ftaye. Fay re Cajfandra^ the juel of myjoye, Howe fo in fhowe my tale feemes llraunge to thee. The iiime well waide, thou need'll not be fo coye, Yet for to give thee refpite I agree. I uyll two daies hope llyll ot thy confent ; Which if thou graunt (to cleare my clowdes of care) Cioth'd like a Page (fufpeft for to prevent) Unto my Court, fome night, fweet wenche, rcpaire. Tyl then adue ; thou thefe my v/ords in works perrorm'd fliall find, Cajfandra, Farevvel my Lord, but in this fute you booties waft your wind. Cajfandra ! O moil unhappy, fubjecl to everie wop, What tonge can tel, what thought conceive, what pen thy guelle can Ihew ! Whom to fcurge, heaven and earth do lieapes of tliral ordain. Whole words in wafte, whofe works are loft, whofe willies are in vain. That which to others coinfort yeelds, doth cnufe my heavy cheer, J meane, my beautie breedes my bale, which many hold {<^ deere* X would PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 31 I would to God that kinde elfe where beftowed had this blafe. My vertues then had wrought regard, my fliape now gives the gafe. This forme lb Promos fiers with love as wifdom cannot quench His bote defire, tyll he lufl in Fcnus' leas hath drencht. At thefe wordes Ganio muil be readie to fpcake. ACTUS III. S C E N A IIL Ganio, Andr^ugio's ^oye, CafTandra. Ganio. Midrefs Cajandra, my malter longs to heare of your good Ipeed. CaJJandra. Poore Ganio ^ his death alas, fierce fortune hath decreed. Gau'O. His death ! God forbid all his hope fiiould turne to fuch fuccefie ; For God's fake, go and comfort him, I forrowe his dlflrefie, Cajjandra, I needes muft go, although with heavy cheere. Ganio, Sir, your fyfler Cajandra is here. \ExiU ACTUS III. S C E N A IV. Andrugio out of prifon. Caflandra on the jiags, uindrnorio. My Cajjandra what newes, good fifler fliov/e. Cajfandra, All thinges conclude thy death, Andrugio: Prepare thy feire, to hope it ware in vaine. Andrugio, v.Iy death ! alas, what rayfed this new difdayne ? Cajjandra, Not JuiVice zeale in wicked Promos lure. Andru^'f(f% 33 THEHISTORIEOF Andrugio, S'.vccte, fhew the caufe I mult this doome indure. CaJJandra, If thou dofl live, I muft my honor lofe. Thy raunfome is, to Pro7nos^t'^c\\y wyll That I do yelde : than which I rather chofe With torments (harpe my felfe he firll fliould kyll. Thus am 1 bent : thou ieeft thy death at hand ; O vvoald my life would fatisfie his yre, Cajpzndra then would cancell foone thy band. Andruzio, And may it be'a judge or his account Can fpot his minde with lawles love or lufl ? But more, may he doome any fault with death, When in fuch taute he findes himfcife unjuft ? Syiler, that wife men love, v.e of^en fee, And where love rule^, gaintl thornes doth reafon Ipurne; But who fo ioves, if he vejeded be, His paffing love to peevifh hate will turne. Deare filter then noce how my fortune Hands : That Promos love, the like is oft in ufe ; And lith he crave this kindneffe at your hands. Think this, if you his pleafure do refule, I, in his rage (poor wretch) fhall fing Peccarjl, Here are two evyls, the beil harde to digell ; But whereas things are driven unto neceility, There are we byd, of both evyls .choofe the leafl, Cajja?idra, And of the'e evils the leaii, I hold, is death, To ill an whofe dart we can no meane devife j Yet honor lives when death hath done his word ; Thus lame then lyfe is of farre more comprife* Andrugio. Nay, Cajfandra^ if thou thy fclfe fubmytj To la've my life, to iV^/wi lieafhly wyli, ^ Jultice wyll fay iho.i doil no cryme commit, For in toiil iaukes is no inrent of yll. CaJJiVidra, How {q^ th' intent is conltrued in offence, The Provcrbe faies that tenne good turne? lye dead, 2 Alii PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 3} And one yll deede tenne tymes beyond pretence By envious tongues, report abrode doth fpread. jindrugio^ fo my fame fliall vallevved bee; Difpitc will blale my crime, but not the caufe; And thus, although I fayne would fet thee free, Poore wench, I teare the grype of flaunder's pawes* Andrugio, Nay fweete fiiler, more (launder would infame Your Ipotles lyfc to reave your brother's breath. When you have power for to enlarge the fame ; Once in your handes doth lye my lyfe and death. Way that I am the felfe fame flelh you are ; Thinlce, I once gone, our houfe will goe to wrack : Knowe, forced taultes for lla under neede not care : Looke you for blame, if I guaile through your lack. Confider well my great extremitie ; If other wife this doome I could revoke, I would not fpare for any jebardye To free thee, wench, from this fame heavy yoke: But ah, I fee elfe no way faves my life, And yet his hope may further thy confent ; He fayde, he maye percafe make thee his wife, And t' is likelie he cannot be content With one night's joye : if love he after feekes ; And I difcharg'd, if thou aloofe then be, Before he lofe thy felfe that fo he leekes, v No dought but he to marryage wyll agree, Cajfandra, And fhall I flicke to floupe to F-^>?nos wyll. Since my brother injoyeth lyfe thereby ? No, although it doth my credit kyll, Ere that fhe fhould, my felfe would chufe to dye. My Andrugiot take comfort in dillrefle, Cajfandra is wonne thy raunfome great to paye ; Such care fhe hath thy thraldome to releace As (he confentes her honor for to flay. Farewell, I mull my virgins weedes forfake, And lyke a Page to Fromos lewde repay re, \E,xiU Andfugio, My good lifter, to God I thee betake, To whome I pray that com forte change thy care. C ACTUS 34 THEHISTORIEOF ACTUS III. S C E N A V. Phallax almc. Phallax, Tis more then flraunge to fee Lord Promos plight ; He frylkes abought as byrdes were hi his breech. Even now he leemes (through hope) to tafre deHght ; And firalght (through feare) where he clawes it doth not ytch. He mufeth now, ilrayght wayes the man doth ling ; (A light, in footh, unfeemely for his age) He longing lookes when any newes fhal bring. To fpeake with him, without there waytes a Page. worthy wit (fyt for a Judges head) Unto a man to chaunge a rtiiftles mayde ! Wyncke not on me ; twas his and not my deede : His, nay his rule, this Mctamorphos made — But Holhi, tongue, no more of this, I pray ; 'No-ii bonus eji ludcrc cwn JanHis. The quieteft and the thryftieil courfe, they fay. Is not to checke but prayfe great meofi amys. 1 finde it true; for foothing i^;w«(tf Taine None lyke my felfe is lykte in his conceyte : Whyle favour lafl, then ^ood, I fiih for gaine (For grace wyll not byte ahvayes at my bayte) And as I wifh, at hande, good fortune fee. Here corns Rapax and Gripax^ but what's this ? As good as fayre handfel God graunt it bee : The knaves bring a Woman cora^n nobis, ACTUS III. S C E N A VI. phallax, Grlj^ax, Rapax, a Bedell, and one ivith a hroiuie BjU bring in Lamia and Rolko her m^n. Lamia. Teare not my clothei my friends, they cell more then yoij ^re aware. . hlikd. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. ^5 Tufli, Toon you fhal have a blew gown ; for thefe take you no care. Rojko. If Hie tnoke thy offer, poore knave, thy wife- would ftarve with cold. Giipax. Well Syr, whipping fhall keepe you warme. Phallax. What meancs thefe knaves to fcolde ? Rapax. Maifter Phallax, we fnlde you in good time ; A woman here we have brought atorc you ; One to be chargde with many a wanton crime. Which tryall will, with proofe inough, finde true ; A knave of hirs we have Itayed likewife, Both to be us'd as you fliall us advife. Phallax, What call you hir name ? Rapax. Lamia, Phallax, Fayre Dame, hereto what do you faye ? Lamia, Worrtiipfull Sir, my felfe I happy reake With patience that my aunfwer you will heare. Thefe naughtie men thefe wordes on malHce fpeake, And for this caufe yll wyll to me they beare. I fcoinde to keepe, their mindes with money playe; I meane to keepe my life from open fliame ; Yea, if I liv'd as levvdlie as thev faye. But I that knewe my felfe unworthy blame Shrunk not to come unto my triall noue: My tale is tolde ; conceyve as lyketh you. Phallax. IVIy friends, what proofe have you againft this dame ? Speake on fure ground, leaft that you reape the fhame : The wrong is great, and craves great recompence, To touch her honell: name, without ofience. Gripax. All Jullo^ Syr, doth rvng ct her lewd Ivfe. ' C 2 Byll 36 THEHISTORIEO? Byll Indeede (lie is knowne for an ydle hufwifc. Rojko, He lyes, fiie is occupied day and night. Phallax. To fweare againfl her, is there any wight ? Rapax, No, not prefent ; but if you do detayne her, There vvil be found bv oth fome that vvyll flayne her, Phallax. 1 fee fhe is then on fufpition il:ayde, Whofe faultes to fearch, upon my charge is layde* From charge of her I therfore will fet you free ; My felfe will fearch her faultes, if any be. A Gods name you may depart. 2 or 3 Jpeake, God bv/y, Syr. Gripax. In fuch (hares as this henceforth I will begin, For all is his, in his clawes, that commeth in. [^Exeunt* Phallax, Fayre Lamia^ fince that we are alone, I plainely wyll difcourfe to you my minde ; I thinke you not to be fo chall a one As that your iyfe this favor ought to fynde. No force, for that, fince that you fcot free goe, Unpunifhed whofe life is judged yll ; Yet thinke (through love) this grace the Judge doth (hew, And love with love ought to be anfvvered flyll. Lamia, Indeede I graunt (although I could reprove Their lewde complayntes with goodnefle of my Iyfe) Your curtefy your detter doth me prove, In that you tocke (my honeil: fame in flryie) My aunfwere for dilcharge of their report : For which good turne I at your pleafure refl. To worke amends, in any honefl fort. Phallax. Away with honefty, your anfweare then, in footh, Fyts me as jumpe as a pudding a Friar's mouth. RlJJco, He is a craftie childe j dally, but do not. Lamia^ PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, 37 Lamia, Tufh, I warrant tliee, I am not fo whot. Your wordes are too harde, fir, for me to confter. Phallax, Then to be fliort, your rare bewtle my hart hath wounded fo As, (lave your love become my leach) I fure Ihall die with woe. Lamia, I fee no figne of death in your face to appeare ; Tis but Ibme ufuall qualme you have pitiful! dames to feare. Phallax, Faire Lamia, trufl me I faine not, betimes beflow fom grace. La?}iia, Well, I admit it fo; onelie to argue In your cafe, I am maried, fo that to fet your love on me, were vaine. Phallax. It fuffifeth me that I may your fecrete friend remaine, Rojho. A holie hood makes not a Frier devoute, He will playe at finall game, or he fitte out. Lamia, Though for pleafure, or to prove me, thefe profers you do move, You are to wife to haffarde life upon my yeelding love. The man is painde with pre lent death, that uleth wanton pleafure. Phallax, To fcape fuch paine, wile men thefe joyes without fufpe6l can ineafure. Furthermore, I have ben (my Girle) a Lawier to too long. If at a pinche I cannot wreft the law from right to wrong. Lamia. If lawe you do profeffe, I gladlie crave In a caufe or two your advife to have. Phallax. To refolve you, you fhall commaunde my fkyll, Wherfore like friendes lets common in good wyll. Lamia. You are a merie man, but leave to jeaft, To morrovve night, if you will be my geall C 3 At 38 THEHISTORIEOF At my poore houfe, you fnall my caufcs knowe. For good caufe, which I meane not here to (howe. Fhallax. Willinglic, and for that hafte calles me hence My fute tyll then fhali remaine in lu^pence : Farewell clyent, to morrowe looke for me. [^Exlt, Lamia. Your good welcome, Sir, your bell cheere will be. I tolde you earfl: the nature oi Phallax, Money or faiie women vvorkes him as waxe. And yet I muit commend your fober cheere, 1l ou told your tale, as it a Saint you wcie. Lamia. Well (in fecreete be it fayde) how fo I feemd divine, I feared once a blew gowne would have bene my flirine. But nowe that paine is flead, and pleafure keepes his h(jide, I knoue that Phallax will my fame hence forth upholde : To entcrtaine which Geall I will fome dayntie cheere prepare; Yec ere I go, in pleafant fong, I meane to purge my caie. The Song, A D U E, poore care adue, Go cloye f.>me helplcs wretche ; Mv lite, ro make me rue. Thy forces do not ftretche. Thv harbor, is the harte, Whom wrong hath wrapt in woe ; Eut wrong doth take my parte With cloke of right in ihoc. I\Iy faultes inquirie fcape. At them the judges winke ; Thoie for my fall that gape. To ihowe m.y lewdnelie ihrinkc. Ti.'^'n filly care, go packc, 'i hou art no geaft for me ; I have, and have no lacke, And lacke is fniowde for thee. \Exnr>:t. ACTUS prxOMOS AND CASSANDRA. 39 ACTUS III. S C E N A VII. CaiTandra, apparelled like a Pa^c» Cajfhndra, Unhappy wretche, I bludi my felfe to fee Apparelled thus monftrous to my kmde : But oh, my weedes wyll with my fault a^ree, When I have pleafde'lewde Promos fleflilie muide. What (hall I do ? go proffer what he foui^ht ? Or on more fute fnall I give my confent ? The bell is fare, lince this mull needes be wrought, I go, and fhewe neede makes me to his bent. My fluddes of teares, from true intent which floe, INIay f]uenche bis lull or ope his mulled eyen To fee that I deferve to be his wife, Though now conftrainde to be his concubine. But fo or no, I mufl the venter give: No daunger feares the wight prickt foorth by neede : And thus lyke one more glad to dye than lyve, 1 forewarde fet ; God graunt me well to fpeede. {Exit^ ACTUS IV. S C E N A I. Dalla, Lamia's Maide going to market, Dalia, WITH my miftreffe the worlde is chaunged well, She fearde of late of whipping cheere to fmell ; And nowe againe both gallant, frefn and gaye. Who in y«//Iowe foorthwith I wyll to the Gayler ren4c Tb^5 PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 41 That fecretelie Jndn/gio he behead, Whofe head he fhall with thefe lame wordes commend *' To Cajfandra^ as Propjios promlll thee, *' From prilbn loe, he lendes thy Brother free. A C T U S IV. S C E N A III. CalTandra. Cajfandra, Fayne would I wretch conceale the fpovle of my virginity. But o my gilt doth make me bluili chalt virgins here to fee. I, monller now, no mayde nor wyit^ have Soupte to Protnos lull; The caufe was, nether fute nor teares could quench his wanton thuril. What cloke wyl icufe my crime? m^y felfe my confciencc doth accufe : And Hia!l CaJJandra now be turned, in common Ipeeche, a Hewes ? Shall Ihe, whofe vertues bare the bell be calld a vicious dame? O cruell death, nay hell, to her that was conftraynd to Ihame. Alas few wyll give foorth I fynd to fave my brothers lyfe, But layntly I through Pro?no5 othe:> doo hope to be his wife. For lovers feare not how they fweare to wyn a lady fayre, And having wonne, what they did wilh, for othes nor lady care : But to be juft or no, I joy Andniglo yet fhall lyve ; But ah I fee a fight that doth my hart as under ryve. ACTUS IV. S C E N A. IV. Gayler '■jdth a dead ?nam head in a charger, Caflandra. Gayler, ^ This prefent wil be galle I know to fayre Caffandra, Yet it fhe knewe as much as I, moit fwete I dare well fay. Jn good tyme fee where fhe doth come to whome ray arrand is. CaJJandra, 41 th:ehistorieof CaJI'iVidra, Alas his haity pace to me, fnowes fomewhat is amys. Gayhr, Fayre Caffandra^ my Lord Promos commends him unto thee, To keepe his word, who fayes from priibn he fendb thy brother free. Cajfandra. Is my Andniglo done to death ? fye, fye, o faythles truft ! Gaylcr. Ee quiet, Lady, huv tound his fault, then was his judgment juil. Cajjandra, Wei my good friend, fliovv Promos this, fmce law hath don this deed, I thank him yet he would vouchfaf on me my brother's head; Lee this is all : now geve me leave to rew his lofl'e alone. Gayler, I wyll perform your will, and wlfh you ceafe your mone. Cajfandra, Farewell. Gayler, I fure had fhowcn what I had done, her tearcs I pittied fo, But that I wayde than women fyld do dye with greefe and woe : And it behoves me ro be fecret, or elfe my necke-verfe cun : Well, now to pack my dead man hence it is hye tyme I run. Cajfandra. Is he pad fight ? then have I tyme to wayle my woes alone : Andrugio^ let mee kis thy llppes yet ere I fall to mone. O would that I could wail to teares to walh this bloody face. Which fortune farre beyond dcfart hath followed with difgrace. O Promos take and moll unkinde, both fpoyld of love and ruth ! O Promos thou doft wound my hart to thinkeon thy untruth ! Whofe plyghtcd tayth is tournd to frawd, and words to works unjuft ! Wliy doe I lyve, unhappy wench, fyth treafon quites my truH? death, devorfe me wretch at once from this fame worldly lyfe ! But why do r not flay mvfelfe for to appeafe this (Iryfe ? Perhaps wiihin this womoe of myne another Promos is; 1 fo by death fhal be avcngd of him in murthring his ; And PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 43 And ere I am allured tliat I have revengdc this deede, Shall I difpatch my lothed life? that haft vveare more than fpeede. So Promos would trintnphe that noy^'e his tiranny (hould know ; No, no, this wicked fa6l of his fo flightly fiiall not goe. The King is juft and mercyfull, he doth both heare and fee. See mens defarts, heare their complaynts to judge with equity. My wotuU cafe with fpeede I wyll unto his grace addrclTe, And from the firll unto the laft the truth I wyll confelfe. So Promos, thou by that fame lawe flialt lofe thy hated breth, Through breach wherof thou didil: condeinne Andruglo unto death. So doing yet, the world will fiy I broke Diana s lawes : But what of that ? no lliame is myne when truth hath (hewnc my caufe. I am refolved the King (hall knowe of Promos injury; Yet ere i go, my brother's head I wyll ingraved fee. [^E.xit, A C T U S IV. S C E N A V. Gayler. Andrugio. Gaykr, Jlndruglo, as you love our lives, forthwith pofryou away: For Gods fake to no lyving friend your fafety yet bewraye ; The proverbe fayth two may keepe counfell if that one be gone. AntJrrfgio. AlTure thy felf, moft faithful friend, I wyl be knowne to none. To none alas ! I fee my fcape yeeldes mee but fmall releefc ; Cajfandra and Polina wyll deftroye themfelves with greefe, Through thought that I am dead: they dead, to live what he'peth me ? Gaylcr, Leave of thefe plaints of fmal availc, thank God that you are free. For God it was u-ithin my mind that did your fafery move. And that fame God ivj doubr wyl v/oike for your and their behove. Andrugio, 44 THEHISTORIEOF AnJrugio, Moil faithfirfl friend, I hope that God wyl v/orke as you do fay. And rherfore co fome place unknowne I wyl my {tU^ convaye. Gayler, farewel : for thy good ^cci^t I muft remayne thy debter ; In meane whyle yet recey ve this gyfr, tyll fortune fends a better. Qayler, God bwy Syr, but kepe your mony, your need you do not know. Andr7fgio» I pas not now for fortuns threats, yea though hir force flic fhow, Aiidtherfore ftyck not to recey ve this fmale reward in part. Gayla7\ I wyll not fure fuch proffers leafe ; tys time you doe depart. Afidrugio, Since fo thou wilt, I wyl be gone : adue tyl fortune fmile. \_Exlt. Gayler, Syr, fare you wel, I wyl not fayle to pray for you the while. Well, I am glad that I have fent him gone. For, by my fayth, I lyv'd in perlous feare; And yet, Goci wot, to fee his bytter mone When he fhould dye, would force a man forbeare From harming him, if pitty might beare fway. But fee how God hath wrought for his fafety : A dead man's heiid that fuiFered th'other day, Makes him thou:;ht dead, throughout the citie. Such a jufl, good, and righteous God is he, Although a whyle he let the wicked rayne, Yet he releeves the wretch in mifer)- ; And in his piyde he throwes the tyraunt downe. I ufe thefe wordcs upon this onely thought That Promos long his rod cannoi efcape, Who hath in thought a wylfull murder wrought, Who hath in ad perform'd a wicked rape. Gods wyll be done, who well Andrugio fpeede; Once well, I hope to heare of his good lucke ; For, God, thou knoweft my confcience dyd thisdeede, And no delire of any worldly muck. \Exit. 3 ACTUS PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 45 ACTUS IV. S C E N A VI. Dalia, In good fweete footh I feare I flial be fhcnt. It is lb long fmce I to market went ; But tviill me, wyld fbvvle are fuch collly geare. Specially woodcocks out ot rcafon deare. That this houre I have the markei: bett, To drive a bargaine to my moft profyt ; And in the end, I chaunc'd to light on one Hyt me as pat as a pudding Pope Jone. Other m.arket mades pay downe for their meatc. But that t have bought on my icore is fee. Well fare credit when mony runneth low, Marry, yet Butchers the u4iich do credit fo, (As much good meate as they kyll) may perchauncc Be glad and fayne at heiyng cobs to daunce. What force I that ? every man fliyft for one; For if I flarve, let none my fortune mone. She faynes to goe out, ACTUS IV. S C E N A VII. Grim^all, Dalia ; cyther of them a Bajket^ GrimhalL Softe Dalla'j a woorde with you, I praye. Dalia, What, friend Grimial; welcome as I maye faye, N Grhnball, Sayfl: thou me fo ? then kylle me for acquaintaunce. Dalia. If I lyke your manhoode, I may do fo perchaunce. She faynes to looke in his bq/ket» Grimhall, Bare me an afe, quoth IRoultou : Tufh your minde I know : Ah Syr, you would, belike, let my cocke fparrowes goe, Dalifi 46 THEHISTORIEOF Dalia. I warrant thee GrlmhalL [S/je fakes out a I'Me pudding, Grimhall, Laye off hiindes Dalia, You pou'te me, if thiit you c;ot my pudding awaye. ^ Dalia. Nay g®od, fvveete, honny Grimhall, this pudding give mc, Grijnhall. Iche were as good geete bir, for flie wyll hate, I fee, AVell, my novtn good harte roote, I freelie give thee this. Upon condition that thou give me a kys. Dalia, Nay, but firfl v,'a(h your lippes with fweetc water you fiiall, Gri?}ihall. Why ych was ryte now for my pudding, hony fweet Grimhah Well Dalia, you will floute fo long, tyll (though I faye) With kindnelie you wyllcaft a proper handfome man away :^ Wherefore, foote Conny, even a little fpurtc. Dalia, Laye off handes. Sir. Gri?nhalU Good do not byre, for ych meane thee no hmte ; Come off, Pvggelnie, pretarre n.e not a jote. Balia, What would the good foole have ? Gri77ibalU Why you woot whote. Hearke in your eaie. Dalla, You (hall commaunde, fo proper a man ye are. That tor your fake I wyll not fiicke to waie A blew Cadbcke during my lyfe forfoothe : Mary, for my fake, I vvoulde be verie lothe So goodlie a handfome man fl^.ould loie his her.d. Gii/nball, Nay, for my head, care not a tinker's tordc. For fo God judge me, and at one bare worde, Yle loie my death, yea, and my great bro\vnc Co\vc, 1 love you fo lilt' ilie, law ye no we. Daha, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 47 Dalia, Thou fayell valiantlie, no\v^ ling as well too, And thou Ihalt quicklie knowe what I nieane to doo. Qrimhall, Yes by Gogs foore, to plealure thee, vch (hall Both fyug, fpring, %ht ind playe the dewle and all. Dalia, luflllle. The Song. Grbnlall. Come fmack me, come Imack me, I long for a fmouch. Balla, Go pack thee, go pack thee, thou iilthie fme Qouch. Grimhall, Leard, howe I love thee. Dalia, This cannot move me. Gri?nhall. Why pretie Pyfney, my harte, and my honny. Dalia, Becaufe, goodman Hogs face, you woe without monev. Gri7nhall, 1 lacke money, chi graunt. . Dalia, Then Grimhall avaunt. Grimhall, Cham yong, fweete hart, and feate ; come kyfle roe for love Dalia, Crokefhanke, your jowie is to great fuch lyking to move. Grimhall, What meane you by this ? Dalia* To leave thee, by Gys, Grimhall, Firft fmack me, firft fmack ; I dye for a fmouch. Dalia, ' Go pack thee, go pack thee, thou filthie fine flouch. [Exit, 7 Grimhall. 4« THEHISTORIEOF Grimhall, DaVia^ arte thou gone ? what wolt ferve me foe ? God, cham recidie to raye myfelte for woe. Be valiaunt, Gr'nnhall^ kyl thy felfc man. Nay, bum ladie, I will not by Sah:t Anne, Ich have heardc my great Granfier faye, Maide will faye naye, and take it ; and fo (lie rnayc* i^nd thertbre chyll to Miftrelfe Lamia, With thefe Puddings and cock fparowes by and by; And in ihe daike againe ych will hir tryc. ACTUS V. SCENAI. Phallax alone, Phallax, I marvel! much what u'orketh to my Lord Promos unrefl. He fares as if a thoufand devils vvcre gnawing in his breft. There is fure fome worme of griere that doth his confciencc For fince Andrugio loft his head, he hath hung downe the lippe : And truth to fay, his fault is fuch as well may greve his mynd. The dcvill himfelfe could not have ufde a practife more unkind. This is once, I love a woman, tor my lite, as well as he, But (fayre dames) with her that loves me, I deale well with, trufl mee. Well, leave I now my Lord Promos his owne C\tt^i to aunfwcre : Lamiay I know, lookes, and double lookcs, when I come to , fuppcr: 1 thought as much : fee, to k€^Q, me heare corns her aple fquier. ACTUS V. S C E N A IL Rofko, PhalluA. RnJI:o. O that I could find MaHer Phallax^ the meatc burnes at the fire. And PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 49 And, by your leave, Andrugio's death doth make my mlflris fweate. Phallax. How now Rojho? Rojho. Ill you Syr ? my mlftris cioth intreate That with all fpeede your worfhip will come away to fupper ; The meate and all is ready to let upon the horde, Syr. Phallax. Gramercy for thy paynes ; I was even comming to her. RoJho. You are the welcomfl: man alyve to her I know, And trufl me at your commaundement remayneth poore Rojko^ Phallax. It is honeflly fayd, but now tell mee What quality hall:, that I may ufe thee. Rojho. I am a Barbour, and when you pleafe, Syr, Call (and fpare not) for a call of role water. Phallax, But heare me, canft thou heale a greene wound well ? RoJ}:o, Yea, greene a ad ould. Phallax, Then thy bell were to dwel In Ibme ufuall place or ftreete, where through frayes Thou mayll: be fet a worke with wounds alwayes. Rojko. I thanke my Miftris I have my hands full, To trym gentelmen of her acquayntaunce ; And I truit, Syr, that if your worlhip chaunce To have neede of my helpe, I fhall earne your mony Afore an other. Phallax, That thou fiialt truly. But fyrra, where dwels Lamia ? RoJko, Even heare Syr, enter I pray. Phallax, That I wyl fure, if that my way be clcarc. D RoJko, so THEHISTORIEOF Yes Sir, her doores be open all the yeare. [Exeunt, ACTUS V. SCENA III. Polina (the majde that Andrugio lov'd) in a hltV3 gorjone, Polina, VoVina curft, what dame alyve hath caufc of griefe lyke thee. Who, (v/oiine by love) haft yeeld the fpoyle of thy virginity? And he for to repayre thy fame, to marry thee that vowdc. Is done to death for firft oticnce the fecond mends net lowdc. Great fhame redounds to thee, o love, in leaving us in thrall ; Andrugio and ?olma both, in honoryng thee did fallc. Thou fo didft wytch our wits, as we from reafon flrayed quight, Provockt by thee we dyd refufe no vauntage of delight. Delight ! what did I fay ? nay death, by rafh and fowle abufe, Alas I ihame to tell thus much, though love doe worke excufe. So that (fay re dames) from fuch confent, my accy dents of harme Forewarncth you to keepe nloofe though love your harts do arme. But ah Polina^ whether runnes thy words into advife. When others harnies, in forfl by love, could never make the wife. The caufe is plaine, for that in love no reafon ftands in fteade, And reafon is the onlv meane, that others harmes we dreade. Then, that the world hereafter may to love inferre my yll, Andrugio s torn be viith dayly reares Polina worfhip wyll : And turthern;ore 1 vowde vvhyjli life in me doth folter breth No one fliall vaunt of conquered love by my j4ndn/gi os deaih. Thefe fha neful weedes which forfl I were, that men my fault may know, Whilll that I live fhall fliow I morne for my Amlrugio, I wyll not byde the fharpe alfaultes from fugred words yfent, I wyll not trull to careles othes which often wyn confent : I wyll cut off occafions all which hope of myrth may move ; With ceafeles teares yle quench each caufe that kindleth coles ©f love: And' PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 51 And thus tyl dearh, PoUna wyll ellraunge her felfe from joy, Andrugio to reward thy love which dyd thy life dellroy. [JS",r//. A C T U S V. S C E N A IV. Rolko alone^ Rojko. A Syr, in fayth, the cafe is altred quighf, My millris late that lived in wretched plight Byds care adue and every caufe of woe, The feate is fled that made her forrow fo. Mailer Fhallax fo underprops her fame As none for lyfe dare now her lewdnes blame, I feare (nay hope) fhe hath bewicht him fo As haulfe his brybes unto her fliare will goe : No force for that; who others doth deceyve Deferves himfelfe lyke meafure to receyve. Well, leave I Lamia, for herfelfe to pray Better then I can fhe we who knowes the way. It ftands me on for my poore felfe to fliyfte, And I have founde a heipe at a dead lyfte. My ould friend GrimhaWs puree with pence is full, And if I empty it not, Balia wull. The Havering foole, what he can rap and rend (He loves her fo) upon the fylth wyll fpend : But bye your leave, vie barre her of this match, My net and all is fet, the foole to catch. Forfooth before his amorous fate he move He .mull be trim'd to make her more to love And in good footh the world fhal hardly fall But that he fhal be wafht, pould, fhavd and all. And fee the Ijck, the foole is faft I know, In that with Rovoke ke acth fo ladly goe. S C E N A V. Grymball, Rowke, RofKo. GrymljalL God bores, as favft. u i - ...™.... ^ 2 RfTJch, Grymhall, God bores, as fayft, when fomewhat handfome ch'am, taith fhe wyll come off for very (hame. ^2 T H E H I S T O R I E O F Rawke, Yea without doubt, for I fweare by Saint Jfnne My TeUe loves you, you are fo cleane a young man. Nay, thou woult fay fo when my face is fayre walht. Ro/^o. Good luck a Gods name, the wodcocke is maflit. R(nvke, And who barbes ye Grimlall ? Grimhalh A dapper knave, one Rojko, Rojko. Well letherface ; we fliall have you affe, ere you goe. Roijoke^ I know him not: is he a deaft barber? Grimhall. O yea, why he is Mill^ris Lamias Powler : And looke fyrra, yen is the lyttel knave. How d.Q^RoJkot Rojko, Whope, my eye fight God fave What ould Grimballl welcome, (it you dowue heare, Boye. Anon, , Rojko, Bay leaves in warme water, quick, bring cleane Boy in the geare. Ihufc, Boy, Strayght. Ro^ivh, As thou faydft Grimha'J^ this is a feate knave indeede. Rojho. How fiiy' Syr ? oyntments for a fcab do you neede ? Scab i fcurvy Jack ! lie let you a worke Syr, GrimvalL Nay Gogs foote, good nowe, no more of this flur, Ronvh, I faith Barber, I wyll pyck your teeth flraight, Rojkt, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. ^3 Nay, to pick my purfe I feare thou doft vvayglu, Ro-ivke, Yea Gogs hart. GrivihalU Nay, Gogs foote, BoJIw, Novve come Ruffen. GrimhalL Leave, If you be men, Heare ye me no^v r be triendes, and by my trothe, Chill fpcnde a whole quarte of ale on vou bothe. Rojko. Well Mafle Grlmball^ I lytle thought I wus. You would a brought a knave to ufe mee thus. Grimhall, Why, knowefl him not r why it is luftle Rovoh, Rojko. A ftrong theefe, I warrant him by his looke. RcKv.ke, Go to, no more, Barber, leaft copper you catch. GrhnUL What wilt give thy nofe awaye ? beware that match. For chy fee no copper unleft be there. Boy. Mafter, here is delicate water and cleane geare. Boy hrings RoJko, ivater. Well to quiet my houfe, and for Grimhairs fake. If it pleafeth you as friences, we hands vvill fhake. Grimhall, I, I, do fo. Ro-v^ke, And for his fake I agree. Grimhall. Well then that we may drinke, ftraight wayes wafh mee, RoJko. Good Syr, here's water as fweete as a rofe. Now whyles I wafli, your eyes harde you mufl clofe. Grimlfalh Thus f D 3 Rojke. Si THE HISTORIE OF Harder yet. O, thus. RoJ^o. Grimhalh RoJko, Yea marr}" fo. Howe fyrra, you knowe what you have to doe, Rowke, cuttcs Grimball's pinfe, Rojho, Winke harde, Orimhall. GrimbalL Yes, yes, I ihall. Rozvke, Heare*s the toothpick and all. \_Exii, Rfljko. Departe then, tyll I call. Verie well Syr, your face is gayly cleane ; Were your teeth nowe pickt, you maye kllTe a queane, GrimhaU, Sayll thou mee fo ? Good nowe difpatch and awaye : I even fyffiU untj'l I fmouch Dalia, Rfljko, O doo you fo ? I am right glad you tell : I elfe had thought, tad bene your teethe dyd fmell. Grimlall, Lorde, gogs foote, you picke me to the quickct RoJko, Quiet yourfelfe, your teeth are furred thicke. GrimhalL O, oh no more : O God, I fpattel blood. RoJko, 1 hav^ done : fpyt out ; this doth you much good. Boye. Boy, Anon. Bojf nuithin, RoJko. Bring the drinke in the porringer. To gargalis his teeth. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. s^ Boy. It is here, Syr. [Exit, Rojho, Wafh your teeth with this, good malfler GrhnhalU Grimhall. I am poyfoned ; ah, it is bytter gall. Kojko. Eate thefe Comfyts, to fweeten your mouth with all. GyimhalL Yea mary Syr, thefe are gay fugred geare, Rojko, Their fweetnefle flraight wyll make you ftinkc I feare. Grimhall, Well nowe, what muft I paye, that chy were gone. RoJho, What you wyll. Grimhall, Sayft me fo ? O cham undone. Rojko, Howe nowe Grimhall? Grimhall, Leard, my purfe is cutte. Rojko, When? where? Grimhall, Nowe, here. Rofio, J . Boye, let the doore be fliutte : If it be here we wyll flraight wayes fee. Where's he that came with you ? Grimhall, { " 1 can not tell. RoJko, What is hee ? • • GrimhalU I knowe not. RoJko. Where doth he dwell? Grimhall, O I-eard, I ken not I, D 4 Rq/k9. 56 T H E H I S T O R I E O F Rojho, You have done well ; This knave, your pence in his pocket hath purfi ; Let's keke him out. Nay hearke, I muft neades tirll. Leard, Learde, chain hcke : my belly akes too too. RoPco, Thou lookft yll : well Yle tell rhee what to doo. Since thou art fo licke, ll:raiii;ht wayes get thee home, To finde this Jacke my felfe abroade vvyll rome : The rather, for that he playde the Knave with mee. GrimlalL Cham ficke in deede, and therfore ych thanke thee. Rnjho. I fee fometime the blinde man hits a crowe; He maye thanke me that he is plagued foe. Grimhall. Well, well, Dalia, the love ych bare to thee Hath made me iicke and pickt my purfe from mee. \^Ex'it, Ro/ko. A, is he gone ? a foole company him : In good footh Sir, this match tadged trim. Well I will trudge to find my fellewe Rozvh^ To ihare the price that my devife hath tooke. [Exif, ACTUS V. SCENAVL Caflandra z'n hlacke* Cajfa7idra. The heavy chardge that Nature byndes me to I have perform'd ; ingrav'd my brother is : 1 woulde to God (to eafe my ceafeles woo) My wretched bones intombed were with his, But o in vaine this bootelefle wifh I ufc, 1, poore I mufl: lyve in forrowe joynde with (hame. And fliall he lyve that dyd us both abufe ? And quench, through rule, the coles of juil revenge ? One: PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, ;; no : I wyll nowe hyc me to the King, To whom I wyll recount my wretched ihte ; Lewde Promos rape, my brother's death, and all : And (though with lliame I maye this tale reUrc) To proove that force enforced me to rail. When I have Ihownc Lorde Promos fowle mifdeedes, This knife, t'oorthwith fliall end my wee and fhame : My gored harte which at his icete then bleedes. To Icorge his taultes, the Kyng wyll more inflame. In deedcs to doo that I in woordes pretcndc, 1 now advile my journey to the King : Yet ere I go, as iwans hng at their ende In folemne fong I meane my knell to ryng, Caflandraes Song, Sith fortune thwart doth crofTe my joyes with care, ^ Sith that my blifle is chaungde to bale by fate; Slth trowarde chaunce my' dayes in woe doth weare, Sith I, alas, muft mone without a mate ; I wretch have vowde to fing b^;th daye and night, O forrowe, flaye all motions of delight ! Come, grieflie griefe, torment this harte of mine, Come, deepe difpaire, and ftoppe my loathed breath ; Come, wretched wee, my thought of hope to pine, Come, crueil care, preferre my fute to death : Death, ende my wo. which flng both daye and night, O forrowe, ilaye all motions of delight ! \^Exit, G. W, FINIS. THE SECONDE PART OF THE FAMOUS H I S T O R I E O F PROMOS AND CASSANDRA: Set forth in a Comicall Discourse. By GEORGE WHETSTONE Gent. Forma nulla Fides, THE SECONDE PARTE OF THE H I S T O R I E O F PROMOS AND CASSANDRA ACTUS L SCENA I. Poliaa in a hlezve Go-zvnCy Jl^ado^c^ed ivltb a hlacke Sarcenet^ gmn^ to the Temple to praye upon Anclrugio's Tombe, PRO MIS E is debt, and I my vowe have pall Andrugios tombe to vvafh with daylie teares ; Which lacriiice (ahhough God uot, in vvaile) I wyll performe ; my altar is of cares. Of fuming lighes my otFring incence is, My pittlous playntes in ikede of prayers are : Yea, woulde to God, in penaunce of my mys, I with the reft, my loathed lyfe might Ihare ! But oh in vaine I wilh this welcomde ende ; Death is to (lowe to (laye the wretched wight : And all to foone he doth his forces bende To wounde their hartes which wallowc in delight. 5 Yet 62 THEHISTORIEOF Yet in my eave flyll goes my paffing bell, So ofte as I Andrugio^s death doo minde, So otte as men with poynted fingers tell Their friendes my fauhes which by my weedes they finde. But oh the caufe with death which threats me mofl, I vvifh to dye, I dye through wretched woe ; INIy dying harte delires to yeelde the ghofl, My traunce? llraungc a prefent death forefliewe. But as the reede doth bow at every blair, To breake the fam.e when rowgheil llormes lackes miglit, So wretched I with every woe doe waile, Yet care wants torce to kyll my hart outryght. gratious God, and is my giit fo great As you the fame with thouland deathes muil wreake ? You will it fo, elfe care I could intreate, With halte theie woes my thryd of lyfe to breake. But what meanft thou, Poiifia moll accuril ? To mule why God this pennaunce joynes thee to ? Whole correction, although we take at worft, To our great good he doth the fame bellow. So that, fyth greele can not relyve my friend, Syth fcorching iighes my forrowes cannot drye,. Syth care himlelte lackes force my lyfe to ende, Syth ftyll I lyve that every hovvre doe dye ; Syth mighty God appoyntes my pennaunce fo, In mornefull fong I wyll my patience Ihow. Polina's Song, Amyd my bale, the lightning joy that pyning care doth bring, With patience cheares my heavy hart, as in my woes I fmg. 1 know my gilt, I feele my fcurge, my eafe is death I fee ; And care (I fynde) by pecemeale weares my hart to fet me free. O care, my comfort and refuge, feare not to worke thy wyll ; With patience I thy corfives byde ; feede on my life thy tyll : Thy appetyte with fyghes and teares I dayly wyl procure, And wretched I will vaile to death, throw when thou wilt thy Lure. \^Exlt Folina. ACTUS PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 65 A c T u s I. s c E N A rr. Enter a Mcjfcnger from the King* I have at length (though weeiy come in troth) Obtaynd a fight oi Julio\ {lately vvalles : ^^'"^"7. ^ '^ A king*s raellage can not be done in floth : ^^^^• Whome he bids goe, muft runne through myre and dyrt; And 1 am fent to Lord Promos in pod To tell him that the King w)A\ fee him ftrayght ; But much I feare that Promos needes not bolt Of any gayne by his foveraignes receyte. But Holla tongue, of lavyfh fpeeche beware. Though fubjei^s oft in Princes' meaning prye They muft their wordes and not their myndes declare; Unto which courfe I uyll my tongue apply, Lord Promos fliall my Prince's commin^; know, My Prince himfelfe the caufe thereof Ihall (how* \_Exii. ACTUS L S C E N A IIL Rolko, Lamia's man, RoJJ:o. Ift poflible that my miftris Lamia Over the (hooes ihould b'yn love with Phallax ? Why, by I — (as Ihe her felfe doth faye) With j)ure good wyll her harte doth niek lyke waxe : And this I am fure, every howre they tlieinfelves By their fweete icives, or by their letters gieete : But the fport is, to fee the loving elves By 11 together when they in fecrct meete. She lowres, he lautfes, ihe fyghes throwe pure love; Nay, nay, fayes he (good pugges) no more of this : Well, fayes Ihee, and weepes, my griefe you do fbejimmp^ts not prove : and croco- Then ftrayght this ftorme is cleared with a kys. diks a^'ke. And then a both lides three wordes and a fmouch ; Within her eare then whifpereth this ilouch. And 6+ THEHISTORIEOF And by the way he flumbleth on her lyppes. Thus eyther ilryvts moll loving fignes to fhow ; Much good do it them, iyth they aic both content: Once 1 am fure, how ib the game doth goe. I have no caufe their lykino; to repent. I iyldome doe between them iricliiige beare, But that I have an Item in the hande : Well, I mult trudge to doe a certain chare, Which, take I tyme, cocke for my gayne doth fland. A C T U S I. S C E N A IV. PhaUax. Dowfon, a Carpcjita-. PhaV.ax, Difpatch Do-jofon-, up witli the frame quickly ,* So fpace your roomes, as the nyne worthyes may Be fo initauld as bcft may pleafe the eye. Dozvfon, Very good, I fhall. Pballax, Nay, foft ; Do-vfon^ flay : Let your man, at Saint Annes crofle, out of hande Ereckt a flage, that the Wayghts in fight may ifande, Doivfon, Wvll vou ought elfe ? Phallax. Sok a u'hyle : let me fee: On Jefus gate, the foure vertues, I trow, Appoynted are to ftand. Do-V.y'h:-:, I Syr, thev are fo, Pballax. Wei then, about your charge : I will forefec The Confort of Mufick well plail to be. Dovjjbu, I am gone, Syr. [Exiu ACTUS i l>ROMOS AND CASSANDRA, 6? ACTUS I. SCENAV. The Bedell of the Taykrs, Phallax. Heare you, Maifier Phallax ? The Wardens of the Marchant Taylers axe Where (with themlelves) they ihall their Fiigeaunt place ? Phallax. With what llrange fnowes doo they their Pa^eaunt grace ? Bedell. They have Hercules of monllers conqueryng. Huge great Giants m a tore ft fighting With Lyons^ Bearesy Wolves^ Apes^ Foxes and Grqyes^ Baiardsy Brockesy &€. Phallax. wondrous frayes. Marry Syr, fmce they are provided thus Out of their wayes, God keepe Maiiter Pedkulust Bedell. You are plefaunt Syr, but with fpeede I pray You aunfvvere mee ; 1 was charged not to flay, Phallax. Becaufe I know you have all things currant, They ihall fland where they dial no viewers want : How fay you to the ende of Ducke Alley ? Beded. There all the beggers in the towne will be. Phallax. O, mod attendaunce is wnere beggers are s Farewell, away. BedtlU 1 wyll your wyll declare. ACTUS 66 THEHISTORIEOF ACTUS I. SCENAVI. Phallax. T\}:o men apparrelied lyke greene men at the 2iq)'oy'*S feajl^ -jjith clubbes of f)!rcv:orkc, Phallax, This geare fadgeth now that thefe fellowes peare: Frlendes where waight you ? Fh-JI, In Jefiis ilreete to keepe a palfadge cleare. That the King and his travne maye paffe v/ith eafc. ' Phallax. O, very good. Secovcl. Ought clfe, Syr, do you pleafe ? Phallax, No, no : about your charge. Both. We are gone. [Exeunt. Phallax. A Syr, heare is fnort knowledge, to entertayne a kyng ; But O,' O, qniJ nan pccimla f yea at a dayes warning t The King in proviiion that thought to take us tardy, As if we had a veare bene warnd, fliall by his welcome fee. I have yet one chare to do : but fott here is Rnfio, I mud needes dely ver him a mefladge before I goe. ACTUS I. S C E N A VII. Rolko. Phallax. Rojko. I fayth I have noble newes for Lamia. Phallax, Nay fcfr, friend RoJJ:o, take niyne in voure waye. R'Jh, IMavfter phallax. O Svr I crv vou mercy. Phallax. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 67 Phalhx. Rojho, with fpcede tell thy Miilris from me,^ The king flraight wayes vvyll come to the Cytle, In whofc great trayne there is a company Within her houfe with mee (hall mer) be. Therefore, for my fake, vvyll her to forefee To welcome them, that nothing wanting be : This is all I wyll, tor want of leyfure. [Exiu Rojko, I wyl not fayle Syr to fhow your pleafure. Mar}', in fayth, thefe newes falles jumpe with the refl, They fhal be welcome and fare of the bell: : But although they well fyll their bodyes thus, Their purfes will be dryven to a non plus. No force a whyt, each pleafure hath his payne, Better the puree then body itarve of twayne. Well, I wyll trudge my welcome newes to tell, But then abroade, good company to fmell. [Exit* ACTUS I. SCENA VIIL Corvinus the King, CalTandra; tivo CounfellorSy and Udiflao ayoung nohkman. King, Cajfrndra we draw neare unto the Tcwne, So that I wyll that you from us depart, Tyll further of our pleafure you doe heare» Yet reft allured that wycked Promos^ Shall abyde fuch punilhment, as the world Shall hould mee juft, andcleare thee of offence, CaJJandra. Dread Soveraigne, as you wyl, CaJJandra goeth hence. \JE,t(tti King, I playnely fee it tendes to great behove That Prynces oft doo vayle their eares to heare The mifer's playnt : for though they doe appoynt Such as they thynke will juftice execute, Authority is fuch a commaunder, E z h% 6« THEHISTORIEGF As whereas men by office beareth fwa)% If they their rule by confciehce mealure not, The poore man's right is overcome by might : If love, or hate, from juiVice leave the judge^ Then money fure may overrule the cafe. Thus one abufe is caufe of many moe> And therefore none in judges ought to be.- How rulers wrong, fewe tales are tould the King : The reafon is, their power keepes in awe Such men as have great caufe for to complaync. If Cajfandra her goodes, nay life, prefer'd Eefore revenge of Provws treachery', I had not kaowne his detellable rape, The which he forll: to fave her brother's lyfe. And furthermore, Andrugws raunfome payde, I had not knowne he put him unto death : For when (good foule) fhe had this treafon tould. Through very fhame her honour fo was fpoyld, She drcwe her knyfe to wound her felfe to death ; Whole pytious plyght my hart provockt to wrath At Promos wyles. So that, to ufe indifferency to both. Even in the place where all thefe wronges were donf, IVIyfelfe am come to lyt upon the caufe. But fee where Promos and the Mayor waight To welcome mee with great iblemnity. With cheereful ihowe I (haddowe wyll the hate I beare to him for his infolency ; Perhaps I may learne more of his abufe, Whereby the more his punilhmcnt may be. Come my Lords, to the towne hafte we apace. Allf/cake, We all are preft to wayght upon your grace. ACTUS PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 6g ACTUS I. SCENA IX. Promts, Maior, three Aldermen in red go-Mnes, nvii/j a Suord^ bearer, aivayghtes the Kinges comm'mg. Promos his hriefe Oration, Promos, Renowned King, lo here your faithful fubjeds preaft to Ihow The loyall duetie which (in ryght) they to your highneflb owe. Your prefence cheares all Ibrts ot us ; y.et ten times more we joye You thinkc us ftoarde, our warning fliort, for to receyve a Roye. Our wyll is fuch as ihall fupplie, I truft, in us all want, And where good wyll the welcome geves, pro vy lion fyld ia fcant. Loe this is all, yea for us all that I in wordes beflowe ; Your Majellie our further zeale in ready dcedes fliall knowe. And firll, drcade King, I render you the fwoorde of juilice heare, Which as your lieutenant, I truft, uprightlie I dyd beare. Tfje King delivers the fimrde to one of his counfclU King, Promos^ the good report of your good government I heare ; Or at the ieail the good conceyte that towards you I beare, To incourage you the more in juftice to perfeaver. Is the cheefe caufe I dyd addrefle my progrefle heather. Promos, I th^nke your Highnefle. The Maior prefentes the King ivith afayrc Purfe, Maior, Renowned King, our ready wylles to (howe In your behalfe our goodes (nay lyves) to fpcnde, In all our names I freeiie here bellowe Oil your Highnes this Fade ; unto this ende E 3 To 7© THEHISTORIEOF To poffefle your moil: royall majeiHe, In all our wealth therto bounde by duetie. King, Your great good wyls, and gyfts with thankes I take ; But kecpe you fiyll your goodes to do you good. It Is inough and all that I do crave, If needes compels for your and our fafety. That you in part your proffers large performc ; And for rhis time, as outward fhowes make proofe, It is inough (and all that I defire), Thar your harts and tongues (alyke) byd me welcome. AIL Lord preferve your Majelly. JFive or Jtxe^ the one halfe men^ the other ivomertf ncarc iinto the Mujick^ fing'mg on fame fi age ercHcd from the ground. During . the fiji parte of the Jong, the King faineth to talke fadlic i\jith fomc of his CounfeU, The Kings Gentleman UJher, Forwards my Lords. They all go out leyfurahlie ivhile the refi of the fong is made an ende. '^i^^^^^^^^^^-^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A C T U S n. S C E N A I. Lamia the Curtifan* Lamia. The match goes harde which rayfeth no man's gaine ; The vcrtue rare, that none to vice maye wreall : And fure, the la we that made me late complaine, Allureth me many a wanton geail. Dames of my trade fhutte up their (hoppes for fcare, Their ftutfe prov'd Contra for mam Statuti : Then I, which lycenll am to fell fine ware, Am lyke to be well cullomed, perdy. And PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 71 And nowe tyme ferves, leaft cuflome after fayle. At hyeft rate my toyes 1 valine mult : Let me alone to fet my toyes to fale, Yong Ruflers I, in faith, wyU ferve of trull. AVho waves me not, him w yll I fayne to love ; Who loves me once, is lymed to my heaft ; j\Iy cullers fome, and fome fluiil weare my glove, And be my harte whofe payment lykes me beii. And here at hande are cullomers I trowe ; Thefe are the friendes of P-Z'^//rt;f, my fweete fiiende. Now wyll I go, and fee my wares to fiiowe, But let them laugh that wynneth in the ende. lExit. A C T U S II. S C E N A II. Apio and Bruno, tzvo Gentlemen Jlrau7igcrs ; '■j.nth Rofko. Aplo, Come on good friende : where dvvels Lady Lamia ? Rojh, Even by, Syr. Jpio, Well then, go thy waye. Show(; who fenc us, and what our meaning Is, Leall flie, not knowing us, doo take amys That thus boldlye we come to vilite hir. Ro/ko. No bolder then welcome, 1 warrant you Sir. Bruno. "Well, thy meira2;e doo. Rojko. I go. [ExU. Foivre Women Wavelk apparelled. Jit ting Jtnging in Lamia's Kvind.nve^ ivith nvrought Juwckes and ca' vies in their hands^ as if they ivere a ivorking. The Quyre. If pie af lire he trcafure, E 4 Apia, 72 THEHISTORIEOF 'Apia, Harke. ^hc golden ix^orUe is here, the golden luorUe is here, ^rfnf^ you, or chufe you, But ivelconie iv/jo dra-zves 7ieare ; lut Vickome ijoho drtrives tiearfi Bruno, They be the Mufcs fare. Apio^ Nave Syrens lure. Firftjings, Here lyves delyght. Second, Here dyes defpight. Both, Defyre here hath his vv}-ll, f7nrd. Here loves rellefe fourth, Deftroyeth griefe Lajl two. Which carefull hartes doth kyll. Bruno, Attende them llyll. Apio, That, M you wyll. Fir^, Here wyfli in wyll doth care deftroye. Second, Playe here your fyll, we are not ccye : ^hird. Which breedes much yll we purge annoy. Fourth, Our lyves here Hyll we leade in joye. Firfi. Second, Both. The Quyre, If pleafure be treafure, The golden worlde is here, the golden worldo is here: Refufe you, or chufe you. But welcome who corns neare ; but welcome who corns neare. Wantons drawe neare, Tafle of our cheare, Our cates are fine and fweete 5 nird. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, 73 Third. Come, be not cove fourth. To worke our joye ; We lall wyll at your fecte. Bruno^ A, good kinde wormes. Jplo, Harke. Firji, Loe here v^-e be, good vv^'ll. which move JScro;:J. We lyve, you fee, tor your behove : 'ThinL Coine, we agree to let you prove, Fourth, Without a fee, the fruites ot love. The ^urc all. If pleafure be treafure, the golden worlde is here, 6cc. Bruno. Upon this large warrant we maye venter. The docre opes alone ; come let us enter. Jpio. Agreede. * ^nter a Sergeaunt hearing a Mace^ another Offycer ^voith a Paper lyke a Proclamation ; andi\:ith them the Cryer. Officer. Cryer, make a noyfe. Cryer. O yes. And Jo thrife. Officer. ^1 manner of perfonnes here prefent— Ciyer. All manner of perfonnes here prefent— Officei: Be fylent, on payne of imprlfonment. Cryer. ]Pe fylent, on payne of imprifonment. Thi 74 THEHISTORIEOF The officer rcacJes the ProcJamal'urn, Corvinus^ the hye and mightie King of Hungarle and Boemia : Unto all his loving lubjeds ot" Jnllj^ lendeth greeting; And thenvithall giveth Knowledge of his princclie favour towards every iort of ihem. Firll, if any perfon, officer, or other, hath wronged any of his true fubjeds by the corruption of brybes, attcviting or not iavouring ot the perfon, through ufurie, extortion, wrong imprifonment, or with any other unjuft pradife. His Majeilie wylles the partie fo grieved to repayre to Syr Ulrica, one of his Highnelle privie Counfell ; who (Hnding his or their in- juries) iscommaunded to certifie them, and iLcir prooie unto the Kings Majeilie ; where incontinentlie he wylle order the controverfie, to the releafe of the p.irtie grieved, and the punifliment of the offenders. Further, if any of his faithfull rLibiev51es can charge any perfon, officer, or other, with any notable or hay nous utfence, as Treafon, Murder, Sacriledge, Sedicion, or with any fueh notorious cryme ; for the fa;erie of his Royal Perfon, bcne- fyte and quiet of his Rea'me and fubj:iCtes, on Fridayc ne:;te, his moll excellent Majeib.e (with the advife of his honorable Counfell) wyl in open Court f^-t ; to heare and determine all fuch ottence?. Therfore he ilrayghtile chargeth all and evcrie or his fubjeftes that knowe any luch haynous offenders, on the forenamed daye that he preient both the offender and his ^aulie. Dated at liis Royail Court in JnHo, the 6 oi Februarie. GOD fa ve the King. [E^ru^if. ACTUS II. S C E N A IV. ■s ^ ,, Rofko. See howe we are crofl ! we thought the King for pleafure Came to vifite us : when to his paine And our plagues, I feare he bedowes his leyfure To heare the wronges of fuch as wyll complayne 4 Of PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 75 Of any man : But the fport is, to fee Us officers, one looke of another ; I at Lorde Promos, Lorde Promos at mee ; The Laxviers at the Shriefe and Maior : They gafe as much on the ruling Lawier ; For to be plaine, the cleared: of all Peccavi fing, to heare the grievous call Agaii.it ufurie, brybrie, and harrating, Suborning, extorcion and boulihing. Some taultes are hearde, iome by Proclamation Haye, Before the King to be hearde on Fridaye. i yet have fcaptc, and hope to go Icot tree : But fo, or no, whylil leyfure ferves mee, To have my aunfwers frefli if 1 be cauld, Of merry mates I have a meeting llauld. To whom, my fences to refreih, I wend ; Who gets apace as meryly may fnend. \KxlU ACTUSII. SCENA V. Sir Ulrico 'vjlth divers papers In his hand\ two poore Cltyjiem Jollclting complayntes, Ulrico, As thou complaynO; agaynll all equity Houldes Pballax thv houfe by this extremity ? Flr/i. Yea fare, and he hath bound me fo fubtvlly As lelTe vou helpe, lawe yeeldes m.e no remidy, Ulrica. Well, what fay you ? is Pballax mony payd ? Second, Save fyve pound, Syr, Ulrica, For which vour bond is ilavde. Second, Nay mary, the fame I would gladly pay, Bui my bonde tor the forfeyt he doih ftay, Ulrtc9. 75 THEHISTORIEOF Ulrica, V Summum jus^ I fee, \'i fuinma injw-'m. So thefe wronges mult be falved Ibme other way. Firfi. Yea, more then this, moft men fay— » TJlrlco. What ? Firp.. To be playne, he keepes Miitris Lamia, TJlrlco, Admyt he doe, what belpe have you by this ? Second, Yes mary, it prooves a double knave he is, A covetous churle and a lecher too. IJlrtco, Well> well, honeft men, for your v/itnefle go j And as on proofe I fynd your injuries, So I wyl move the king for remedyes. Both, V/e thanke your honour. [Exeunt, Ulrica. Tys more then ilraunge, to fee v»'ith honeft (how What fowle deceyres lewde officers can hyde : In every cafe, their cratte thej collour fo, As Hyll they have ftryckt lawe upon their fide. Thele cunning Theeves with lawe can lordlhips flealp. When for a flieepe the ignoraunt are trull : Yea, who more rough with fmall offenders deale Then thefe falfe men to make themfelves feeme juft? The tirant Phallaris was prayfed in this When Perillui the bralen torment made, He founde the wretch ilrayght wayes in fome amys. And made him firll the fcourge thereof to taile : A juft reward for fuch as doe prefent An others fault, himfelfe the guiltyeil man : Well, to our weale, our gratious king is bent To tafte thefe theeves to ufe what mcanes he can. But as at Cheafles though Ikylful players play • SkyllelTe vewers may fee what they omyt. So though our Kin^ in fearching judgment may Gefle PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 77 Gcflc at their faultes which fecret wronges commit. Yet, for to judge by trueth, and not by amc, Myielfe in cheeie his highnefle doth auftorife On proofe for to returne who meryts blame, And as I fynde, fo he himfelfe will punifh ; So that to ufe my charge indyfferently, My clyents' wronges 1 wyll with wytnefle trye, Ai h is going outy Pimos, a young Gentleman^ fpeah to him^ A C T U S II. S C E N A Vr. Pimos, Sir XJlrico^ I humbly crave to know What good fuccelTe my honeil fute enfucs. Ulrico. Mafler Pimos, in breefe the fame to fhowc, I feare you both my order wyll refufe. Lyros, that thinkes he geves more then he (hould. And yoU| for that you have not what you would. Pi7rws, It fhall goe hard if that your award miflikes mee. Ulrico, Wei, goe with me, and you the fame fhall fee. Pi?nos, I waight on you. [Exeunt* ACTUS III. S C E N A I. Phallax. Phallax, MY troubled hart with guiltynelTe agrev'd Lyke fyre doth make my eares and cheekes to glovY : God graunt I fcapethis'blacke day unrepvev'd, I care not how the game goe to-morrow. Well, ^8 *rHEHISTORIEOF Well, I wyll fet a face of braiTe on it, And with the reft upon the King attend, "Who even anon wyll heare in judgement fyt. To heaven or hell fome officers to fend. But foft, a pryze ; Gripr.x and Rabax I fee, A fhare of their venture bclonges to mee. ACTUS III. S C E N A II. Grlpax, Rapax, Promoters. John Adroynes, a Slmmc % Phallax. John. Nay good honeft Promoters, let mee go. Gripax, Tu(h John Adroynes, we muft not leave you fo ; What, an ould hobclunch a wanton knave. You ftial to the King. John, Marry John Adroynes, God fave The King : why he wyll not looke on poore men, Rapax. Yes, yes ; and wyll fpye a knave in your face. Johu Wyll he fo ? then good you be gone apace. Qr'ipax, And why? John, Leaft in my face he fpye you too. Phallax, Have you feene a dawe bebob tuo crowes fo ? Rapax, Well, come awaye, Syr Patch. Jehn, Leave, or by God yle fcratch. T}:ey fa-Mie a f^hlyng, Gripax, What wilt thou fo ? John, Yea, and byte too. Crlpax, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, f^ Gripax, Heipe Rijpax, play the man. John, Nay, do both what you can. Phalla:t. If that in bobs theyr bargayne be, In iayth they Hiaie alone tor mee. Rapax, What bytell thou, hobclunch ? John. Yea, that chuU, and punch. Gripax, O Lorde God, my hart. John. Knaves, He make you fart. Rapax, Hould thy hands, Lob. T- n John, Fyrit, take this bob. Phallax, To parte this fraye It is hye time I can tcIL My Promoters elfe of the rolie wyll fmell. Rapax, O, my neck thou wyh breake. Yea Gods ames, ciy-fl thou creake? Phallax, How now, my triends ! why what a ftur Is this ! Gripax, Marry. TT-, ^ Phallax, What? iiare they part, yle make them pys. rj ^^ Phallax. Houlde j no more blowes. Knaves, this honeft man thanke That you fcape fo well. PbaUoft, to THEHISTORIEOl^ Phallax, Frlende be not to cranke ; v I am an officer, and mcane to know The caule why you brauld thus, before I go j Your bobs faow that the fame you boil: can tell* Rapax, I would your worfh'p felt the lame as well, I then am lure this blockheJ led flave For both his laultes double pnnilnment fhould have# Phalhx, ■ What faultes ? RapaXm Marry. John. He wyll lye lyke a dogge. Phallax, How now ycu churle, your tongue would have a clog. Say on. "kapax. To fiiowehis firfl and chiefeil faughte. His father's maide and he, are naught. John, What I ? Rapaxt I. John, By my Grandfire's foule, vou lye* Phallax. ?eace. Frlende, for this faulte thou muft dye. John, Dye ? Leard fave ns you fowade knave ; yle bum yec* For reforming a he thus agiiinil mee. Phallax, Tulh, tufh, it helpcth not if they can prove this. Gripax, For fome projfe, I lawe him and the maide kys. John, Can nor foke leys, but they are nauglu by and by ? X ^ Hallax. PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. $\ Phallax, This prefumption, frlende, wyll touch the ihrowdlie* if thou icape with lyfe, be thou furc of this, Thou (halt be terriblie whipped for this kys. John. Whypt ! mary God fhiclde ; chy had father be hingde^ Rapax, Growte nowle, come to the king. John, Art not well bangde ? PhaJlax, Well, good fellowes, lets take up this matter. Gripax, Nay firft John Adroines flial be truft in a halter. Phaliax, tVhy, helpes it you to fee the poore man whypt ? I praye you, friendes, for this tyme let him goe. John. Stande ft)41, and chuU whether they wyll or no, , Rapax. Nay, but we charge him in the King's name, flaye thee. Phallax. Harke, honell: man, I warrant thee fet free, Greafe them well in their handes, and fpeake them fayre. John, Leard God, our tallow pot-tc is not here. Phallax. Tufh, clawe them with money, John. Who (o ? my nayles are fharpe. Fhallax, 1 fee, for Ciownes Pans pype is meeter then Apollo's harpe : They can no Ikyll in muficke but plaine fong. Gripax. I praye lets goe ; we tryfle tyme too long, Phallax, Strayght. Cockes foule, knave, ftoppe his mouth with money, John. O, I ken you nowe Syr ; chi crie you mercie§ F Rapax* Si THEHISTORIEOF Rapax. Come on, flouch, wylt pleafe you be jogging hence ? Here is all ; tcnne fhyllinges and thyrtcnc pence- Phallax. Haike ye, my frlendes. Gripax, We niufl not let him goc. Phallax-, Harke once more. Give them the money. It (hall be fo. John, Phallax, Rapax, Well, although he deferves great punifhment, For your fake, tor this tyme we are content : John Adro-.nes farewell ; henceforth be honefr, And for this faulte vvyll pafle it ore in jeaO. [Extnnty John, ' Then gives our monev, PhaJkx. Why? John, Why they dyd but jead. Phallax, ^ Yea, but they tooke thy money in earncli:. \KxiU John, Art gone r now the Dewle choake you all with it : How chy kifle againe the knaves have taught me wyt; But by faint u4nnc^ chy do fee burlady, Men maye do what them woll that have money. Ich furely had bene whipt, but tor my golde, But chull no more with fmouches be fo boldc. Yea, and Ich wifli all lovers to be wyfe. There be learing knaves abroade have cattes eyes. A^'hy, by Gods bores they can bothe fee and markc, If a man-fteale but a fmouch in the darke. And nowe the worlde is growne to fuch joljic fpye, As if foke doo kylTc the'are nought by and b/. 3 Well, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 8; XVell, }xh wyll home, and tell my father Droyne, Howe that two theeves robd mee of my coyne. [Exit, Enter the King, Promos, Ulrico, Maior, Gonfago, Phallax, imlb nvo other attendantes% King, Sir Gonfago^ if that we henceforth heare With will, or wealth, you doe our fubje^^s wrongs Looke not agayne this favour for to fynde ; We life this grace to wyn you to amende : If not, our wrath fiiall feare you to offende. God fpeede you. [Gonfago doth reverence and dfparteth King, I fee by proofe that true the proverbe is, Myght maiilers right, wealth is fuch a canker, As woundes the confcience of his maifter, And devoures the hart of his poore neyghbour: To cure which fore, juflice his pryde muA pyne. Which jiirtice ought in princes moll to ihine : And fyth fubjeds lyve by their princes law, Whofe lawes in cheefe the rytch Ihould keepe in awe. The poore in wronges but fildome doth delyght. They have inufFe for to defende their right. It much behoves the maker of thefe lawes (This mony findes in them fo many flawes) To fee his lawes obfervd as they are ment. Or elfe good lawes wyll turne to evyll intent* Well, ere I leave, my poorell fubjeds (hall Both lyve and lyke, and by the richeft llawl. Promos, Regarded and mofl mightie Prince, your clemency herein Thofe harts your rule commands through feare, to iaithful lovft Ihall win, Ulrico, Renowned King, I am for to complainc Of Phallax^ Lord Promoi fecondary, Whofe hainous wronges many poore men doth palne, By me, who pray your highnes remedy. F z Kini^ i4 THEHISTORIEOF King. My Lord Promosy it feemes yon rule at large, When as your cl.irkesare officers unjuft. Promos^ Dread King, I thinke he can thefe wrong difcharge. Due you but thinke Syr ? a iure fpeare totrufi:, A dum death and blynde judge can do as much. Well, well, God graant yv.ur ownelyte byde thetuch, Syr Ulrico, your complayni con ti new. Ulnco, Gratious King, his wronges be thefe, In iow, FIrft, Phallax is a common Barriter, In office, a lewd extortioner. The crafty iran oft puts thefe wronges in ure If poore men have that lykes hisfearching eye; He flioweth gould the needy foules to lure ; Which if they take, fo faft he doth them t}e. That by fome bonde or covenaunt for fay ted Thev ure in forft (farre beneath the vallew) To let him have what his eye coveyted : And for to prove that this report is true, I (howe no more then witnelle prov'd by oth, W^hofe names and handes defends it heave as troth. [Ulrico deli'ver-s the King a iwiting iK)ith names at rf* Khig, How now Promos? how thinke you of your man ? Ufe both your wyttes to cleare him if you can. Promos, Dread King, my hart to heare his faultes doth bleede. King, How farde it then to fuffer it indeede ? It dyde, I trow, or now you fpeake in jeft. Thy ma{ler*s mute, Phallax^ I houlde it bell That thou fpeake for thyfelte. Phallax, I humbly crave Of your grace, for aunfwere refpyt to havc# PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 8$ King, Why ? to devife a cloke to hydc a knave ? Friend, vcritas 7ion quarit angulos ; And it yourlelif you on your truth repofe, You may be bould thefe hiuhes lor to deny v Some lyttel care upon their othes to lye. See if any in your behahc will fwcare. Phallax, : O Lord God, is there no Knyghtes of the pofte heare ? Well then, of force I mull: ling Peccavi, And crye out ryght to the King for mercy, O King I am in fau'.te 1 mufl confejjc. The ijohich I ivyllivith repcntaunce rcJreJJe, King, Thy confeflion doth meryt fome favour. But repentaunce payes not thy poore neyghbour ; Wherefore, Syr tllrico, his goods feafe you. And thofe he wrong*d, reftore you to their due. Ulrico, Looke, what he gettes, moll thinke he waftes {Iraight wayc Upon a leawde harlot named Lamia : So that his goods wyll fcarfe pay every wight. King. Where naught is left, the king muft lofe his right. Pay as you may, I hould it no offence If eache pay fomewhat for experience. But by the way, you rule the citty well That fuffer, by your nofe, fuch dames to dwell. And now, Phallax^ thy further pennaunce ys, That forthwith thou do refigne thy office, U/rico, to his account lykewil'e fee. Ulrica, It Ihal be done. King, Phallax, further heare mee : Becaule thou didll thy faultes at firft confefle From puniftimcnt thy perfon 1 releafe. Fhallax. J mbfl humbly do thanke your niajelly. Promos. Ah ! out alas ! Cajfandra heare I fee. F J Caffandri 86 THEHISTORIEOF CafTandra in a Uev<;e go^-iX^ne Jlmdcwed v:ilh hlach, Cajfandra, O would the teares mvj^ht tel my tale, I fhame fo much my fall, Or elfe Lord Promos lewdnes fhowen, would death would cndt my thrall ! Promos^ Welcome my fvveete Cajfandra, Cajfandra, Murdrous varlet, away ! Renowned King, I pardon crave for this my bould attempt In preafmg thus lb neare your grace, my forrow to prefent : And leaft my foe, falfe Promos heare, do interrupt my tale, Graunt, gratious King, that uncontroul'd I may report my bale. How now Promos ? how lyke you of this fong ? Say on fayre dame, I long to heare thy wrong. Cajfandra* Then knowc dread Soverayne, that he this doome did gevc, That my brother for wantonneiTe Ihould lofe his head. And that the mayde which iin'd fhould ever after lyve In fome religious houfc, to forrowe her mifdeede. To fave my brother jug'd to dye, with teares I fought to move Lord Promos hart to ihowe him grace ; but he wjth lawles lore Was fyred by and by ; and knowing neceffity To ili'/e my brother*^s lyfe, would make mey'eeld to much. He crav*d this raunfome, to have my virginitie ; No teares could worke reftraynt, his wicked lull was fuch ; Two evils here were, one mull: I chufe, though bad were very beft. To fee my brother put to death, or grnuntehis lewde requeft, In fyne, iubdude with naturall love, I did agree Upon thefe two poyntes, that marry me he ihould, And that from prifon vyle he fliould my brother free. All this with monftrous othes he promifed he would. But oh this perjurd Promos when he had wrought his W)'!!, Fyrll caft me oL and after caus'd the Gailer for to kill My PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. tj My brother, raunfomde with the fpoyle of my good name; So that for companing with fuch a helliih feende I have condemnde myfelf to weare thefe weedes of (hamc, Whofe cogiiifance doth (hewe that I have (fleOily) finM. Loe thus, hie and renowned king, Cajfantlra endes her tale, And this wicked Promos that hath wrought her endles bale. King, If this be true, fo fowle a deede fhall not unpunifht goe. How fayfl thou Promos to her playnte ? arte giltye ? yea or noe > Why fpcakft thou not ? a faulty harte thy fcilence fure doth fliowe. Promos, IVIy gllty hart commaundfi my tongue, O King, to tell a troth, I doe confelle this tale is true, and I deferve thy wrath. King. And is it fo ? this wicked deede thou flialt ere long buy deare. Caffandra^ take comfort in care, be of good cheers : Thy forced fault was free from evill intent, So long, no Ihame can blot thee any way : And though at full I hardly can content thee Yet as I may, allure rhyfelfe I wyl. Thou wycked man, might it not thee fuffice By worfe then force to fpoyle her chaflitie. But heaping fmnc on iinne againft thyoth. Hall cruelly her brother done to- death. This overproofe ne caa but make me thinke That many waies thou haft my fubje6tes wrongd ; For how canft thou with juitice ufe thy fwaie When thou thy felfe doft make thy will a lawe ? Thy tyranny made mee this progrefTe make How lb for fport ryl nowe I coiloured it, '■' Unto this ende, that I might learne at large What other wronges by power thou haft wrought. And heere I heare : the ritche fiipprelle the poore So that it feemes the beft and thou art friendes : I pUfte thee not to be a partiull judge. Thy oftVccrs are covetous, I finde, By whole reportes thou over-ruleft futes ; Then who that eives an Item in the hande ^ F 4 In 8$ THEHISTORIEOF In i^'ght, and wrong, is fure of good fuccefle. \Ve]l, varler, well, too flowe I hether came To fcourge thy faultes, and falve the fores thou mad'H. On thee vyle wrctche this fentence I pronounce j That forthwith thou fhalt marrie Caffandra^ For to repayre hir honour thou dydll walle ; The next daye thou (halt lofe thy hated lyfc In penaunce that thou mad'fl hir Brother dye. Promos* My faukes were great, O King, yet graunt me mercic. That nowe with bloody fighes lament my linncs too late. King. Hoc facias alteri quod, tihi ^* So maye your worfhip be out of daunget-. - Gre/co. Bring hir awtiye ; I knowe howe to tame hir. Lamia^ PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 97 La mi it. Perhaps, Syr, no : the worll is but (hame hir. Come ye drub. {Second Byl, Lamia, Kowe ncwe fcab! handes of my gowne. Byl Care not for this ; yufe have a blew one foone. [T'ljird Pjl, {E.xcu^ii* CalTandra. Cajpimira, Unhajipy wench, the more I Iceke for to abandone f^rlefe The furdcr off 1 wrerchcd fiade both comrort and relicie. My brother firll:, fer wanton fauhes condeir.pncd was ro dye, To fave whefc life my fute wrought ho^-c of grace, but haples I Ey fuch requefc my honor fpoyld and gayned not his breath, For which deceire I have purfudc Lorde Promos unto death. Who is my hufbandenowe become, it pleai'd our foveraigne fo For to repayre my crafed fame, but that which workes my wo This day he mull (oh) kefe his head my brother's death to And theriii fortune hath, alas ! fiiowne me hir grearefl fpyte. Nature wyld mec my brother love ; now diuie coinmaunds mec To preferre before kyn or friend, my hufband's fafetie. But O ! aye me, by fortune I ara made his chiefefl foe, Tvvas J, alas ! even onely I that wrought his cverthroe. What (liall I doo to worke amends for this my haynous deede ? The tyme is fliort, my po'.ver fmall, his fuccors axeth fpeede. And n-.all I fecke to fave his blood that latelis fought his lyfe ? yea, I then was fvvorne his foe, but now as faithful! wife 1 muil and wvll prelerre his heahh, God leiide me good fuccei^c-; _ ^ For now unto the King I wyll my chaunged minde to exprefPe. Phallii::. Phallcx. Was ever man fet more freer than I? Firft went n-} goodcs, then my OliVcc <^r<$. flye. G' ' But 98 THEHISTORIEOF But had the King; fet me free from flattrle, The next deare yeare 1 might have llarv'd perdle. But Lorde Fremos hath a farre more freer chaunce. He free from landes, goodes, andoifice doth daunce ; And fliall be ivtQ from life, ere long, with a launce. The officers and chiefe men ci Julio Vengeaunce iyberall themfelves lykevvife flioe ; Pocre knaves and (]ueancs that up and downe do goe Tbefe horefen kinde crulles in houfes beftoe : But yet. poore cheere they have ; marry for heate They whyp them untyl verie blood they fweate. Rut fee their coil befcovvde of fyne Lamia ; To fave hir feete from harde ftoiies and colde waye. Into a carre they dyd the queane convaye, Apparelled in colours verie gaye ; Beth hoode and govvne of greene and yellowc faye. Her garde weare typflaves all in blewe arrayc j l^tore hir a noyle of Bafons dyd playe : In this triumphe fhe ryd well nye a daye. Fie, fie ! the cltie is fo purged nowe, As they of none but honeil men allovve ; So that farewell my parte of thriving there : But the bed: is, iiatrrcrs lyve everie \', here. Set ccke on hoope ; Do?nini eft terra. If thou cannot where thou wouldtl, lyve where thou maye. Ye-, yes, Phallax knoweth v/hether to go ; Nuvve God bvvy ye all honeil men of Julio: As 'he dcvilles lykes the compauy ot triers. So ftattrers loves as lyfe to joyne with lyers. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^'^'^^^^''^'i^ ACTUS V. SCENAI. Andrugio, dif^wfcd in fome longe blach cloahe* Andrugio, Thefe two dayes I have bene in court difguisM, Where i have learn'd the fcorge that is devis'd For PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. tj9 For Promt's f.uilte ; he my fyfter fpowfc.l hath To ialvc her fame crackt by his breathe ot Tayth : And (liortlie he muli lol'e his fuhtyll head, For miirdrlng me, whome no man rhinkes but dead : His vvyll was good, and therefore, beflirewe mee If (mov'd with rathe) I feeke to fet him free. But fofthe ; with fome ncwes thefe felknves come : I wyll Ibnde clofe, and heare both all and lome. A C T U S V. S C E N A II. Enur Ulrlco, Marfliall. Ulnco, MarJJyall, heare your warrant is ; with fyteAt The king commaunds that Promos you behead, MarJImll. Sir, his highnefle w)-ll flial be forthwith done. [EAvVMarfhall. Ulrica. ■ The king welnye to pardon him was wonne, His heavy wyfe fuch ftormes of teares did Ihovvre, As myght with rueth have moyfl a iiony hart ; But Promos guylt dyd Ibone this grace devoure. Our gratious king, before hir wretched Imarr, Prefer'd the hekh of this our common vveaie.-^ But fee, again to fue for him flie comes ; Her ruthrull lookes, her greefe, doth force me feele. With hope, I muit her fori owes nccdes delay, Tyll Promos be difpatcht out of the way. ACTUS V. S C E N A III. Calfandra, CaJJandra, Syr Ulr'ico^ if that my unkncnvne greefe May move good mindes to heipe mee to releefe. G 2 Or 100 THEHISTORIEOF Or bytter fyghes of comfort cleanc difmayde, May move a man a fliifticn'e dame to ayde, Rue of my teares from true Intent which fiowe ; Unto the king with me yet once more goe. See if his grace my hulband's lyfe wyll fave. If not, with his death fnall my corps ingrave. JJlrico, What fhall I doe, her forrowes to decreace ? Feede her with hope : — /ayre dame, this mone furceafe; I fee the king io grace is fomewhat bent, We once agayne thy forrowes wyll prefent : Come, we wyl wayght for tyrae thy fute to lliow, CaJ]a7idra. Good knight, for time do not my fute foreflowe; Whylft grafie doth growe, ofte ilerves the feely iteecie, Ulrico, Feare not ; your lorde fhal not dye with fuch fpeede, [ Exeunt t Enter Andruglo. Andrugio. Lord God, how am I tormented in thought \ My filler's woe fuch rueth in me doth grave, As fayne I would (if ought fave death I caught) Bewiay myfelfe, Lord Promos life to fave. But lyfe is fweete, and naught but death I eye. If that I Ihould my fafety now difclofe; S© that I chufe, of both the evels, he dye : Time wyll appeafe, no dought, Cajjandra's woes. And Ihall I in us acquite CaJJandras love ? To worke her joy, and (hall I feare to dye, Whylil that (he lyve no comforie may remove Care from her harte,. if that her hulband dye ? Then ihall I llycke to hafard lym, nay lite. To I'aiv^hir gicefe, fince in my cure it reffs ? Nay firf!:, I wil be fpoyld with blooddy knife Before I fayle her plunged in dillres. Death is but death, and all In iyne Ihall dye : Tiflia (bcin^'; dead) my fame (hall live alway. Well, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA, xoi Well, to the king Andrugio now wyll hye, riap lyfe, hap death, his fafety to bewray, [f;r//. ACTUS V. SCENAIV, The Marlhall ; three orfowre vjith hallards^ hading Promos ta execution, Bylman, Roome, friends ; what meane you thus Co gafe on A Byl* us ? , man, A comes behlnde makes all the fport, I wus. Promos, Farewell, my friendes, take warning by my fall, Difdaine my life bur lilten to my ende; Frefh harmes, they lay. -he viewers fo apall, As oft they win the wicked to amend. I neede not heare my faultes at large refyte, Untimely death doth witnelTe what I was, A wicked man whiche made eache wrong feeme right j Even as I would was wreiled every cafe. And thus, long tyme I lyv'd and rul'd by wyl ; Whereas I lov'd, their faultes I would not lee : Thofe I did hate, teane tymes beyond there yll I did perluc, vyle wretch, with cruelty. Yea dayly I from bad to worfe didflyde, r*^ The realon was. none dt'rfl: controule my lyfe ; • ^* But fee the tali of niifcheeve in hij pride : My faultes were knou :ie, and loe, with bloddy axe /<- The headfeman rtrayohc my wronges with death wyll quite J The which in worth i rake, acknowledging The doome was geven on caufe, and not on fpyte ; Wilhing my ende might fei-ve for a warning For fucn as mle and make their will a luwe r If to fuch good my faynting tale might tend, > Wretched Pro?nos^ the fame would Ioi\ger draw ; But if that wordes prevayle, my wofuli ende From ipy hu^e fuA.U'ies, then tenne tymes more wyll warne. G 3 ForgevenelTc 102 T K E H I S T O R I E O F For;;evencfie now of ai! the world I crave; Ther.^lth, that yo-J, in zealous prayer, wyll Bcfet'cheoi- G'jd that I ihf grace may have At latter galpe, the leare ot c'earh to kyll. •Mnrjhall. Forwards, my Lord ; me thinkes you fayntly goc. Promos. O Syr, \a my cafe your felfe would be as flowe. Enter CalTandra, Poll n a, and one -inaycfe, Cajfundra, Aye me, alas ! my hone is untimely. Whether goes my good Lord ? Fromos, Sweete wife, to dye. CiTfindra. O wretched wench, where may I firft complaync, When heaven and eanh agrees upon my payne f Pyom:is, ^ This mone,.good wife, for Chriftes fake, forfakc ; I, late refolv'd, through leare or death now quake ; Kor lo much tor my haynous linnes torej)all, As for the grtefe that piefent thou doil taft. CoRindra, jj fN"ay, I vile wretch, (hould moil agreeved be, fore thy time, thy death which haifened have : But (O fvvetr'e hufoaid) ivy fa ulr forgeve mee, And, for amends, lie helpe to fyll thy grave. Pro/nos. Forgeve thee, ah ! nay, for my foule'y releefe. Forget, fweete'u'yfe, this thy m.oll guykles greetc, MarOyafl. iNIy Lord Pro?nos, thefe playntes but move hir monc, And your more greefe : it is bell, you ware gone. ,Good iMadilame, way by lawe your Lord doth dye, Wherefore make vertue of necelhty, ^ Delay PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 103 Delay but workes your forrowes and our blames : So that now, to the comtort of thefe dames, And your uifdome, in forced we leave you, INly Lord Promos^ byd your wire and tricnds adew. Promos. Farewell, farewell ; be of good cheare. deare wyfe, With joy for woe, [ fhall exchange this life.— - Jlnclrugio's death, Polina foi gt ve mce. Poiinn, I doe, and pray the Lord to releeve yee. CiJJluuh-a, Yet ere we part, {wcQtc hull^and, let us kis :— O, at hib lyppes why tayleth nor my breath ? Promos. Leave mone, fwete wife ; I doe deferve this death. Farewell, farewell. . They all depart^ fa've Polina, Caflandra, and her v:oman, CaJJandra. My loving Lorde, farewell. I hope, ere long, my foule with thine fiiall dwell. Polina. Now, good MadaiTje, leave of this bootelefle griefe, Cajpi/idra. O PoUnay forrowc is my reliefe ; Wherfore, fweete wenche, helpe me to rue my woe ; ^ Wirh me, vyle wretche, thy bytrer plaintes bellowe, To naften lyngring death who wanteth might I fee, alone to (ley the wretched wight. PoUna. Nay fi'ft powre foorth your playnres to the powers divine, When hate doth clowde ail worldly grace whofe mercies ftyil do ihine. Cajtandra, O, fo or no, thy motion doeth well. Swan lyke in fong to towle my palfing bell. G 4 V?t^ 104 THEHISTOFxlEOF *ri>€ Song *y CafTaiidra. Deare dames, divorfe your minds fiom joy, hcipe to bcwayle my \\o ; Condole \vi:h me whofc heavy fijchird to mee what Promts pkaiure was ; AmazM wherat, I lo'.de him all the tmah, What berwepe Caflitndrmnd^ him dyd pafie. He much agViev'd Lorde Prornos guvlt to heare Was verie lot e, mee (wofull man) to haime : At length, jaft God, to iet me (wretched) clcare, Wrth this defence his wylling minde dyd arme. Two da-' es atore, to death were divers dor.e. For icverail taultes by then> committed ; So that or them he tooke the head from one, An\\ to CaJJandra the fame prefented, Aihrm.ing it to be her brother's head. Which done, by night he fent me poll away ; None-bu* fuppofcdtivat I indecde was dead, When a; in trueth in uncouth haimtes I hiye. In fine, a Clowne came, peakin;; through the wood Whcrin I lyvd, your Graces being here, A'.'d Promos death by whom I underllood : Cjhid ot which newes, howe fo I lyv'd in feare, 1 ventured to fee his wretched fall. To tiee fu^pefl:, yet ftraun^^^er lyke arayde, 1 hether came: hue loe the inwarde thrall Of Cajfandra the hate f o fore difmayde. Which i conccyved agaynft my brother Pro7nos^ That Ine I chews'd to yeeld myfelf to death To let him free j for otherwyle I knew Ris death ere long would fure have flopt her breath, Loe -^r: tious Kinc;, in breefe I have here Ihowne Such adventures as wretched 1 have paft, Befeeching you with grace to thinke upon The wight that wayks r.is follyes at the laih King, A fi:rangedifcourfc as.flrangely come to light; God's pleafure is that thou Ihouldft pardon'd be : To falve the fault thou with Pcllna mad'ft, But n^arry her, and heare J fat thee free. Andrugia, Moft gratious Prince, thereto 1 gladly grec. Po'iina, PROMOS AND CASSANDRA. 107 PoUna, PoUna! thehappyeft newcs c f all for thcc, CaJjCandi a, Mo{l ^rations Kinc^, with Uiele my joveto match, Vouchfare to geve my dampned hufbunde lytc. If I doo fo, let him thanke thee, his wife. Cajjani^ra^ I have noted rhy dilirellc, Thy virtues eke, from firlt unto the lad ; And glad I am, without otience it !yes In me to (.afe thy gricte and heavines, Andnigio'i'CiV^d. the juel of thy joy e. And tor thy fake I pardon Promos taulte : Yea let them both thy vertues rare commende. In that their woes with this delyght doth endc, Compajty, God preferve your Majeftie. Promos. CaJJa7idra^ howe (hall I difcharge thy due ? CaJJaucira, I dyd but what a wife (hould do for you. King. Well, fince all pares are pleafed as they wouldc, . Before 1 parte, yet, Promos^ this to thee : Henceforth, forerhinke of thy torepaiied faultes. And meafu re grace with Juilict; evermore. Unto the poorc have evermore an eye, And let not might out countenaunce their right. Thy otHcers trull not in every tale, In cheite, when they are meanes in ilril-es and lutes : Thoui;h thou be juil, vet coyne ma>e them corrupt ; And it by them thou doii: injufrice fnowe, Tys thou flialt beare the burden of their faultes. Be loving to good Cajfjudra thy wire. And friendlie to thy brother Andruglo^ Whom I commaund as t:iytbfull tor to be To rh;e, as befeemes the duety of a brd'.her. And now agayne thy goveniment receyve ; Injoye it fo as thou in juUice joye. It thou be wyfe, thy fall maye inake thee ryfe: The id8 T H E H I S T O R I E, &:c. The loll fneepe founde, for joyethe feafl was made. Well ; here an ende of my advife I make : As I have fa3-de; be good u;iro the poore. And juiiice joyne with mercie evermore. Pro/nos, ?.Ioft graiious King, I wyll not fayle my boil, In thele preceptes to followe yourbeheall. G. Whetstone. r I N I S, Imprii:ted at London by iv/VZ'^r^^y/Wff, and are to be foldc over agiiynll Saint Sepulchres Church, without New^aie, Augufl 20, 1578. M E N ^ C M L A pleafant and fine conceited C O M CE D I E, Taken out of the moft excellent wittie POET P L A U r U S. Clcfcn purpofcly from cut the rej}^ as Icajl harmpfiiU^ and yet moj} dciightfiilL Written in English, by W. W. LONDON, Printed by'Tno. Creede, and nre to be fold by Willi. vm Barley, at his fliop in Graticui-Jlreeie. [ "> 1^ The PRINTER to the READER S, ^J^HK ivriter hereof (h'jhig Remans) hannng dl'verfe vf ibis Pocttei Cornell' I s F.ngitjhcd^ for the u',}. and cL'U^ht if hi pri" vatc friends^ r.vho in Plautus (K\:ne >ivords are ?iot ah'c to underjieind them : I ha'vc prevailed fo far <^vith him as to let this one go jur^ ther ah read ^ for a publike recreation and delight to all thofe^ that affc^the diver fe forts of bookes compiled in this kindy -X'hrrof (ijt 7t2y judgement) in harndcffe mirth and quicknrjji; of fine conceit^ i/y£ moji of them co?/ie far Jhort of this. Aiid although I found him *vety loath and unKvilling to hazard this to the curious lue'W cf en' vious detratlion, (being as he tels mee) neither Jo exactly 'Mritien^ as it may cany any name of a TranjJation, 7ior fuch Ubcrtie tUriit ufed^ as that he ^^vould nntorioufly varie from the Poets civne order: yet fith it is oney a ?natter of ??icrim£nt, and the title alteratiofi the r of can brecde no detriment of importance, 1 have over-rukk him fo far re, as to let this be o^'red to your curt eons acceptance^ and if you f?all applaudc his title labour heerein, 1 doubt not bat he ~JoHl endevour to gratife you voith Jome of the rcjl better laboured^ and more curioujly poliljhed, Fare-xeiL * Where you finde tin's markc, tlie Poets Cwnccit Is fome- what altied, byoccih-ju either or" the tline, thecountrv, or th« oiirafe. THE C "^ 1 THE ARGUMENT. * TJf O tvjinhorne fonnes, ^ Slcill mar chant had^ Mcnccbmus crie^and Sof.cles tU other: Tbefrji his father loji a litle lad. The Grandfire namde the latter like his hr other. This (gron.vne a man) long irat'cll tooke to fecke His Brother^ and to Epidamnmn came^ Where th' other dv:elt inricht, and him Jo like^ That Citizens there take him for the fame : Father, tvi/e, ncighhours^ each ?;iijlaking cither^ Much pkafant crr»r^ ere they mccie tngithcr. A pleafant '^^^'^^'^^'^■^'^'^•^^•^•^•^^^^'^^•^'^'^^ A pleafant and fine conceited C O M CE D I E, CALLED M E N E C H M V S, Taken out of the moft excellent POET P L A U r U S. ACT I. SCENE I. Enter Peniculus a Parajite, PENICULUS was given mee for my name when I was yong, bicaufe like a broome I fvvept all cleane away, where fo ere 1 become : Namely all the vittels which are fet before mee. Now in my judgement, men that 'clap iron bolts on fuch captives as they would keepe fafe, and tie thofe fervants in chaines, who they thinke will run away, they commit an exceeding great folly : my reafon is, thefe poore wretches enduring one miferie upon an other, never ccafe deviling how by wrenching afunder their gives, or by fome fubtiltie or other they may efcape fuch curfed bands* If then ye would keep a man without all fufpition of running away from yc, the fuveft way is to tie him with meate, drinke and cafe: Let him ever be idle, eate his belly full, and H caroufe 114 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED caroufe while his fkin will hold, and he (hall never, I wf.rrant ye, flir a foote. Thefe firings to tie one by the teeth, palTe all the bands of iron, fteele, or what merull fo ever, for the more flack and eafie ye make them, the rafter iViU they tie' the partie which is in them, I fpeake this upon experience of my felfe, who am now going for Mcnechmus^ there wil- lingly to be tied to his good cheare : he is commonly fo ex- ceeding bountifull and liberall in his fare, as no marveyle though fach gueiles as my felfe be drawne to his table, and tyed there in his diihes. Now becaufe I have lately bene a llraunger there, I meane to vifite him at dinner : for my llomacke mee-thinkes even thrufts me into the fetters of his daintie fare. But yonder I fee his doore open, and hinifelfc readie to come foorth. SCENE IL Enter Menechmus-/^//^/«§- hacke to his iv'fi ivithln. If ye were not fuch a brabling foole and mad-braine fcold as yee are, yee would never thus crolfe your hulbande in all his aftions. 'Tis no matter, let her ferve me thus once more, He fend her home to her dad with a vengeance. I can never go foorth a doores, but fhce alketh mee whirher I go ? what I do ? what bufmes ? what I fetch r what I carry ? * As though {he were a Conllable or a Toll- gatherer. I have pamperd her too much : ihe hath fervants about her, wooU, Hax, and all things necefTary to bufie her withall, yet iTia warcheth and wondreth whither I go. Well lith it is fo, flie fhall now have fome caufe, I mean to dine this day abroad with a fvveet friend of mine. Penkniui, Yea marry now comes hee to the point that prickes me: this laft fpeech gaules mee as muvh as it would doo his wife; If he dine not at home, I am drell. McncchniuSt We that have Loves abroad, and wives at home, arc miferably hampred, yet would every man could tame his fticwe as well as I dco mine. I have now filcht away a fine ryding M E N E C H M U S. it^ r)'dInCT cloake of my wives, which I meane to bcdovv upon one that I love better. Nay, if fhe be fo warie and vvatchtull over me, I count it an almes deed to deceive her. Peniculus, Come, what fhare have I in that fame ? Mcnechmus, Out alas, I am taken. Pcnlculus, True, but by your friend. Menechmus, What, mine owne Peniculus 7 Pen: cuius. Yours (i'faich) bodie and goods if I had any, Maiech77ius, Why thou hafl: a bodie. Pcnlculus. Yea, but neither goods nor good bodie. Menechmus, Thou couldil never come fitter in all thy life. Peniculus. Turti, I ever do fo to my friends, I know how to come alwaies in the nicke. Where dine ye to-day ? Menechmus, He tell thee of a notable pranke. Peniculus, What did the Cooke marre your meatc in the dreffing ? would I might fee the reverlion. Menechmus, Tell me didfl: thou fee a picture, how Jupiters Eagle fnatchc away Ganimede^ or how Venus Itole away Adonis ? Peniculus. Often, but what care I for fhadowes, I want fubftance, Me7iechmus, Looke thee here, Icoke not I like fuch a pi£lure ? Peniculwi. O ho, what cloake have ye got here ? Menechmus, Prethee fay I am now a brave fellow. Peniculus, But h«arke ye, where fhall we dine ? H 4 Mencchmu)* jf6 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Mcpicc/jmus, Tufii, fay as I bid thee man. Pcnuulus. Out of doubt ye are a fine man, Mr/icclwjus. What ? canil adde nothing of thine owne ? Pen: cuius. Ye are a moft pleafant gentleman. Menechmus, On yet. Pe/iicuJus, Nay not a word more, unlefle ye tell mee how you and your wife be fallen out. Menechmus^ Nay I have a greater fecret then that to impart to you* Peniculus* Say your minde. Menechmus, Come farther this way from my houfe. Pcfiiculus, So, let me heare. Mc?icchm74S.^ Nay farther yet. . PenicuJus, I warrant ye man. '* Menechmus^ Nay yet farther. PenicuJus. Tis pittie ye were not- made a water-man to row In. a wherry. JMenechm7is, Why? Peniculus, Becaufe ye go one way, and looke nn other, flil lead your H'ife (hould follow ye. But what's the matter, lit not almoit dinner time ? Menechmus,. SecH thou this cloake ? Peniculus, Not yet. Well what of it ^ MaiuhinuU M E N E C H M U S. 117. Menechmus, This fame I meane to give to Erotiunu Fcniculus, That's well, but what of all this ? Maicchmiis, There I meane to have a delicious dinner prepaid for her and mc. Pc7i:culus* And me. Me}}cchmus% And thee. Peniciilui, fu'cet word. What, fhall I knock prefcntly at her doore ? Mcncchmus. 1 knocke. But flaie too Feniculm^ let's not be t03 rafli. Oh fee fhee is in good time comming forth. Penicuhs, Ah, he now lookes againfl the fun, how her beames dazell his eyes. Enter Erotium. * Erotium. What mine owne Mencchmus^ welcome fwe;te heart. Peniculus, And what am I, welcome too ? Erotium, You Sir? ye are out of the number of my welcome gucfts; * Pcnianus, I am like a voluntary fouldier, out of pale. lilenechnms, Erotium, I have determined 'hat here fhal be pitcht a field this day ; we meane to di inke for the heavens : And which of us perforities the braveil fervice at his weopon the wine boll, yourfelfe as captaine fl-.all paie him his wages accord- ing to his deferts. Erotium, Agreed. Pcniculus, I would we had the weapons, tor my valour | ricks me to the battalle. H 3 Mimchmm* ^|8 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Menechmus, Shall I tell thee fiveete moufe ? I never looke upon thee, but I am quite out of love with my wife. E rati urn. Yet yee cannot chufc, but yee muft ftlll weare fomething of hers : what's this fame ? Menccbmns. This ? fuch a fpoyle (fweete heart) as I tooke from her to put on thee. Erotiu?}!, Mine owne JSIsncchmus^ well woorthie to be my deare, of all dearell. Pcniculus. Now fhe ihowes her felfe in her likenefle, when fhee findes him in the giving vaine, (he drawes clofe to him. Menechmus. I thinke Hercules got not the charter from I^follta fo hardly, as I got this from my wife. Take this, and with the fame, take my heart. Peniculus, Thus they mud do that are right lovers : efpecially if they mean to be bey-crers with anv fpeed. ^rlenechmus, I bought this fame of late for my wife, it flood mee (I thinke) in fome ten pound. Peniculus, There's tenne pounde beftovved verie thriftily. Metiechmus, But knowe yee what 1 woulde have yee doo ? Krotium* It Ihall bee done, your dinner (hall be readie, * MeH€ch?Hus, . Let a good dinner be made for us three. Harke ye, fome oyflers, a mury-bone pie or two, fome artichockes, and potato rcotes, let our other dillies be -as you pleafe. Erotium» You fhall Sir. Menechmus, I have a little bufmeflb in this Cittie, by that time dinner Will be prepared. Farewell till then, fvveete £r(?//«OT ; Come Fpiii;ulus» Penicuh^ M E N E C H M U S. 119 PenicuJus, Nay I ineane to follow yee : I will fooner leefe my life, then light of you till this dinner be done. \_Ex€U7it, Erotium. Who's there ? Call me Cylindrus the Cooke hither. Enter Cylindrus. Cylindrus, take this hand-bafket, and heere, there's ten fhil* lings, is there not ? CylindriiSt Tis fo miftrelTe. Erotium, Buy me of all the daintieil meates ye can get, yc know what I mcane : fo as three may dine paffing well, and yet no more then inough. Cylindrus, What guefls have ye to day miflrefle ? Erotium, Here ^vlll be Menechmus and his Parafite, and myfelfe, ' Cylindrus, That's ten perfons in all. Erotium^ How many ? Oflindrus, Ten, for I warrant you that Parafite may (land for eight at his vittels. Erotium, Go difpatch as I bid you, and looke yc returne with all fpeed. Cylindrus. I will have all readic with a trice, [Exetmtt H 1 ACT X20 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED '^'^'^'^^^'^•^^•^^'^^•^^•^'^'^'^^'^^•^^ A C T II. S C E N E I. Efiier Menechmus Solicles Meflenio /^is fewanty and fomi Saylers, Menechmus, SURELY MeJfenioy\\}ii\wV^ Sea-falrers never take fo comfortable a joy in any thing as when they have been long toil: and turmoyld in the wide ieas, they hap at laft to ken land. Mejfenio, He be fworn, I fiiuld not be gladder to fee a whole Country of mine owne, then I have bene at fuch a light. But I pray, wherfore are we now come to Epidamnum F mufl we needs go to fee everie Towne that we heare off? 3Ie^iechmus. Till I finde my brother, all Townes are alike to me : I mufl trie in all places. Mejfenio. Why then let's even as long as wee live feeke your brother : fix yeares now have we roamde about thus, IJlria^ Hifpania^ MaJJylia, Ilyria, all the upper fea, all high Greece, all Haven Towns in Italy, I think if we had fought a needle all this time, we muft needs have found it, had it bene above ground. It cannot be that he is alive ; and to feek a dead man thus among the living, what folly is it ? Menechmus, Yea, could I but once find any man that could certainly eu- forme me of his death, I were fatisfied ; othefwife I can never defift feeking : Litle knowefl thou McJJhiio how neare my heart it goes. Mejfenio, This is wafhing of a Blackamore. Faith let's goe home, unleflb ye meane we Ihould write a llorie of our travaile. Menechmus* »I E N E C H M U S. Ill ^Icnccbmns, Slrm, no more of thcle lawcic ipeeches, I perceive I mufl teach ye how co lerve inc, not to rule mc. I, fo, now It appeares what it is to be a fervant. Wei I mull fpeake my conlcience. Do ye heare llr? I'aith I mud tell ye one thinir, when I looke into the Icane ellate ot your purle, and conlidcr aavilcdly of your decaying llocke, I hfldit verie needlul to be drawing honiewarJ, Icli in looking your brother, we quite lofe ourie.ves. For this aflure your felfe, this Townc Epulamnum, is a place of outra^ious ex'pences, ex- ceedinu in all ryot and lalcivioufner/t- : and (I heare) as full of Ribaulds, rurafuc?, Drunkards, CatLhpoles, Cony-catchers, and ^Sycophants, as it can hold. Then for Curtizans, why here's the curranteil ihmp of them in the world. Ye mult not thinke here to fcape with as li<;ht coft as in other places. The verie name fliews the nature, no man comes hither /;/r Mcncchmus, Yee fay very well indeed; give mee my purfe into mine qwne keeping, becaule I will fo be the fafer,//;^ damno, Mtjpnio, Why Sir? Meficchmus, Bccaufc I fcare you wll be bulie among the Curtizans, and fo be cozened of it : then fhould 1 take great paines in bela- bouring your flioulders. So to avoid both thefc harms, lie keep it my felfe. Mcncchmiis, I pray do fo Sir : ail the better. Rnter Cylindrus. * I have tickling geare here yfaith for their dinners: It grieves me to the hca-t to think' how that cormoiant knave Fenicului muft have iiis fhare in thefe daintie morfels. But what? Is Mcncchmv.s come alreadie, beiore I could come from the market? Mcnechmus, how do ye birr how naus it ye come fo Ibone ? Menccbmus^ 122 A PLEASANT COBIEDIE CALLED Mcncchmus. God a mercy my good friend, doefl thou know mee ? CylinJrus, Know ye ? no not I. Where's mouldichappes that muu dine with ye ? A murrin on his manners. Whom meanefl thou, good fellow ? Cylindrus^ V^hy Penlculus worflilp, that whorfon lick-trencher, your parafiticali attendant. Mencchmris, What PenUulus ? what attendant ? my attendant ? Surely this fellow is mad, Mejfcmo. Did I not tell ye what cony-catching villaines you fiiould ficic here ? CyUndrus, Menechmus, harke ye Sir, je coine too foone backe againe to dinner, I am but returned from the market. Fellow, here thou {halt have money of me, goe get the Prieft to facrifice for thee. I know thou arc mad, els thou wouldft nerer ufe a llranger thus. Cylhidrus, Alas fir, Cyllndrus was wont to be no ftrangcr to you. Know ye not Cyllndrus ? Menechmtis, CyUndrus, or CoUendtu^^ or what the dl veil thou art, I know nor, neither do I care to know. Cylindrus, 1 know you to be Mcnechmus, Menecbtnus, Thou Ihouldft be in thy wits, in that thou namell me fo right; but tell me, where had thou knowne me? Cyliiidrus^ Where? even here, where ye firft fell in love with my mif- trelfe Erotium, Menechmus, I neither have lover, neither knowe I who thou art. Cylindrm^ M E N E C H M U S. 123 Cylindrus, Know ye not who I am ? who fills your cup and dieflcs ycur meat at our houle? Mejaiio. What a flave Is this ? that 1 had fomewhat to breake the Rafcals pate withal. Menccbmus, At your houfe, when as I never came in Epldamnum till thii day. Cyliddrus. Oh that's true. Do ye not dwell in yonder houfe? Mencch?nus. Foule (liarne light upon them that dwell there, for my part, CylirJrus, QuellJonlefle, he is mad indeede, to cuife lumfelfe thus. Harke ye Menechfius, Mcncchmus, What falil thou ? Cylindrus. If I may advlfe ye, ye fliall bellow this money which y« oflfred me, upon a facrifice for your felfe : for out of doubt you are mad that curie your felfe. Mejjen'io, What a verlet art thou to trouble us thus ? Cylindrus, TuHi, he will many tin-:es jeft with me thus. Yet when his wife is not by, 'tis a ridiculous jefi:. Mencchmus* Whats that? Cylindrus, This I fay. Thlnke ye 1 have brought raeate Inough for three of you ? If nor, lie fetche more for you and your wench, and fnatchcrufl your Paralite. Mencchmus, What wenches? what Parafites ? Mcjfenio, Villaine, He make thee tell me what thou meanefl by all this talke r Cylindrus, Away Jack Napes, I fay nothing to thee, fof I know thee i\ox, I fpeake to him that I knowt Menechmus, 124 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Menechmus, Out, drunken foole, without doubt thou art out of thy wits. Cyli/ulr-iis. That you fhall fee by the dreliing of ycur meat. Go, go, ye were better to go In and Hnde foirewhat to do there, whiles your dinner is making readie. lie tell my miflrelfe ye be here. Mmechmus, Is he gone ? Mcfjenio I thmke uppon thy words alreadie. MeJJetilo. Tufh marke I pray. He laie fortie pound here dwels fome Curtizan to whom this fellow belongs. Mcnechmus, But I wonder how he knowes my name. McJJcnio, Oh He tell yee.' Thefe Courtizans affoone as anie Uraunge fhippe arriveth at the Haven, they fende a boye or a wench to enquire what they be, what their names be, whence they come, wherefore they come, &c. If they can by any meanes llrike acquaintance with him, or allure him to their houfes, he is their owne. We are here in a tickle place maiiler : tis bell to be circumfpedt. Mcnechmus, I millike not thy counfaile Mcjfenio, Mcjjhuo. I, but follow it then. Sort, here comes fomebodie forth. Here firs, Marriners, keep this lame amongd you. Enter Erolium. Let the doore Hand {o. Away, it Ihall not be (hut. Make halle within there ho : Maydes looke that all things be readie. Cover the boord, put lire under tlie perfuming yannes : let all things be very handfome. Wiiere is hee that C/ylindrus fayd uood without here ? Oh what meane you fweet heart, that ye come not in ? I trull you thinke yourfelfe more wel- come to this houfe then to your owne, and great reafon why you fhould do fo. Your dinner and all things are readie as you willed. Will ye go fit downe ? MenechmuSt M E N R C H M U S. 12J ^Icnecbmus, Whom doth this woman I'peake to ? Erotinm, Even to you Sir : to whom die rtiould I fpeake ? Mcnecbmus. Gentlewoman, ye are a ftraunger to mc, and I mar\'ell aC your fpeeches. Er§tUi?}t. Yea Sir, but fuch a ftraunger, as I acknowledge ye for my bell and dearefl triend, and well you have deicrved it. Afcficckfnus* Surely Mejfcmo^ this woman is alfo mad or drunke, that ufeth all this kindnellc to me uppon fo fmall acquaintance. MeJJenio, Tufh, did not T tell ye right? thefe be but leaves that fliU upon you now, in compaiifon of the trees that vvil tumble on your necke fhortly. I told ye, here were filver tong'de hacfters. But let mc talkc with her a litle. Gentlewoman, what acquaintance have you with this man ? where have you fcene him ? Erotzu?}:. Where he fa we me, here in Epidamnwn, Mejpnio, In Epidafnmim? who never till this day fet his footc withia the towne ? Erotium, Go, go, flowting Jack. Menechmus what need all this ? I pray go in. Mcnechmust She alfo calls mc by my name. Mejfenia. She fmels your purfe. Menechmus, MejJcnlo, come hither : here take my purfe. He know whether (he aime at me or my purfe, ere I go. Erotium, Will ye go in to dinner. Sir ? Menechmus, A good motion ; yea, and thanks with all my heart, ^ Erotittnf, 126 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Erothi?n. Never thankc me for that which you commaunded to be provided for yourfelfe. Menechmus, That I commaunded ? Eroihon, Yea for you and your Parafite. Me7icchmus. My Parafite? Erotbim. Pen: cuius, who came wiih you this morning, when you brought me the cloake which you got from your wife. Menecbmus. A cloake that I brought you, which I got from my wife ? Erctium. Tufh, what needeth all this jefting ? Pray leave off. Menechmus, Jeft or earneil, this I tell ye for a truth. I never had wife, neither have I; nor never was in this place till this inllant; for only thus farre am I come, fince I brake my fall in the ihip. Eroiiunu What fhip do ye tell me otf ? * Mejfen'ic, Marry He tell ye: an old rotten weather-beaten fhip, that we have failed up and downe in thefe fixe ycares. Ill not time to be going homewards thinke ye ? Krotlum. Come, come, Menecbfuus, I pray leave this fporting and go in. Menechmus, Well Gentlewoman, the truth is, you miHake my perfon ; it is fome other you looke for. Erotinm. Why, thinke ye I know ye not to be Menechmus, the fonne of Mojchus, and have heard ye fay, ye were borne at Siracujis ivhere Agathocks did raigne ; then Pythia, then Liparo^ and now Hkro, Mentcbmus* "* AU this is true^ MeJJcn'a* M E N E C H M U S. ' iij Mejfcmo, Either (liec is a witch, or che ihce hath dwelt there and kncvv ye there. Mencclmus, He go in with her, MeJJlmOy He fee further of this matter, Mejfenio, Ye are cafl awny then. Why fo ? I warrant thee, I can lofe nothing ; {omething I fliall gaine, perhaps a good lodging during my abode here. He dillemble with her an other while. Nowe when you pleafe let us go in. I made ftraunge with you, becaufe of this fellow here, lead he fhould tell my wife of the cloake which I gave you. Erotii'.m, Will ye flaie any longer for your Penicuhis, your Paralite ? Mcjicclxnus, Not I, He neither ftaie for him, nor have him let come in, if he do come. ErctlujTt, All the better. But Sir, will ye doo one thing for me ? Mcnecbmus, What is that ? To beare that cloake which you gave me to the Diars, to have it new trimd and altred, Mcnechm7is» Yea that will be well, fo my wife Ihall not know it. Let mee have it with mce after dinner. I will but Ipeake a word or two with this fellowe, then He follow ye in. Ho, Mrjpenioy come alide. Goe and provide for thyfeife and thefe fhip boyes in fome inne ; then looke that alter dinner you come hither for me. McJJenlo, Ah maider, will yee be conycatcht thus wilfully ? Menechmus. Peace fooliih knave, feell thou not what a fot flie is ; I (hall coozen her I warrant thee. Ay Mailler. Menechmus, I2« A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Menechmus, Wilt thou be gone ? * Mcjjcnlo, See, fee, (he hath him fare inoujjh now. Thus he hath cfcaped a hundrcth P) rntes hands at lea ; and now one land- rover haih bourccd him at iirfl encounter. Come away fellowes. ACT IIL Enter Peniculus. T WENT IE yeares I thinke and more, have 1 plade the knave, yet never playd I the foolifh knave as I have done this morning. I follow Menechmus, and he goes to the Hall xvhcre now the Sellions are holden ; there thrufting our felves into the preafe of people, when I was in midft of all the thron;^, he gave me the flip, that 1 could never more fet eye on him, and I dare fweare, came directly to dinner. That I Would he that lirll: devifcd thefe Sellions were hangM, and all that ever came of him, 'tis fuch a hindetance to men that have belly bufinelTes in hand. If a man be not there at his call, they amearce him with a vengeance. iVIen that have nothing elfe to do, that do neither bid anie man, nor arc thcmfelves bidden to dinner, fuch fhould come to Sellions, not we that have thefe matters to looke too. If it were fo, I had not thus loft my dinner this day; which I thinke in my con- fcience he did even pufpofely couzen me oft". \ et I meane to go fee. If I can but light upon the reverfion, I may per- haps get my penny-worthes. But how no^v ? Is this Menecb' mu5 comming away from thence r Dinner done, and all dif- pacht ? What execrable luck have I ? Enter Menechmus the Travalhr, Tulh, I warrant ye, it fiiall be done as ye would wiili, lie have it fo altered and trimd anew, that it (hall by no meanes be knowne ngaine. l^enicuhsi M E N E C H M U S. 129 PnilcuJiiS. He carries the cloake to the Dyars, dinner done, the wine drunke up, the Parafite (hut oat of doores. Well, let me live no loni;er, but lie revenge this injurious mockerie. But firil lie harken awhile what he faith. Mencchmus. Good goddes, who ever had luch lucke as I ? Such cheare, fuch a dinner, fuch kinde entertainment? And for a tarewell, this cloake which I meane fliall go with me. Penicukis, He fpeakes fo foftly, I cannot heare what he faith. I am fure he is now flowting at me for the lofie of my dinner. Mcnechmus, She tels me how I gave it her, and ftole it from my wife. W^en I perceived Ihe was in an error, tho I knew not how, I began to foothe her, and to fay every thing as fiie faid. Meane while, I far'd well, and that at free coft. Peniculus, Well, rie go talk with him. Menecbmus, Who is this lame that comes to me ? Peniculus. O, well met fickle-braine, falfe and treacherous dealer, craftic and unjuft promife-breaker. How -have I deferved, you lliould fo give me the flip, come before, and difpatch the dinner, deale fo badly with him that hath reverenil ye like a fonne? Menecbmus, Good fellow what meaneft thou by thefe fpeeches ? Raile not on mee, unlelfe thou intendil to receive a Railers hire. Peniculus, I have received the injury (fure I am) alreadie. Mencchmus. Prethee tell me, what is thy name ? Peniculus^ Well, well mock on Sir, mock on ; doo ye not knew my name ? Menecbmus, In troth I never fawe thee in all my life, mu:h Icfle do I know thee, I Peniculus, 130 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Peniculus. Awake, Menecbvms, awake ; ye overfleepe your felfe» Menccbmus, I am awake, I know what I fay, Peniculus, Know you not Peniculus ? Menechmus, Pe?iiculus^ or Pediculus, 1 know thee not. Peniculus. Did ye fi'ch a cloake from your wife this monitrg, and bring it hither to Erotium f Menechmus, Neither have I wife, neither gave I my cloake to Erotium^ neither fiicht I any from any bodie. Peniculus* Will ye denie that which you did in my company ? Menechnius, Wilt thou fay I have done this in thy company ? Peniculus, Will I fay it ? yea I will ftand to it. Mtnecbmus. Away fiithie mad drivell away ; I will talke no longer with thee. Peniculus, Not a world of men fhall flaie me, but He go tell his wife of all the whole matter, lith he is at this point with me. I will make this fame as wnblefl: a dinner as ever he eate. Msnechmus. It makes mee wonder, to fee how every one that meetes nie cavils thu3 with me. Wherefore comes foorth the mayd now ? Enter Ancilla, Erotium** mnyd, Menechmusy my milbefTe commends her hartily to you, and feeing you goe that way to the Dyars, fhe alfo defireth you to take this chaine with you, and put it to mending at th» iTolafmythes, fhe would have two or three ounces of gold more ia it, and the failiion amended. Menechmus, M E N E C H M U S* 13I Mcnechmus, Either this or any thing elfe within my power, tell her, I am readie to accomplifh. Ancilla, Do ye know this chaine, Sir ? Menechmus, Yea I know it to be gold. Ancilla, This Is the fame you once to> ;ke out of your wives cafket, M.enechmui% Who, did I? AncUla, Have you forgotten ? Menechmus, I never did it. Ancilla, Give it me againe then. Menechmus, Tarry : yes I remember it : 'tis it I gave your miftres. Ancilla, Oh, are you advifed? MemchmuSt Where are the bracelets that I gave her likewife ? Ancilla. I never knew of anie. Memchmust Faith, when I gave this, I gave them too. Ancilla, Well Sir, He tell her this fliall be done ? Menechmus, I, I, tell her fo, (he Ihall have the cloake and this both togither. Ancilla, I pray, Menechmus but a litle Jewell for my eare to making for me : ye know I am alwaies readie to pleafure you. Menechmus, I will, give me the golde, He paie for the workemanfhip. Ancilla, Laie out for me ; He paie it ye againe. I z Menechmus, 132 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED 3Ieficc/jmus, Alas I have none now. When you have, will ye ? Mencch?r2us, I will. Goe bid your mirtreii'e make no doubt of tbefer I warrant her, He make the beft hand I can of them. Is fhc gone r Doo not all the GoHs confpire to ioade mee with good lucke ? well I fee tis high time to get mee out of thefe coafts, lead all thefe matters ihould be lewd devifes to draw me into fome fnare. There fhall my garland lie, becaufc if they feeke me, they may thinke I am gone that way. * I wil now goe fee if I can finde my man Mcjffnioy that I may tell him how I have fped. ACT IV. i,}iter Mulier, the Wife of Menechmus the Citizen^ aiui Feniculus. Muller, THINKE S he I will be made fuch a fot, and to be ftill his drudge, while he p?owles and purloynes all that I have, to give his Trulies ? Peniculus, Nay hold your peace, wee'il catch him in the nicke. This way he came, in his garland forfooth, bearing the cloake to the Dyars. And fee I pray, where the garland lyes ; this way he is gone. See, fte, where he comes againe with- out the cloake. ]\Mcr. What fhall I now do ? Peniculus, What? that which ye ever do; bnyt him for life, Mulier. Surely I think it belf fo. Feniculu:, M E N E C H M U S. ,33 Peniculus, Stay, wee will (land afide a little j ye Ihall catch him unawares. Enter RIencchmus //^ Citizen, Menechmus. It would make a man at liis wittes end, to fee how brab- bling caufes are handled yonder at the Court. It a poore man never fo honell, have a matter come to be fcan'd there is he outtarte, and overlaide with countenance : if a rich man never fo vile a wretch, com.? to ipenke, there they are all readie to favour his caufe. What with facing out bad caufes tor the oppreflors, unci patronizing fome juft actions for the wronged, the Lawyers they pocket up all the gaines. For mine owne part, I come not auay emptie, though I have bene kept long againft my will : for taking in hand to dif- patch a matter this morning for one of my acquaintaunce, I was no fooner entered into it, but his udverfaries laide fo hard unto his charge, and brought fuch matter agninll him, that do what I cculd, I could not wiade my felfeyout til now, I am fore afrayd Erotium thinks much unklndnes in me that I Ihid fo long; yet fhe will not be angry confidering the giff I gave her to day. Peniculus, How thinke ye by that ? MuUcr, I thinke him a moll vile wretch thus to abufe me, Menechmus, I will hie me thither, Midler. Yea cro pilferer, goe with ihame inough ; no bodie fees your Jewd dealings and vile theevery. Mefieclwtus. How now wife, what ail vee? what is the matter i Muller. Afke yee mee whats the matter ? Fye uppon thee. Penlculus. Are ye not in a fit of an ague, your pulfes beate fo fore? to him, 1 fay. I 3 Menechmus* 154 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLEBI Mcnechmus, Pray wife why are ye fo antrry with me ? Mulier. Oh, you know not ? Pcniculus, He knows, but he would diflemble \u Menechmus, What is it ? Mulier, My cloake. Your cloake ! MuUer» My cloake, man ; why do ye blufh ? Peniculus, He cannot cloake his blufliing. Nay I might not go %.% dinner with you, do you remember ? To him, I fay. Mmcchmus, Hold thy peace, Peniculus, Peniculus, Ha, bold my peace i lookc yc he bieckons on mee to hold my peace. Menechmus, I neither becken nor vvinke oi^ him. Mulier, Out, out, what a wretched lite is this that I live. Menechmus, "Why what aile ye, woman ? Mulier, Are ye not afliamed to deny fo confidently, that which fe appirant? Menechmus, I proteft unto before all the Goddes (is not this inough) that 1 beckond not on him. Peniculus, Oh Sir, this is another mat cr ; touch him in the former caufe. Menechmus, What former caufe ? Fcuicuhs M. E N E C H M U S. 135 , PenicuJus. The cloake, man, the cloakc : fetch the cloake agalne frona the Dyars, ^ Menechmus, What cloake ? Midier, Nay He fay no more, fith ye know nothing of your owne doings. Menechmus, Tell me wife, hath any of your fervants abufed you ? Let me know. MuUer* Tufli, tufh. Menechmus, I would not have you to be thus difquiettcd. Mulier, Tu(h, tulh. Menechmus. You are fallen out with fome of your friends* Mulier, Tufh, tulh. Menechmus, Sure I am, I have not otfe^ded you, Mulier, No, you have dealt verie honeilly. Menechmus, Indeed wife, I have deferved none of thefe words. Tell »e, are ye not well ? Teniculus, What, fhall he flatter ye now ? Menechmus, I fpeak not to thee, knave. Good wife, come hither. Mulier, Away, away ; keep your hands off. Peniculus, So, bid me to dinner with you againe, then flip away from me ; when you have done, come forth bravely in your gar- land, to flout me. Alas you knew not me even now. Menech?nus, Why afl!e, I neither have yet dined, nor came I there, linc« wc were there together. I i, Peuiculus, / 136 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Pcniadus* Who ever heard one fo impudent ? Did yec not meete me here even no'.v, and would make me believe I was mad, and faid } e were a ilraunger, and ye knew me not ? Mcnechmus, Of a truth, fmce we went togirher to ihe Seflions Hall, I never returned till this very inftant, as you two met me. Peniculus, Go too, go too, I know ye well inough. Did ye think I would not cry quittance with you : yes faith : I have told your wife all. Menechmus, What haft thou told her? Peniculus, I cannot tell : a{k her ? Wcnechmiis, Tell me, wife, what hath he told ye of me ? Tell mc, \ fay ; w hat was it ? Mulier, As though you knew not my cloake is ftolne from me ? Menechmus, Is your cloake ilolne from ye ? Mulier, * Do ye afke me ? Mcnech?niis, If I knew, I would not alke. Peniculus, O craftie companion ! how he would (hift the matter : Cume, come, deny it not : I tell ye. I have bewrayd all. Menechmus, What haft thou bewrayd ? Mulier, Seeing ye will yield to nothing, be it never fo manifeft, heare mce, and ye ftiall know in fewe words both the caufe of my griefe, and what he hath told me. I fay my cloake is ftolne from me. Menechmus, My cloake is ftolne from me? Peniculus, ' Looke how he cavils : flie faith it is ftolne from her. Menechmus, I M E N E C H M U S. j^T Mcnechmus. I have nothing to fay to thee : I lay wife tell me. Mulier, I tell ye, my cloake is flolne out of my houfe. Menecbmus, Who ftole it ? MuUer. He knovves befl that carried it away. Menecbmus, Who was that ? MuUer, Menecbmus, Menecbmus, 'Twas very ill done of him. What Menecbmus was that ? MuUer, Tou. Menecbmus, I, who will fay fo ? MuUer, I will. Penieulus, * And I, that you gave it to Erotium, Menecbmus, I gave it? MuUer, You. Penieulus, You, you, you : Ihall we fetch a kennel of bengles that may cry nothing but you, you, you. For we are wearie of it. Menecbmus, Heare me one word, wife. I protell unto you by all the Gods, I gave it her not : indeed I lent it her to ufe a while. MuUer, Faith Sir, I never give nor lend your apparell out of doores. Methinkes ye might let mee difpofe of mine owne garments as you do of yours. 1 pray then fetch it mee home a^aine. Menecbmus, You (hall have it againe without faile, MuUer. 'Tis bert for you that I have : otherwife thinke not to rood within thefe doores againe. PenicuhtSt 1^8 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Peni cuius. Harke ye, what fay ye to me now, for bringing thefc matten to your knowledge ? Mulier, I fay, when thou haft anie thing Holne from thee, come to me, and I will helpe thee to feek it. And fo farewell. Peniculus, God a mercy for nothing, that can never be, for I have no- thing in the world worth the ftealing. So now with hufband wife and all, 1 am cleane out of tavour. A mifchiefe on ye all, [ Exit, Menechmus, My wife thinks (he is notably reveng'd on me. now fhe fliuttes me out of doores, as though I had not a better place to be welcome too. IF fhe fnut me out, I know who wil fliut mc in. Now will I entreate Erotium to let me have the cloake againe to llop my wives mouth withal ; and then will I provide a better for her. Ho, who is within there ? Some boilie tell Erotium I mull fpeake with her. ^Enter Erotium. Erotium, Who calls? Mencchnms, Your friend more then his owne. Erotium, O Menecbmus, why fland ye here ? pray come in. Menech?ni^:s. Tarry, I mufl fpeake with ye here. Erotium, Say your minde. Mcnechmus. Wot ye what? my wife knowes all the matter now, and my comming is- to requefl you that I may h;ve againe the cloake which I brought you, that lo I may appeaie her : and 1 pro- mife you, He give ye aa other worth two of it. Erotium, Why I gave it you to carry to your Dyars ; and my chainc likewife, to have it altered. Meiuchmuu M E N E C H M U S. 139 Mcncchmus. Gaye mee the cloake and your chaine ? In truth I never favve ye fince I If tt it heere with you, and fo went to the Selfions, from whence I am but now returned. Erotium, Ah then, Sir, I fee you wrought a device to defraude mec of them both. Did I therefore put yee in truft ? Well, well. Mcnechmus, To defraude ye ? No : but I fay, my wife hath intelli- gence of the matter. Erotium. Why, Sir, I afked them not; ye brought them of yourowne free motion. Now ye require them againe, take them, make fops of them, you and your wife together. Thinke ye I cfteeme them or you either ? Goe; come to race againe when I fend for you. ML'nech??ius, What fo angry with mee, iweete Erotium? Stale, I pray Aaie. * Erotium, Stale ? Faith no Sir : thinke yee I will flaie at your requefl ? Mcnechmiis, What gone in chafing, and cla. t to the doores ? now I am cverie way fhut out for a very benchwhilUer : neither (hall I have entertainment heere nor at home. I were beil go trie fome other triends, gnd alk eounfaile what to do. '^'^^^^^^^^^^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ A C T V. Enter Menechmus the Traveller, Muller, Menechmus, MOvST fooUfhly was I overleene in giving my purfe and money to Mejfenio^ whom I can no where find. I feaie he is fallen into forae lewd companie, Mulier, I40 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED MuUer. I marvaile that my hufbjiid comes not yet ; but fee where he is now, and brings my cloake with him. x'lenechmus, I mufe where the knave fhould be. Mulicr. I will go ring a peale through both his eares for this dif- honeft behaviour. Oh Sir, ye are welcome home with your theevery on your (houlders. Are ye not afhamed to let all the World fee and fpeake of your lewdneife r How now? whatlackes this woman? Impudent bead, fland ye to qucilion about It ? For fliame hold thy peace. Menci-hmus, Wha: offence have I done, woman, that I (hould not fpeake to you ? MuUer, Alkeit thou what offence? O fhameleffe boldnefle ! Menechmus, Good woman, did ye never heare why the Grecians termed Hecuba to be a bitch ? Midler, Never. Menechmus, Becaufe {he did as you do now ; on whom foever Ihe met withall, ilie railed, and therfore well delerved that dogged name. Midler, Thefe foule abufes and contumelies, I can never endure, nay rather vviil I live a widowes life to my dying day. Menechmus, What care I whether thou liveft as a widow, or as a wire ? This paifcth, that I meet with none, but thus they vexe me with ilraunge Ipeeches, ]\JuVer, What flraunge fpeeches? I iay I u'ill furely live a widowes liic, rather then fuffer thy vile dealings, M^ncchn^ui,. M E N E C H M U S. 141 Menechmus^ Prcthee for my part, live a widow till the worldes end, if thou wilt. Muler. Even now thou deniedfl: that thou ftoleil: it from me, and now thou bringeft it home openly in my fight. Art not afliamde ? Mencchiinis. Woman, you are greatly to blame to charge me with deal- ing of this cloake, which this day an other gave me to cany to be trimde. Muller, Well, I will firft complainc to my father. Ho boy, who is within there r Vecio go runne quickly to my father ; defire him of" all love to come over quickly to my houfe. lie tell him firii of your prankes ; I hope he will not fee me thus handled. T\rlcnech)?ms What a Gods name meaneth this mad woman thus to vexc me? Miilier, I am mad becaufe I tell ye of your vile actions and lewde pllfring away my apparell 'and my jewels, to carry to your filthie drabbes, ^Ieriech?nus» For whome-this woman taketh mee I knowc not. I knovr her as much as I know Herailes wives father. Muller, Do ye not know me ? That's well. I hope ye know my father: here he comes. Looke do ye know him ? Mencchmus, As much as I knew Calcas of Troy, Even him and thee I know both alike. Mulier, Doell know neither of us both, me nor my father ? ISIenechmus, , Faith, nor thy grandfather neither. Mulier. This is like the refl of your behaviour. Enter 142 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Enter Senex, Senex, * Though bearing fo great a burthen as olde age, I ca» mate no great hafle, yet as I tan, I will goe to my daughter, who I know hath fome earnell: bufinelle with me, that fhee fends In luch hafte, not telling the caufe why I Ihould come. But 1 durli laie a wager, I can gcfle neare the matter : I fup- pofe it is fome brabble between her hulband and her. Thefc yoong women that bring great dowries to their hufbands, are lb mallerluU and obftinate, that they will have their owne wils in everie thing, and make men fervants to their weakc affec- tions : and yoong men too, I mult needs fay, be naught now a dayes. Well lie go fee, but yonder mee thinks Hands mjr daughter, and her hufband too. Oh tis even as I gelTed. Mulier, Father, ye are welcome. Setiex, How now daughter ? What ? is all well ; why Is your huf- band fo fad ? have ye bin chiding ? tell me, which of you is in fault ? Mulier, Firil: father know, that I have not any way mifbehaved my felfe ; but the truth is, that I can by no meanes endure this bad man to die for it ; and therefore defire you to take mc home to you againc. Senex, What is the matter ? Mulier, He makes me a Hale and a laughing ftocke to all the world. Senix, Who doth ? Mulier. This good hufband here, to whom you married me. Senex, See, fee ; how oft have I warned you of falling out witk your hufband ? Mulier, I cannot avoid it, if he doth lb fcwly abufe mc. SinfXm M E N E C H M U S. 143 Scnex, I alvvaies told ye, ye muft beare with him, ye mufl: let him alone ; ye muft not watch him, nor dog him, nor meddle with his courfes in any fort. Mnlier. Hee hauntes naughtie harlottes under my nofe. Senex. He is wifer, becaufe hee cannot bee quiet at home. Mulier, There hee feaftes and bancquets, and fpendes and fpoiles. Senex, Wold ye have your hulband ferve ye as your drudge ? Ye will not let him make merry, nor entertaine his friendes at home, MuUer, Father will ye take his part in thefe abufes, and forfake me? Senex, Not fo, daughter ; but if I fee caufe, I wll as well tel him of his dutie. Menechmus. I would I were gone from this prating father and daughter, Senex. Hitherto I fee not but hee keepes ye well, ye want nothing, apparell, mony, fervants, meate, drinke, all thinges necellarie, I ieare there is fault in you. Mulier, ^ But he iilcheth away my apparrell and my jewels, to give K.% his trulles. Senex, If he doth fo, tis verie ill done ; if not, you doo ill to fay ^o, Mulier. You may believe me father, for there you may fee my doakc which now he hath fetcht home againe, and my chaine which he flole from me. Senex, Now will I goe talke with him to knowc the truth. Tel me Menechmus^ how is it that I heare fuck diforder in your life ? Why are ye fo fud, man ? wherein hath your wife of- fended you ? Me?i€cbmus, 144 A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Mcncchmus, Old rran (what to call ye I know not) by higKy'Icnccbmu5, What newes ? how now raafters ? what will ye do with rne? why do ye thus befet me? whither carrie ye me? Helpe, helpe, neighbors, friends, citizens ! Mejjenlo, Jupiter^ what do I fee : my maifter abufed by n companle of varlets. Menech/Jius, Is there no good man will helpe me? MeJJenio. Helpe ye maiiler ? yes the villaincs fhall have my life before they fhall thu; wrong ye, Tis more fit I {hould be kild, then you thus handled. Pull out that rafcals e^e that holds ye about the nccke there, lie ^lout thefe peafants j out yc rogue, let ^o ye varlet. Menechmus, 1 have hold of this villaines eie. Pull it out, and let the place appear in his head. Away ye cutthroat thteves, ye murrherers. Lo, O nines, O, O, ay ; crle pittifullie. MeJJcnio. Away, get ye heiice, ye mongrels, ye dogs. Will ye be gone ? Thou ralkal behind there, lie give thee fomewhat more, M E N E C H M U S. i;l more, take that. It was time to come maiflcr ; you had *hcnc in good cnie, if I had not bene heere now. I tolde you what would come ot it. ^ Menecbnius, Now as the Gods love me, my good friend I than*k thee: thou hall done that for me which I fliall never be able to requite. Mejpnio, rie tell ye how Sir ; give me my freedome. Menechmus, Should I give it thee ? MeJJenio, Seeing you cannot requite my good turne. Menechmus, Thou art deceived, man. Mcjfcnion Wherein ? Menechmus. On mine honeflie, I am none of thy maimer; I had never y€t anie fervant would do lb much for me. MeJJenio, Why then bid me be free : will you ? . M.e7iech}nus. Yea furelie : be free, for my part. MeJJenio. O fweetly fpoken ; thanks my good mailler. Seyuus alius, MeJJenioy we are all glad of your good fortune, MeJJenio. O mailler. He call you maiiter Hill. I praie ufe me in anie fervice as ye did before, lie dwell with you ilill j and when ye go home, He wait upon you. Menechmus* Nay, nay, it ihall not need. MeJJenio. He go ftrait to the Inne, and deliver up my accounts, and all your ftulFe\ Your purfe is lockt up falely fealed in the caiket, as you gave it mee. I will goe fetch it to you. Menechmus, Do, fetch it. K 4 MeJJenio^ xsi A PLEASANT COMEDIE CALLED Mcjpnlo, I will. Mcnechmus, I was never thus perplext. Some deny me to be him that I am, and fhut me out of their doores. This fellow faith he is my bondman, and of me he begs his freedome : he will fetch my purie and monie. Well, if he bring it, I will receive it, and let him free. I would he would fo go his way. My old father in la we and the Doctor, faie I am mad : who ever fawe fuch ftrange demeanors. Well though Erotium be never fo angrie, yet once againe He go fee if by intreatie I can get the cloake on her to carrie to my wife. \Exiu Enter Menechmus the Traveller^ *«, L * LeapH i62 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Leapes from th' amarticke world unto rht Ikie, And dims the welkin wirh her pi^chie breath, And darkefome nighi oieihatles the criilall heavens, Heere breake we otfour hunting for to night. Couple uppe the hounds and let us hie us home, And bid the hunti'man fee them meated well, For they have all dcfcrv'd it well to daie. But foft, what fieepie fellow is this lies heere ? Or is he dead, fee one what dooeth lacke ? Scr For you mufl play alfoonc as he doth wake. Sander. O brave, firha Tom, wc muft play before A fooliih Lord, come lets go make us ready. "" Go get a dlfliclout to make cleane your fhooes, And He fpeake for the properties : My Lord, wemuil Have a fhoulder of mutton for a propertie, And a little vinegre to make our Divell rore. Lord. Very well iirha, fee that they want nothing. [Exeunt Omneso- Etifcr t^-jjo ivith a tahk and a banquet on it, and fjoo other, ivith Slie, ajliepe in a chair e^ richlie apparelled and the rnufichplaieng* One. So firha, now go call my Lord, And tell him that all things are ready as he willd it, Anothei; Set thou fome wine upon the boord, And then He go fetch my Lord prefently. [£;«'/. Enter the Lord, and his men^ Lord, How now, what is all things readie ? One, Yea my Lord. Lord, Then found the muficke and He wake him flrait. And fee you dee as earll: I gave in charge. My Lord, my Lord, he fleepes foundiv, my Lord. Slie. THE TAMING OF A SHREW. i6; Slie, Tapfter, gives a little fmal ale : Heigh ho. Lord. Heere*s wine, my Lord, the pureft of the grape, Slie, Por which Lord ? Lord, For your honor, my Lord. SUe. Who I, am I a Lord ? Jefus ! what fine apparel! have I got ? Lord. More richer far your honour hath to weare, And if it pleafe you I will fetch them ftraight. Wih And if your honour pleafe to ride abroad, lie fetch your lurtie fteedes more Avift of pace Then winged Pegnfus in all his pride, That ran fo fwiftlie over Perjian plainer. Tom. And if yovir honour pleafe to hunt the deere. Your hounds ftand readie cuppled at the doore, ^V ho in running will oretake the Row, And make the long breathde Tygre broken winded. SUe. By the maffe I thinkc I am a Lord indeed, Whats thy name? Lord. Simo?i and if it pleafe your honour. SUe. Simy that as much to fay Simion or Simony Put forth thy hand and fill the pot. = Give me thy hand, Si??i ^ am I a lord indeed ? Lord. I my gracious Lord, and your lovely ladie Long time hath mourned for your abfence heere. And now with joy behold where (he dooth come To gratulate your honours fafe returne. Enter the hoy in Womans attire, SUe, Sim, is this fhe ? L 3 Lord, z66 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Lord, I mv Lord. MaiTe tis a piettie wench, what? her name ? %. Oh that my lovelle Lord w oild once vouchfafc To locke on me and leave tbeie tnntike fits, Or verc I now but hrJfe lb eloquenr, To pj^'r^: in words what lie perfbrine in deedes, I know your honour tiien woiiid pittie me. "^ Harke you miftreffe, will you eate a peece of bread \ Come lit downe on ny knf'^' aS'.v« drinke to hir K^im^ For Ihe and I v/ill go to bed anon. Lord- May it pirate yoy^ your honors plaiers be come To cifer you. hor.our a plaie. Slie, A plaie Sinty O brave, be they my plaiers ? Lord, I my Lord. Is there not a foole in the plaie ? Lord, Yes my Lord. When will they plaie Sim f Lord. Even w^hen it pleafe your honor, they be readicf Boy, My Lord, He go bid them begin their plaie. Slic, Doo, but looke that you come againe, I warrant you my Lord, I will not kave you thus. {Exit Boy, SVic, Come ^.v;;, where be the plaiers ? Zim fland by me, And weele fiovyt the plaiers out ot their coatts. Lord^ THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 167 LorJ. He cal them my bvd. Ho where are you there ? [Sound Tmmpeis* Knter i^jooyoong Gentlemen, and a vian^ and a Ifo^'. PoUdor. Welcome to Athens my beloved friend. To PIa:oes fchoole nnd Arijiotlcs walks, Wel'^ome from Crjius fimoas for the love Of p^ood Lf^/n/jr and hisTragedie, For v^honie the Htlrjpont weepes brinifh teares. The created griefe is I cannot as I would Givc'entercalnment to my deercfr friend. AarcUus. Thankes noble ToUAor my fecond felfe, The fairhfal love which I have found in thee Hath made me leave my fathers princelie court, The Bithe of Cefius thrife renowned feate, To come to Athens thus lo find tiiee out. Which, fince I bave fo happily attaind, My fortune now I do account as great As earft did Ccefar when he conquered mol^. But tel me noble triend,. where ihal v»'e lodge, For I am unacquainted in this plac€. Poiidor, My Lord, if you vouchfafe of fchollers fare, My houfe, m.y felfe, and al is yours to ufe,^ You and your men fhall itaie and lodge with me# Aurelius. With all m.y heart, I wil requite thy love. Enter Simon, Alphonfus, and his three daughters ^ But flaie, what dames are thefe fo bright of hew Whofe e:es are brighter than the lampes of heaven? Fairer then rocks otpearle and pretious ftone, More lovely far then is the morning fanne, When firfl Ihe op.es hir oriental gates. L 4 4lfonfus'ff y i68 THE TAiMlNG OF A SHREW. Alfonfus, Daughters, be gone, and hie you to the church. And 1 will hie me downe unto the key To fee what marchandifc is come afhore, \^Ex, Omnes PoliJor, Why how now my Lord, what, in a dumj)e, To fee thefe damfels palle away fo foone ? Jlweilus, Trufl me my friend I mull: confefs to thee, _^ I tooke fo much delight in thefe faire dames As I d.o wifh they had not gone fo foone : But if thou canft, refolve me what they be, And what old man it was that went with thern^ For I do long to fee them once againe. PoUdor. I cannot blame your honor, good my Lordc, For they are both lovely, wife, faire, and yong. And one of them, the yongeft of the three I long have lov'd (fweet friend) and fhe lov'-d me, But never yet we could not find a meanes How we might compafle our defiied.joyes. Aurelius, Why, is not her father willing to the match ? PoUdo7\ Yes truft me, but he hath folemnly fworne, His eldeft daughter firfl: fhall be efpowfde, Before he grants his yongeft leave to love : And theretore he that meanes to get their loves, Muft firft provide for her, if he wil fpeed, And he that hath her fiiall be fretted fo. As good be wedded to the divell himfelfe, For fuch a fkould as fhe did never live, And til that (he be fped, none elfe can fpeede ; VVhich makes me thinke, that all my labors loft, And who fo ere can get hir firme good will, A large dowrie he fliall be fure to have. For hir father is a man of mightie wealth, And an antient Citizen of the tcwne, And that was he that went along with them. Aurdius* THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 169 AurcVius, But he (hall keepe hir ll:il by my advife, And yet I needes imift love his lecond daughter The image of honor and nobility, In whole Iwcet perfon is comprilde the fumme Of Natures IkiU'and heavenly majelly. Polldor, I like your choife, and glad you chofe not mine, Then if you like to tollovv on your love, . We mull devife a meancs to find lb me one That will attempt to wed this devilifh fkould, And I do know the man. Come hither bo}-, • Go vour waies lirha to Fcrandoes houfe, Dell re him to take the paines to come to me, For I mull ipeake to him immediately. Boy, I will nr, and fetch him prelently. Folidor, A man I thinke will fit hir humour right. As blui;t in Ipeech as Hie is f.iarps in tongue, And he I thinke will match hir every way, And yet he is a man of wealth fufficient, And for his pei Ton worth as good as fhe : And if he compaiTe hir to be his wife, Then may we treely viiit both our loves, Aurclius. O might I fee the cenfer of my foule Whole lacred beauty hath inchanted me, More faire then was the Grecian Helena For whofe fweet fake {o many princes dide ; That came with thoufand fliips to Taiedns. But when we come unro hir fathers houfe, Tel him lama Merchants fonne of CeJIns, That comes tor trafiicke unto Athens here, And here firha, I wil change with you for once, And now be thou the Duke oi Cejlus fonne, Revel and fpend as if thou wert myfelfe, For I will court thy love in this dUguife. J'alcria. My Lord, how if the Duke your father fiioulJ By fame meanes come to Athens for to fee How 170 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. How you do prof: :n rhe'^^ publike fchooles. An 1 tind 'oo clothed thus in your atrire, Hcvv would lie take It then thinke you my Lord ? Aurtliw:, Tufh feare not Vclrria^ let me nione, But ilay, here comes ibme other company, Enter Ferando ami bis man Sander ivlth a llevo coatc» PcUJor, Here comes the man that I did tel you of, Ferau^o, Good morrow gentleman to al at once. How now Folido; , vvhat man Hill in love ? Ever wooing and canft thou never fpeed ? God fend me better lucke when 1 fhal woo. Sander, I warrant you miafter and you take my councel. Fcrmido. Why fiiha, are you fo cunning? Sander^ Who I, twcre better for you by five marke And you could tei how to do it as ivcl 02 I. Polidor, I would thy maifler once were in the vainc, To trie himlclfe how he could woo a wench, l^erando. Faith I am even now a going. Sander, I faith fir, my matter's going to this geare now* Polidor. Whither in faith Ferando f tel me true. Iferando. To bonie Kate^ the patientft wench alive, The Divel himfelJe dares fcarce venture to woo her. Seignior A'fonfus eldeil daughter, Arni he harh promifde me fix thoufand crownes If I can win her once to be my wife, And fhe ?. ;d I mufi: woo v\ith Ikoulding fure, And I vv'h hft'd her too'r til ihe be wearie, Or elie iie make her yeeld to grant me love. 6 P^ldor, THE TAMING OF A S H Pv. E W. 171 PoluUr. How I'lke you this xhrcUus, i thinke he knc;v Our mi?". Is tefore we lent to him, Bui tctl me, -.v hen do ; e meane to fpeake with hir - Ferando, Faith prefently, do vou but iknd afide. And I wi:': make hir ntlxr brin^ nlr hither; Andlbe, aad f, and he, -.vd lalke alone. PoUdor, With all my heart, come AurcUus, Let us be gone and leave him here alone. Ferando. Ho Seignior J'fonfo, who's within there ? Aifonfo, Seignior Ferando y'are welcome hartily, You iv.e a i^ran-er lir i-n'u my houfe. _ Harke you in , looke wi .at I did pvomife you He perforn:f, if you gci my^daughters love. Ferando, Then when I have talkt a word or two with hir, Povouflep in and give her hand to ir.e, And tell hir when the mariage day l>, ill be, For I do know ihe woul'J be maried hiiiie. And when our nuptlall rites be once performde X^tx me alone to tame hir well inough, _ Now call her forth that I may fpeake with hir. Enter Kate. Aifonfo. Ha Kate, come hither wench and lid to mc, XJie this gentleman friendly as thou canll. Ferando, Twenty good morrows to my lovely Kate. Kate. You jeafl I am fure, is flis yours already ? Ferando. I tel thee Kate I know thou lov*fl me wci. Kate, The Divel you do, who told you fo ? ^ j ^ ferando. lyz THE TAMING OF A SHREW. FeranJo. My mind fweet Kate doth fay I am the man. Mud wed, and bed, and marrie bonnie Kate. Kate, Was ever feene fo grofle an alFe as this ? Fe;-an^o. I, to Hand fo long and never get a kifle. Kate, Hands off I fay, and get you from this place ; Or I will fet my ten commandements in your face, Fcrap:do. I prithy do Kate, they fay thou art a (lirew. And I like thee the better, for 1 would have thee {o. Kate, Let go my hand, for feare it reach your eare. Ferando, No Kaic^ this hand is mine, and I thy love. Kate, Yfaith fir no, the woodcoke wants his tailc. Fcva-ido, But yet his bil will ferve, if the other faile, Alfonjb, How now FerarJo, what, my daughter ? Ferando, Shee*s willing fir, and loves me as hir life. Kate, Tis for your fldn then, but not to be your wife. Jilfo/ifo, Come hither Kate, and let me give thy hand To him that I have chofen for thy love, And thou to morrow fVialt be wed to him. Kate, Why father, what do you mean to do with me. To give me thus unto this brainficke man, That in his mood cares not to murder me ? [^She turncs ajide and J pe ah. And yet I will confcnt and marry him, (For I m.e thinkes have liv'de too long a maide,) And match him too, or c.le his manhood's good. A^fo»fo, THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 175 Jllfovfo, Give me thy hand, Ferando loves thee well, And will with wealth and eafe maintaine thy llatc. Here Ferando y take her tor thy wife. And Sunday next Ihall be our wedding day, Ferando* Why fo, did I not tel thee I (hould be the man ? Father, 1 leave my lovely Kate with you. Provide yourfjlves againft our marriage day. For I muil hie me to my country houTe In hafte, to fee proviiion may be made, To entertaine my Kate when (lie doth come, Jlfo?rfo, Do fo, come Kate^ why doft thou looke So fad ? be mery wench, thy wedding dale's at hand, Sonne, fare you wel, and ice you keepe your promife. [ ExU -Alfonfo and Kate^ Ferando, So, al thus far goes well, Flo Sa7ider, , Enter Sander laughing, Sander, Sander^ I faith you are a beail:, I crie God hartllie mercy; my harts ready to run out of my belly with laughing, I llood behinde the doore al this while, and heard what you faid to hir. Ferando, Why, dooft thou thinke that I did not fpeake wel to hir ? Sander, You fpoke like an affe to hir, ile tell you what, And I had been there to have woo'd hir, and had this Cloke that you have, chud have had hir before fhe Had gone a foot furder, and you talke of Woodcoktr With hir, and I cannot tell you what. Ferando, Well firha, and yet thou feelt I have got hir for al this. Sander, I mary, twas more by hap then any good cunning. I hope ftieele make you one of the head men of the parilla Ihortly, Ferand4. 174. THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Tcrando. Wei firha, leave your jeaftini^ and j;o to PoUdors houfe, The yong gentleman thr.t was here with me, And tel him the circumrtance ot al thou knowft, Tel him on funday next we muft be married. And it he dke rhee whither I am ijone, Tel him into the countrey to my houle, And upon Sunday ile be here againc. \_Exlt Ferando, Sanrler, I warrant you my inalter, teare not me For doing ot my bufineire* Now ban;.r him that has not a I'.very cote To flaih it out ai;d hvafli it out -: vrMglt the prowdeft On the!n. Why looke you now, 5le fca-ce put up Plaine Sander now at any of their 'nmds, for and any Body have any thing to do uith my mailer, ibaight They conie crouching upon me, I befeech you good !!M. Sander fpeake a good word for me, and then I am fo Stowt and take it upon me, and fta-t^d upon my pantofles To them out of all crie, why I have a life like a giant Now, but that my mailer hath fuch a pefrilent mind To a woman now of late, and I have a j:rcty wench To my tiller, and I had thought to have preferred my Mailer ro hir, and that would have bin a good Deale ia my way, but that bees fped already. Friend, well met. Enter Polidors boy. Boy. Souns friend, well met. I hold myjife he fees not my mailc-rs livery coate, Pliine friend hop ol mv thum, know you who v/e are? Boy. Truft rae fir it is the ufe where I was borne. To fa.utf men after this manner, yet notwithltandi»g Iryou bj i.ngiy with me for calling of you friend, 1 am the more forry for it, hoping the ftile Of a 1 ooie wil muke ycu amends for alU iia.idir. THE TATTING OF A SHRE\V. 17^ . The flavc is i'orie for his fault, now we cannot be angry, Well whats ihe mr.tter ihat you would do with us ? Marry fir, I heare you pertainc to feignior Ferando. SatuJcr, I and thou beefl not bHnd thou malil fee, Ecce JJgnum^ here. Boy, Shall I intreat you to do me a mefllige to your Mafler ? Sander. I, it may be, and tell you us from whence you come, Bo);. Marrie fir I ferve yong PoliJor your malfters friend, Sander, Do you ferve him, and whats your name ? Bey. My name firha ? I tel the firha is cald Cataple, Sander. Cake and pie, O my teeth waters to have a peece of ihec. Bey: Why flave, wouldil thou eate me ? Sander, Eate thee, who would not eate Cake and pie ? ^ Boy, _ Why villaine my name is Cataple^ But wilt thou tel me where thy maiHer is. Sander. Nay thou mull firft tel me where thy maillcr is, For I have good ncwes for him, I can tel thee. Boy. Why fee where he comes. Enter Polidor, Aurelius, a^id Valeria. PoUdor. Come fweet Aurelius my faith full friend, Now wil we go to fee thofe lovely dames, Richer in beauty then the orient j:earle, Whiter than is the Alpine Chriftall mould, Aod 176 THE TAMING OF A SHREW; A.nd far more lovely than the terrene plant. That blulhing in the aire turnes to a Itone. * W)i2X Sander y what newes with you? Sander, •• Marry fir my maifter ftnds you word That you muil come to his wedding to morro'.v. PoUJor, What, fhal he be married then ? Sa?idcr, Faith I, you thinke he ftandes as long about it as vou *do^ PoUdor. Whither is thy maifler gone novv ? Sander, Marry hee's gone to our houfe in tlie Countrey To make al things in a readinefie againil my new MiihiiTe comes tnither, but heele coa':e againe to morrow." Polidor. This is fuddainiy difpacht belike : Wei, firha boy, take Sander in with vou, And have him to the buttery prefentlie. 'Boy. I win fir : come Saunder, [Exit Sander arid the Boy,' Aurellv.s, Valeria^ as erft wee did devife. Take thou thy lute and go to Alfonfos ♦houfe. And fay that Polidor lent thee thither. Polidor, I Valeria^ for he fpoke to me, To helpe him to fom.e cunning Mufition, To teach his cldefl daughter on the lute, And thou I know wilt fitte his turne fo well. As thou flialt get great favour at his hands, Be gone Faleria, and fay I fent thee to him. Fakria. I will Sir, and ftay your comming at Jlfonfos houfe. \Exit Valeria; Polidor. Now fu-eet Aurelius, by thii devife Shal (ve have Icifure for to court cur loves, 3 For THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 177 For will 1(1: that fhe is learning on the lute Hir filters may take tjinc to llcale abrode, ^ For otherwlle flieele kcepe them both within, And make them worke whiltt ihe herfelts doth play. But come, lets go unto Alfvnfin houle. And fee how Valeria and Kate agrees I doubt his muficke fcarce will pleafe his Ikuller, But llay, heere comes Jifonfo, Enter Alfonfo, Alfonjb, What M. PoVidor ! you are wel met, I thanke you for the man you fent to me, A good Mulition I thinke he is; I have fet my daughter and him togither. But is this gentleman a friend of yours ? Polidor. He is, I pray you fir bid him welcome. He's a wealthy Marchants fon of Cejius^ Alfo^jfo, yare welcome fir, and if my houfe affords You any thing that may content your mind, I pray you lir make bold with me. Aurelius, I thanke you fir, and if what I have got By marchandife or travel on the feas, Sattins, or lawnes, or azure coloured iilke, Or pretious fiery pointed flones of Indy You fliall command both them, myfelfe, and all, Alfonfo, Thanks gentle fir, Polidor take him in, And bid him welcome unto my houfe. For thou I thinke mull be my fecond ibnne; Fera?idoy Polidor dooll thou not kaow Muft marry Kate, and to morrow is the day. Pelidor, Such newes I heard, and I came now to know- Alfonfo, Polidor tis true, go let me alone, For I mull fee aeainit the bridegroome come, M That J7S THE TAMING OF A SHREW. That al things be according to his mind, And fo ile leave you for an houre or two. [ Exii, Polidor, Come then AurcUus, come in with me. And wcele go fit a while and chat with them. And after bring them forth to take the aire. [ Exit, Then ^YiQ fpeah^ She. Siw, when will the foole come againe ? Heele come againe my Lord anon. Slie, Gis fom.e more drinke here, founs where's TheTapfcer, here Sim eate fome of thefe things; So I do my Lord. Slie. Heere 5/w, I drinke to thee. Mv Lord heere comes the Plaiers againc« O brave, heers two fine gentlewomen* ^nter Valeria i\:ilh a Luie^ arid Kate 'v:ith h'uKt Valeria, The fencelelTe trees by mulick have bin movM, And at the found of plefant tuned firings, Have favage beads hung downe their liflning heads, As though they had beene caft into a traunce. Then it may be, that fhe to whome naught can plcafe, With Mufickes found, in time maybe furprifdc. Come lovely Millris, will you take your lute, And play the IciTon that I taught you lafl ? katc. It is no matter whether I doe, or no, For truil me, I take no great delight in it, Valeria, I would, fweete Miftris, that it lay in me. To helpc you to that thing that's your delight. Kaie^ THE TAMING OF A SHREW. lycj Kate. In you with a peflllence, are you fo kind ? Then make a night-cap of" your fiddles cafe. To warme your head, and hide your filthy face. y^ Valeria, It that (fu-eet Miflris) were your harts content. You fhould commaund a greater thing than that, Although it were ten limes to my diigrace. Kate. • : Y'are fo kind t'were pittie you fliould be hang'd, And yet me thinkes the foole doth looke afrjuint. Valeria. Why Miilris, doe you mocke me ? Kate. No, but I meane to moove thee. Valeria^ ."J Well, will you play a little ? Kate^ Yea, give me the Lute. [Shee playti\ Valeria, That Hop was falfe, play it againe, Kate, Then mend it thou, thou filthy afle. Valeria, What, doe you bid me kiffe your arfe ? Kate, How now jacke fawce ? y'are a jolly mate, Y'are bell: be llill left I crolTe your pate, And make your muficke flie about your eares, lie make it and your coxcombe meet. [She offers tojlrike him ivith the LutC\ Valeria, Hold Miftris, fowns will you breake my Lute ? Kate. Yea on thy head and if thou fpeake to me. There, take it up, and fiddle fomewhere elfe, [She tbroives it iovme. And fee you come no more Into this place, Left that I clap your fiddle on your face, [Exit Kate, M Vakria* i8o THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Valeria, Sowns, teach her to play on the Lute ? The divell ihall teach her firil, I am glad ihee's gone For I was ne're fo fraid in all my life, But that my Lute (hould flie about mine eares : My maifter fhall teach her himfelfe for me, For He keepe me farre enough without her reach, For he and Polidor fent me before, To be with her, and teach her on the Lute, Whilft they did court the other gentlewomen, And heere me thinkes they come together. Writer Aurelius, Polidor, Emella, ^;/^PhiIena, PoUJor. How now Valeria, where*s your Miflris ? Valeria. At the vengeance, I thinke, and no where elfe- Jlurelius. Why Valeria, will (he not learne apace ? Valeria, Yes berladie, fhe haz learn'd too much alreadie, And that I had felt, had I not fpoke her faire, But fhe fhall ne're be learnt for me againe. Aurelius. Well Valeria go to my chamber, And beare him companie that came to dale From Cejius, where our aged father dwelles. [£avV Valeria* Polidor, Come faire EmcUa, my lovely love, Brighter than the burnifht pallace of the Sunne, The eie-fight of the glorious firmament. In whofe bright lookes fparkles the radiant fir« Wilie Prometheus flily ilole from Jove^ Infufing breath, life, motion, foule. To everie objeft ifricken by thine eies, O faire Emdia, I pine for thee, And, either muil enjoy thy love, or die. Emelia. Fie man, I know you will not die for love, Ah Polidor^ thou need'il not to complaine, EterijaH THE TAMING OF A SHREW. i8r Eternall heaven fooner be dllToIvM, And all that pierceth Phoebus filver ele, Before fuch hap befall to FoUdor. Folidor, Thankes faire Emclia for thefefweet words : But what faith ?hile;ia to her friend ? Fhilena. Why I am buying marchandife of hira. AureUus, Miftris, you (hall not neede to buy of me : For when I crofsM the bubbling Canihey, And failde along the criilall Uellljpont^ I fiU'd my coffers of the wealthy mines, Where I did caufe millions of labouiing Moores To undermine the caverns of the earth, To feeke forftrange and new found pretious ftones, ^ And dive into the fea to gather pearle, As faire as Juno offred ?riam5 fonne, And you fhall take your liberall choice of all. Philena, I thanke you fir, and would Fhilena might In any curtefie requite you fo As (he with willing heart could well bellow. Enter Alfonfo. Alfonfo, How now daughters, is Ferando come ? Kmelia. Not yet father, I wonder he ftaies fo long, Alfonfo. And Where's your filler that (he is not here ? Fhilena. She is making of her ready, father. To goe to church, and if that he were come. Folidor, I warrant you hee*l not be long away. Alfonfo. Go daughters, get you in, and bid your filler Provide herfelfe azainil that we do come, M 3 Aji^ j%2 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. And fee you go to church along with us. [Exeunt Philena and Emelia* I marvel that Fcraudo comes not away. Policior, His Tailor, it may be, hath bin too flacke In his apparell which he meanes to weare : For no queflion but fome fanfallike futes He is determined to weare to day, And richly powdered with pretious (lones, Spotted with liqoide golde, thicke fet with pearle. And fuch he meanes Ihall be his wedding futes, ' ■ Aifonfo. I car*d not I, what coft he did beflow. In goide, or filke, fo he him.felfe were here, For I had rather lofe a rhoufand crownes, Than that he diouid deceive U3 heere to day : But foft, I thinke I fee him come. Enter Ferando hafely att'y-eci\ and a red Cat en h:s hcati^ Fcrando. Good m.orrow father: Pclidor well met, You wonder, I know, that I have ftaide fo long. Jilfonfo, Yea mary fonne, v;c were aimoil perfuaded, That we fhould fcarce have had our Bridegroome heerc ; But fay, why art thou thus hafely attired ? Ferando, Thus richly father you fliould have faide. For when my wife and I are married once, Shee's fuch a (hrew, if we fhould once fall our, Sheeie pull my coilly futes over mine eares, And therefore am I thus attir'd a while : For many things I tell you's in my head, ""i And none mull know thereof, but Kate and I : For we fhall live like Lambes and Lions fure, Nor Lambs to Lions never were fo tame, If once they be within the Lions pawes, As Kate to m^e, if we were married once, ^nd therefore, come, lets to church prefcntly, Folidcr^ THE TAMING OF A SHREW. i«3 Polidor, Fie FerarJa, not thus attired tor Hiame, Come to my Chamber, and there lute thy lelte Of twenty lutes that I did never wearc. Tuih TcVulor, I have as many lutes Fantaitike made to fit my humor lo, As any in Athens, and as richly wrought As was the Maffie Robe that late adorn d The ibtely legat of the Perfian Kmg, And this from them have I made choife to weare, Alfonjb, I prethee Ferando let me intreat Betore thou go'ft unto the church with us. To put fome other fute upon thy backe. Ferando. Not for the world, if I might gaine it fo, And therefore take me thus, or not at al. Enter Kate. But foft, fee where my Kate doth come, I muft faUite hir : how fares my lovely A^/^, What, art thou ready ? ihal we go to church t Kate, Not I with one fo mad, fo bafely tir'd, To marry fuch a filthy llavilh groome,^ ^ That as it feemes fometimes is trom his wits, Or elfe he would not thus have come to us. Ferando. Tufli Kate thefe words adde greater love in me. And makes me thinke thee fairer then before : Sweet Kate, thou lovelier then Dianas purple rob., Whiter than are the fnowie Apenis, Or icie haire that growes on Boreas chin. Father, I fweare by Ihis golden beal^, More faire and radiant is my bony Kate^ Then filver Xanthus when he doth unbrace The ruddie Simies at Idas feete, ■ And care not thou, fweet Kate, how I be clad, ^ Thou flialt have garments wrought of Median iilKe, i84 THJE TAMING OF A SHREW. Enchac'd with previous jewels fercht from far. By Italian marchants rhat with Ruffian Hemes, Plowes iiphu..e furrowe? in the Terrene Maine ^ And better tar my lovely A'a/^ fhal wcare : Then come fweet love, and let us to the church. For this I fweare flial be my wedding fute. \KxU,, Aifvnfo. Come gentlemen go along with us. For thus, do what we can, he will be wed. \Exetint omnc?. Enter Polidors Boy and Sander. Boy, Come hither firha, boy. Sander, Boy, oh dlfgrace to my perfon ! founes, boy Of your face, you have many boyes with fuch Piciiadenaunts I am fure, founs would you Not have a bloudy nofe for this ? Boy, Come, come, I did but jeft, where is that Same peece of pie that I gave thee to keepc ? Sander. The pie ? I, yon have more mind of your bdly Then to go fee what your maifler dooes. Boy, Tufh, tis no matter man, I prethee give it me, I am very hungry I promife thee. Sander, Why you may take it, and the divel biirft You with it, one cannot fave a bit after fupper. But you arealwaies ready to munch it up. Boy, Why come man, v/e Jhall have good cheere Anon at the bridehoufe, for your maimers gone to Church to be marred already, and theres Such cheere as pafl'eth, Sander, O brave, I would I had eate no meate this weeke, For I have never a corner left in my belly To THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 185 To put a venfon paftie in, I tliinke I (hall biirft myfelte Wiih eating, t'ov ile lo cram me down the tarts And the marchpanes outot all cr"-e. Boy, I, but how wilt thou do now thy maimers Marled, thy miftres is luch a divel, as fheele make Thee forget thy eating'quickely, ftee'le bea:c thee fo. Samkr, Let my mailer alone with her tor that, for Heele make hir tame wel inough ere long I warrant thee. For he's fach a churle waxen now of late, that and he be Never To little angry he thums me out of all cr}-, But in my mind fit ha, the yongell is a very Prety wench, and it I thought ihy mailer would Noit have hir, Ide have a fling at hir Mylelfe, i^e fee foone whether twill be a match Or no-: -and it will nor, ile fet the matter Hard for myfelfe I warrant thre. Boy ^ Souns you flave, wil you be a Rivall with My mailer in his love ? Speake but luch Another word and ile cut otf one ot thy legs. Oh cruel judament, nay then lirha, My tongue fhal talke no more to you, marry my Timber (hal tell the trulty meflhge of his mailler Even on the very forehead of thee, thou abulious Villaine, therefore prepare thy felfe. Boy, Come hither thou imperfe(5fious flave, in Regard of thy beggery, hold thee, theres Two (hillings for thee, to pay thee for the Healing of thy left leg which I meane Furioully to invade, or to maime at the leail, Sander, O fupernodical foole ! wel, ile take your Two IhilHngs, but ile bar flriking at legs. Boy, Not I5 for ile flrike any where. Sander, iS6 THE TAMIXG OF A SHREW. Sander, Here take your two fhlllings againe, He lee thee hang'd ere ile fight with thee, I gat a broken fhin the other day, Tis not whole yet, and therefore ile not fight. Come, come, why fliould we fal out ? Bey. Wcl lirha, your fa'ire words have fomething Alaied my choler : I am content for this once To put it up, and be friends with thee, But foft, fee where they are come al trom church, Belike they be married already. Enier Fcrando and Kate, and Alfonfo and Polidor and Emella^ a-nd Aurelius, and Phylena. Ferando. Father fltrewel, my Kate and I mufi: home. Sirha, go make ready my horfe prelently. JIfo?ifo. Your horfe ! what fon, I hope you do but jefl, 1 am fuse you wil not go fo fuddainely. Kate, Let him go or tarry, I am refolv'd to flay, And not to travel on my wedding day. Fera-ndo. TwtKatel tel thee we mull: needes go home, Vilaine, haft thou fadled my horfe ? Sa-fider. "Which horfe, your curtail ? Fcrando. Souns you flave, fland you prating here? Saiidie the bay gelding for your milhis. Kate, Not for mc, for I wil not go. Sander, The O'ller wil not let me have him, you owe ten pence For his mcaie and 6 pence for fluffing my mlfliis fadale, Ferandot Here villaine, goepay him flrait. Sander^ THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 187 Shal I give them another peckeof lavender ? Fcrn/h'o. Out flave, and brjng them prclently to the dore. Jllfonfo* Why fon, I hope at leaft yoiile dine with us. Sander, I pray you mailer lets Hay til dinner be done. Fera7iclo, Souns vilaine, art thou here yet ? \Exlt Sandcr# Come Kah^ our dinner is provided at home. Kate. But not for me, for here I mean to dine: lie have my wil in this as wel as you, Though you in madding mood would leave ycur frinds, Defpite of you ile tarry with them ftili. Ferando. I Kate {q thou fhalt, but at fome other time, Whenas thy fillers here fliall be efpoufd, Then thou and I wil keepe our wedding day. In better fort then now we can provide. For heere I promife thee before them all AVe will ere long retume to them againe : Come Kate^ lland not on termes, we will avvay, This is my day, to morrow thou fhalt rule, And I will doe whatever thou commandes. Gentlemen, farewell, wee'i take our leaves, It will be late bctore that we come home. \ExcHni Ferando and Kate. PoUdor. Farewell Fcraiido^ lince you will be gone. Alfcifo, So mad a couple did I never fee, Emelia, Thei're even as wel matcht as I would wifh. Philena. And yet I hardly thinke that he can tame her : For when he haz done, fl:e will do what Ihe lilt. Aurclins, Her manhoode then is good I do beleeve, Pcluhr. i88 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. PoUihr. JurcUuSyOr elfe I niifle my marker Her tongue will walke, if fhe doe holde her hands. I am in doubt ere halte a month be pail, Kee'l curie the Prieil {hat married him fo foone, And yet it may be Ihe will be reclaimde, For {he is very patient grovvne of late. God hold it, that it may continue flill, I would be loath that they fhoiild diiligree. But he (I hope) will hold her in a while. Polldor, Within thefe two dales I will ride to him, And fee how loviut^ly they do agree. Jlf0}2jb, Now Aurdius what fay you to this ? W^hat, have you fent to Ceftus as you faid ? To certifie your father of your love, For I w^ould gladly he would Hke of It, And if he be the man you tell to me, I gheffe he is a Merchant of great wealth : And I have {ttvit him oft at Athens here, And for his fake aflure thee thou art welcome. Polidor, And fo to me whihl Polidor doth live, Aurelius, I find It fo, right worthy gentlemen, And of that woorth your friendfhip I efteemf, I leave cenfure of your feverall thoughts, But for requitall of your favours part Rells yet behinde, which when occafion fervcs, I vow fhal be remembred to the full. And for my fathers comming to this place, I do exfped within this weeke at molU Alfonfo, Enough Aurdius : but we forget Our marriage dinner now the Bride Is gone, Come, let us fee what there they left behind. \Exeunt ojimti. Enter THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 189 Enter Sander iiv'/Z' tiMo or three Scrnj'nig 7ncn, Sajider, Come firs, provide all things as fafl: as you can, For my mailler's hard at hand, and my new miitris And all, and he lent me before to fee all things ready. Tom, Welcome home Sander: firrha how lookes our new mif- tris ? They fay fhee's a plaguy ihrew. Sander, Yea and that thou (halt find, I can tell thee and if thou doCl not pleafe her wel : why my mailer haz fueh ado with, as it palleth, and hee's even like a madman. V/iL Why Sander^ what doth he hy ? Sander. Why He tell you what : when they fiiould Goe to church to be married, he puts on an olde Jerkin and a paire of canvalfe breeches downe to the Small of his leg, and a red cap on his head, and he Lookes as thou wouldll burft thy felfe with laughing When thou feeft him : hee'« ee'n as good as a Foole for me : and then when they lliould goe to dinner^ He made me laddie the horfe, and away he came. And ne'er tarried for dinner, and therefore you had beft Get fupper ready againft they come, for They be hard at hand I am lure by this time. Tom. Sowns, fee where they be already. Enter Ferando a?id Kate. Ferando, Now welcome Kate, Where's thefe villaines Heere ? what, not fupper yet upon the boord ? ' . Nor table fpread, nor nothing done at all, Where'i that villaine that I lent before ? Sander* Now, adfum, fir, Ferando, J90 THE TAMING OF A S H R E \Vi Feramh, Come hither you villalne, He cut your nofe, You rogue, help me off with my boores : wilt pleafc You to lay the doth? Sowns the villalne Huns ray foote : pull eafily I fay, yet againe ? \He heates them aU» [ Tljey co-jer the hcord^ and fetch in the mcate, Sowns, burnt and fcorch't, wiio dielt this meate ? Wil Forfooth yohn Cooke. \He thrcnves do^vme the tahle and mcatc^ and all^ and beates them all. Fcrando, Gee you villalne?, bring me fuch meate ? Out of my light I fay, and beare it hence : Come Kate, wee'Il have other meate provided, I5 there a lire in my chamber fir ? Sander, I forfooth. [Exeunt Ferando and Katf. \^Ma7ient Serving men^ ayideatc up all the meate, Tom, Sownes, I thinke of my confcicnce my malUcr's madde fince he was married. mi. I laft what a boxe he gave Sander For pulliiig off his bootes. Enter Ferando againe^ Sander, I hurt his foote for the nonce man. Ferando, Did you fo, you damned villalne? [He heates them all out against This humour muft I holde me to a while. To bridle and holde backe my head-ilrong wife, With curbes of hunger, eafe, and want of fleepe : Nor fleepe, nor meate fiiali ihc enjoy to night, lie mew her up as men doe mew their Huwkes, An< THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 191 And make her gently come unto the Lewie, Were (lie as Itubboine, or as tull ot ilrength, As was the Thracian Horfe Jk'u^cs tamJe, That king Egcus ted with flcfh of men, Yet would I pull her downe, and make her come, As hungry Hawkes doe flie unto their Levvrc. \^Exlt^ Enter Aurellus and Valeria. Aurellus, Valeria attend, I have a lovely love. As bright as is the heaven criilalline, As faire as is the milke white way ot Jove^ As chafte as Pha-he^ in her fummer fports, As fott and tender as the azure dowlne, ?< That circles Citberca's filver Doves. Her doe I meane to make my lovely Bride, And in her bed to breathe the ivveete content. That I, thou know'il-, long time have aimed at» Now Valeria it reils in thee to helpe To compaffe this, that I might gaine my love, Which eafily thou maiil performe at will, If that the merchant which thou told'll me of. Will, (as he faide) goe to Alfonfoes houfe. And fay he is my father, and there withall Paffe over certaine deedes of land to me. That I thereby may gaine my hearts defire, And he is promifed reward of me. Valeria^ Feare not my Lord, He fetch him ftrait to yo'j. For hee'i doe any thing that you commaund, But tell me, my Lord, is Ferando married then ? Aurellus* He is, and Folidor ihortly flial be wed, And he meanes to tame his wife ere long. Valeria* Hee faies fo. Aurellus* Faith he's gon unto the taming fchoole. ValeriA 192 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Valeria, The taming fchoole why is there fuch a place ? Aurcllus^ -0 1: and Fcramio is the maifter of the fchoole. Valeria. That's rare : but what decortim doth he ufe ? Aurcuus, Faith I know not : but by fome odde devife Or other, but come Valeria I long to fee the man. By whom we muO: comprife our plotted drift, That I may tel him what we have to do. Valeria. Then come my Lord and I will bring you to him flraight. Aiirelius» Agreede then, lets go. {Exeunt, Enter Sander and his mijiris, Sander, Come miilris. Kate. Sander I prethee helpe me to fome meat, I am lb faint that I can fcarcely fland. Sander, I marry miftris, but you know my maiiler Has given me a charge that you mull eat nothing, But that which he himfelfe giveth you. Kate. Why man, thy mafler needs never know it. Sander, You fay true indeed. Why looke you miftris. What fay you to a pece of bieffe and m»*llard now? Kate. Why I fay tis excellent meat, canft thou help me to fome i Sander. I, I could help you to fome, but that I doubt the niullard is too chollerick for you. But what fay you to a fheepes head and garlicke ? Kate. Why any thing, I care not what it be. 5 Sandtr, HTHE TAMING OF A SHREW. 193 Sander* I but the garllcke I doubt will make your breath Stincke, and then my mafter vvil courle me tor letting You eate it. But what fay you to a fat Capon ? Kate. That's meat for a king, fweete Sander help me to fomt of it. Sander, Nay berlady then tis too deere for us, we muft Not meddle with the Kings meate. Kate. Out villaine, doll; thou mocke me, Take that for thy fawfinelle. [She leatcs hlnu Sander. Sounes are you fo light fingred with a murrin, He keepe you failing for it thefe two dales. Kate, I tel thee villaine, ile teare the flefli oif Thy face and eate it, and thou prate to me thus, Sander. Here comes my mailer now, heele courfe you? Enter Ferando ivitb a pfi'ce of meate upon his dagger point ancl Polidor imth him. Ferando. See heere Kate^ I have provided meat for thee. Here take it : what, ifl not worthy thanks ? Go firha, take it away againe, you fhall be Thankful for the next you have. ^ Kate. Why I thanke you for it. Ferando. Nay now tis not worth a pin, go lirha and take it henc$ I fay. Sander. Yes lir ile carrie it hence : Mafter let hir Have none, for fhe can fight as hungry as Ihe is. Polidor. I pray you lir let it (land, for ile eate Some with her my felfe* N Ferandf, Vyi THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Ferandc» Wei firha, fet It downe againe. Kate. Nay nay I pray you let hira take it hence. And kccpc it tor your owne diet, for ile none, lie neVe be beholding to you for your meat, I tel thee fiatly here unto thy teeth. Thou ihalt not keepe me nor feed me as thou lii1;. For I will home againe unto my fathers houfe. Ferando, I, when y'are meeke and gentle, but not Before, I know your Itcmacke is not yet come downc# Therefore no marvel thou canil: not eat, Aud I will go unto your Fathers houfe, Come Folidor let us go in againe. And Kate come in with us, I know ere long, That thou and I lliail lovingly agree. \lLxtunt o}?mes» Enuy Aurellus, Valeria ^WPhylotus the Mar chanty Aurelius, Now Seignior Fh^lotin^ we wil go Unto Alfonfos houfe, and be fure you {drj As I did tel you, concerning the man 'I^hat dwels at Cefius^ whofe fon I faid I wa?, For you do very much refemble him. And feare not : you may be bold to fpeake your mind. Phylotus, I warrant you fir, take you no care. He ufe my felfe fo cunning in the caufe. As you (hall foone injoy your harts delight. Aurelius. Thanks fweet Phylotus^ then flay you here, And I will go and fetch him hither llirait. Ho, Seignior Alfonfo : a word with you. Enter Alfonfo. Alfonfo. Who's there ? what Aurelius^ what's the matter That you it and fo like a ftranger at the doorc I AunliuU ^HE TAMING OF A SHREW. 195 Aurellus. My father fir is newly come to to'.vne, And I have brought him here to fpeake with you, Concerning thefe matters that I told you of, And he can certifie you of the truth. Alfonfo, Is this your father ? you are welcome fir. Fhyhtnu Thanks Alfonfo^ for thats your name I geffe, I untlerllatid my fon hath fet his mind And bent his hking to your daughters love. And for bccaufe he is my only fon, And I would gladly that he Ihould do well, I tel you fir, I not miflike his choife, If you agree to give him your confent, He fliall have living to maintaine his llate, " Three hundred pounds a yeare, I will afliare To him and to his heyres, and if they do joyne ' And knit themfelves in holy wedlccke band, A thoufand maffie ingots of pure gold j And twife as many bars of filver platej I freely give him, and in writing Uraight I wii coniirme what I have faid in words, Alfo7ifo, Truft me, I mufl commend your liberal mind. And loving care you beare unto your fon, j And here I give him freely my confent. As for rny daughter, I thinke he knowes her mind. And I will inlarge her dowry for your fake, And folemnife with joy your nuptial rites. But is this gentleman of Cejius too ? Aurelius, He is the Duke of Cefius thrife renowned fon, Who for the love his honor beares to me, Hath thus accompanied mee to this place; Alfonfo. You were too blame you tolde me not before, Pardon me my Lord, for if I had knowne Your honor had bin here in place with me, I would have don mv duty to your honor. N 2 Fahlfi. J96 THE TAMING OF A S H R E W. ^ F'aleria. Thanks good Alfonfo^ but I did come to fee When thcfe marriage rites fliould be performed. And if in thefe nuptials you vouchlafe, To honor thus the prince o\ CeJIus friend, In celebration of his Ipoufal rites, He fnal remaine a lafiing friend to you, What faies Aurelius father ? I humbly thanke your honor, good my Lord, •■ And ere we part, before your honor here, Shal articles of fuch content be drawne, As tvvixt our houfes and polferities. Eternally this league of peace (hall lafl Inviolate and pure on either part. Alfenfo, With al my heart, and if your honor pleafe To waike along with us unto my houfij, We wil confirme thefe leagues of lalf ing love, Fakria. Come then Aurdlui I wil go with you. [jE?;r. omnes* Enter Ferando and Kate, and Sander. Sander, Mailer, the Haberdafher has brought my jMilfris home hir cap here. Fc}'ando, Come hither Hrha : what have you there ? Halerdajher, A velvet cap lir, and it pleafe you. Ferando, Who fpoke for it ? didft thou Kate? Kate. What ifl did? come hither iirha give me The cap, ile fee if it wil fit me. \She jlts it on her head, Ferando, O monftrous : why it becomes thee nor, Let me fee it Kate : here firha take it hence, This cap is out of fafliion cpite. JKate, THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 19? Kaic, The fafiiion is good Inough : belike you Meane to make a foole of me. Ferando. Why true, he meanes to make a foole of thee. To have thee put on fuch a curtald cap : Sirha be gone with it. Enter the Taylor iv'tb a govjne, fancier. Here is the Taylor too with my miftrls gowne. Ferando, Let me fee it Taylor : what, with cuts and jngs ? Sounes thou vllaine, thou hafl fpoil'd the gowne, Tajlor. Why fir, I made it as your man gave me direillon. You may read the note here. Fcrandj, p Come hither firha : Taylor read the note, Taylor. Item a faire round compaffd cape. Sander, .. I thats true. T^lor, And a large truncke fleeve. Sander, Thats a lie mafler, I faid two truncke fleevesa Ferando, Wei fir, go forward. Taylor, Item a loofe bodied gowne. Sander, Maifter if ever I faid loofe bodies gowne, Sew me in a feame, and beat me to death With a bottome of browne thred. Taylor, I made it as the note bade me. Sander. T fay the note lies in his throate and thou too, And thou faift it. N 3 Tailor igS THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Tailor. Nay, nay, neV be fo hot firha, for I feare you not. Bandci\ Dooft thou heare Tailor^ thou haft braved Many men : brave not me. Th'all: fac*d many men, Tailor\ Wei fir. Sander. Face not me, ile neither be fac'd nor braved At ihy hands I can tell thee. Kate* Come, com?, 1 like the fafhiou of it wel inough, Keere's more adoe than needes, Tie have it, I, Ar,d if you doe not like it hide your eies, I thinke I fhall have noihing by your will. Feramio, Go I fay, and take it up for your maiflcrs ufc. Sander. Sounes viilainCj not for thy life, to-jch it net; Souns, take up my miHris gowne to his Maiilers ufe ! Fcrandi, Well lir, what's your conceit oK it ? Sander, I have a deeper conceit of it than you Thinke for, take up my millris gowne To his maift^rs ufe. Ferando, Tailer, come hither, for this time make it : Hence againe, and Ile content thee foi' tliy paines. Taller, I thanke you fir, \JLxlb Taller, Ferando. Come Kate, wee now v/ill goe fee thy fatherb houfe Even in thefe honefi: meane abilinicnts. Our purfes flial be rich, our garments plaine, To fhro'.vd our bodies from the winter rage, And thats inough, what fhould we care for lucrQ Thy fillcis ^ate^ to morrow muH be we.i, m > THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 199 And I have promifed them thou (liould'fl be there, The morning is well up, lets hafte away. It wil be nine aclocke ere we come there. Kate, Nine aclocke, why tls already pafl two In the aftcrAone by al the clockes in the towne, FeraJido. I fay tls but nine aclocke in the morning. Kate, I fay tis two aclocke In the afternoonc. it fhal be nine then ere you go to your fathers-: Come backe agalne, we will notgoe to day : Nothina but crofling meflil ? rrv.,.«/ nn^vf lie have you fay as I doe ere I goe. {.E^'^^nt omne , Enter Polldor, Emella, Aurelius, and Philema. Polidor, Falre EmcUa, fummers bright fuii Queene, Brighter ot hew than is burning chme, Where Fha^hus in his bright KCiuator fits. Creatine golde and pretious mineralls, What would Emella doe it I were forc'd To leave fail e Athens, and to range the world .^ Erneh'a. Should thou aiTay to fcale thefeate of Jove, Mounting the futtle airy regions, Or be Inatcht up as erft was Gammede, Love fhould give wings unto my fwitt delires. And prune my thoughts that I would foUow thee. Or fall and perifii as did Icarus, Aurelius, Sweetly refolved, falre Emelia, But would Philema fays as much to me. If I ihould alke a qucrtion now of thee? What if the Duke of OJim onely fonne. Which came with me unto your fathers houle. Should feeke to get Fhileinas love from me, And make thee Uutchefle of that ftacely towne, Wouldft thou not then forfake me for his love . 5C0 THE TAMING OF A SHREW* Thile?na. Not for great "Neptune^ no nt>r Jove hlrnfclfe, Will Ph:le?j:a l^ave Aurelius love, Could he enftaU me Emprefle of the world, Or make me Queene and guiureiTe of the heaveflj Yet would 1 nor exchange my love for his, Thy, company is pcore Phykmaes heaven, And without thee, heaven were hell to me. Emelia. And fhouW my love, as earll did Hercules^ Attempt the burning vaults of hell, I would with piteous lookes, and plealing words, As once did Orpheus with his harmony, And ravidiing found ot his mellodious Harpe, Intreate grimme Pluto^ and of him obtaine That thou might'il goe, and iii^ returne againe* Pbilc?na. And fhould my love as erll Leander did, ' Attempt to fwimm.e the boyling Hdi'ifpont For Hrros love : no Towers of brafi'e fliould hold, But I would follow thee through thofe raging flouds^ With lockes dif-fhevered, and my breafl all barCj With bended knees upon Ahidacs (hore, I would with fniokie kghs and brinifh teares, Importune Nepfmie and the watry gods, To fend a guard of filver-fcaled Dolphins, With founding Tritons to be our convoy. And to tranlport us fafe unto the fliore, Whilrt I would hang about thy lovely necke, Redoublin;4 kiffe on kilTe upon thy cheekes. And with our p iftime ftill the fwelling waves. Kmclia, Should Polidor as Achilles did, Onely imploy himi'elfe to tollow amies, Like to the warlike Amazonian Qucene, PenthcfAca^ HcBnrs paramour, Who loil'd the bloudy P//t/>//j murdVous Grecke, He rhruA my felte amungft the thickell throngs, And with my utmoll force alTiit my love. THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 201 ^ Pf^yhma, Let "EoJe fiorme : "be mild and quiet thou, Let i^'-ptnne fwel, be Aurclius calme and jileafed, I care not, I. betide what may betide, Let fates and fortune do the vvoril they can, I recke them not : they not difcord with me, Whilcll that my love and I do well agree. AurcUus Sweet Vhylema bewtics minerall, From whence the Tun exhales his glorious fiiine, And clad the heaven in thy reflected raies, And now my liei'efl love, the time drawes nlcj That Hhnen mounted in his fafFron robe, Muft with his torches waiteupon thy traine. As Hdlnis brothers on the horned moone. Now Juno to thy number Ihal I adde, The fairefl bride that ever marchant had, Folidor, Come faire Kmclla^ the prieil is gon, And at the church ycur father and the refi: Do flay to fee our marriage rites perform'd. And knit in light of heaven this Gordian knot. That teeth of fretting Time may ne'r untwii% Then come faire love and gratulate with me This dales content and fweet folemnity. \Kxeunt Omues<, Slie. Sim, mull they be married now ? Lord, I my Lord. Rnter Ferando and Kate and Sander. SUe, 'L.ookeSim, the foole is come againe now. Ft'tando. Slrha, go fetch our horfes forth, and bring Them to the backe gate prefently. Sander, I will fir I warrant you, lExli Sander, F^rafidst ipji THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Ferando. Come Kate, tlie moonc fhines clecre to night mc thinkes, Kate. The moone ? why hufband you are dcceiv'd, It is the fun. FcranJo, Yet aga'ine, come backe Jigahie, it (hal be The moone ere we come at your tarhers. Kate. Why ile fay as you fay, it is the moone. Ferando. Tcfus, fave the glorious mooneo Katr. jcfasj favc the glorious moone. Fcrand:i, \ am glad Kate your ftomacke is come downe, \ know it well ihou knov/U it is the fun, i5ut I did trie to {'ZO. if thou wouldli fpeake, And crolfe me now as thou hail done before, And truil me Kate hfidil thou not namde the moone, V/e had gone backe again as fure as death. But loft, who's this thats comming here r E-.itcY the Duke of Ceil us alo-ie, Buh, Th'jsal alone from Cr/?&iiim I conie, And left my princely court and noble trains, To come to Athens^ and in this difguile, To fee what courfe my fon Aurelhcs takes. Eut fray, heres fome it may be travels thither, Good tir can you direct me the way to Athens, \^t\?<\\Ao fpcah to the old inan„ Fa I re lovely maidc, yong and affable, More cleere of hew and far more beautifull Then pretiojs i>ardnnix or purple rockes, Of A.nifhejli or glillcring Hiajintht 3Iorc amiiable far then is the plain, Where gliftering Ccpherus in filver boures, Ciafeth upon the Giant Andro^ncde^ ^wziXKaie cntcrtaine this lovely woman. 3 Ddc» THE TAMING OF A S H R E \V. 503 Duh. I ihinke the man is mad, he cals me a woman, Kate. Faire lovely lady, bni;ht and Chriflaline, Bewteoiis ar.d liately as ;he ele-train'd bird. As ^loiioj; as the morning wafht with dew, Wirblii whole eles fiie takes her dawning beames, And golden fommer lleepcs upon thy chcekes, Wrapt up thy radhuions m fome tloud, Le{^ that thy bewty make this rtately towne Inh -bitable like 'he l.urning Zone, ^ With Iwcct reflcclions of thy lovely face. Duke. What, is ftie mad too ? or is my Ihape transform.d That both of them perfuade mc I am a woman, But they are mad lure, and therefore ile be gone, And leave their co.mpanies for feare of harme, And unto Athem hafie to feek my ion. [£*/^Dukc* Ferando, Why fo, A''a/r,this was friendly done of thee, And kindly too : why thus lauft we two live. One minde, one heart, and one content for both, This good old man dos thinke that we are mad, And glad is he I am fure, that he is gone, But come fweet Kate^ for we will after him, And now perfuade him to his fliape againc. \Ex, o^!::lcj, Efitcr Alfonfo and Phylotus ajid Valeria, Folidorj Emelia, Aurelius, ajid Fhylema. Alfonfo. Come lovely Tonnes, your marriage rites perform.cd, Lets hie us home to fee vvhat cheere we have, I wonder that Ferando and his wife Come nor to fee this great lolemnity, Folidor. No marvel if Ferando be away, His wife I thinke hath troubled fo his wits. That he remaines at home to kcepe them warmcj For 204 THE T A ]\I I N G OF A SHREW, For forward wedlockc as the proverbe {dyes, Haih brought him to his ni-jhtcap long ago. But PoUJor^ let iny Ton and' you take heed, That Ferar'Jo fay not ere long as much of you. And now Alfonfo^ more to lliCw my love, If unto Cejtus you do fend your (hips, Myfclfc wil fraught them with Arabian filkes. Rich Affricke fpices, Arras coun^er-pointes, IMuflce, Caffia, fweet fmelling Ambergreece, Pearie, curtol, Chriilal, jet,' j^nd ivory, To gratulate the favors of my fon, And friendly love that you have fliewne to him, Valerea. And for to honor him and his faire bride, Enter the Duke ^/"Ceftus. I!c yeercly fend you from your fathers court, Chcils of refind fugar feverally, Ten tun of "T^'-v/i wine, fucket, fweet drugs, To celebrate and folemnize this day, Andcuftom-free, your marchants fhal commerce And interchange the profits of your land. Sending you gold for btaife, liiver for lead, Cades ot filke for packes of wol and cloth,' To bind this frienalhip and confirme this league. Buke. I am glad fir that you would be fj franke, Are you become the Bttle of Cejius fon. And revels wirh my treafure in the towne, llaie villaine that thus difhonereft me. Valeria., Sounes it is theZ>«/r, what Ihall I do ? Dlflionor ihee ? why knowft thou what thou faifl ? Duh, Her's no villaine : he will not know me now, JBat what fay you? have you forgot me too? Phylotus. Way Cr, arc ycu acquainted with my fon ? Buh, ^ H E TAMING OF A SHREW. 2Q^C Duke. With thy Ton ? no trull me, if he be thine, I pray you ilr, who am 1 ? Aurelius, Pardon me father, humbly on my knees I do intreat your grace to heare me fpeake. Duke. Peace villaine, lay hands on them, And fend them to prifon llraight. [Ph) lotus ^«i Valeria runnc arj:ay, Then ^X\t fp:ahi, Slle, I fay weele have no fending to prifon. Lord, iVIy Lord this is but the play, they're but in jeft, SUe, I tel thee Sim weele have no fending, To prifon thats fiat : why Simy am I net Don Chriflo Fari? Therefore I fay, they fhal not goe to prifon. Lord, No more they Ihal not my Lord, They be runne away. SUe, Are they run away Sim? thats wel. Then gis fome more drinke, and let them plav agalnc. Lord, Here my Lord. \^X\t drinhs a::d then fals nfiecpe„ Duhe. Ah trecherous boy that durit prefume, To wed thy felfe without thy fathers leave, i fweare by faire Cinthcas burning raies Ev M'rops head, and by fevcn-mouthed 7v7/e', Had I but known ere thou hadft wedded her, Were in thy i)reil: the worlds immortal foule. This angry fworde iliould rip thy hateful che{l, And hewd thee fmallcr then the Lihian fandes, Turne hence thy face, oh cruel impious boy. 1 did not thinke you would prefume, Alfonfo^ To match vour dauguiei with my princely houfe. And 2o6 THE TAMING OF A S H R E \V. And ne'r make mee acquainted with the caufe. ^Ifonfo, My Lord, by heavens I fweare unto your grace I knew none other but Valeria your man. Had bin the Dule of Cefijis noble fon, Kor did n>y daughter, I dare fware for her. Duke. That damned vlllaine that hath deluded me. Whom I did iend tor guide unto my fon. Oh that my furious force could cleave the earth, That I might muller bands of hellilh feends, To racke his heart and teare his impious foule. The ccallefle turning of celeliial orbes. Kindles not greater flames in flitting aire, Then paflionate anguifh ot my raging breft, ylurelius. Then let my death f.veet father end your griefe. For I it is that thus have wrought your woes, Then be reveng'd on me, for here I Aveare That they are innocent of what I did, Oh had I charge to cut off Hydracs head. To make the toplefle Alpcs a champaine field. To kil untamed monfters with my fvvord, To travel daily in tlie hotteil fun. And watch in vv'inter when the nights be cold. I would with gladncs undertake them all, A^nd thinke the paine but pleafure that I felt. So that my noble father at iny return, Would but forget and pardon my otfence. Pbxlcma, Let me intieat your grace upon my knees, To pardon him and let my death difcharg«i The heavy wrath your grace ha'-h vovv'd againfl him* PoUdor, And good my Lord, let us intrcat your grace To purge youx (lomacke of this Melancoly, Taint not your princely mind with griefe my Lord, But pardon and forgive thefe lovers faults. That knt-elinc^. crave vour pratious f.ivor here. ^mdcct^ THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 2Q7 Emeka. Great prince of Cf/?;/^, let a womans words Intrcat a pardon in your Lordly breft, Both for your princelv Ion, and us my Lord, Duke. AureViiis (land up, I pardon thee, I fee that vcrtue wil have enenues. And fortune wil be thwarting honor flil. And you faire virgin too, 1 am content To accept you for my daughter fince tis don, And fee you princely ufde in Ccf.us court. Phylerna, Thanks good my Lord, and I no longer live, Then I obey and honor you in al. jitfonfo. Let me give thanks unto your royall grace. For this great honor done to mee and mine. And if your grace wil walke into my houfe, I wil in humbleil maner I can, fliew The eternall fervice I do owe your grace, Duke. Thankcs good Alfonfo: but I came alone. And not as did befeeme the Cejiian Duke, Nor would I have it knowne within the towne, That I was here, and thus, without my traine ; But as I came alone, fo wil I go, And leave my fon to folemnife his feall:, And ere't be long He come againe to you, And do him honor as befeemes the fon Of mighty Jerohel the Cejiian Duke, Til when ile leave you, farewel Aurellus. AurcUus, Not yet my Lord, ile bring you to your fliip. \K.\cunt Omncs, Slie JIccpcs, Lord, Who's within there ? come hither firs, my Lords Afleepe againe, go take him eafily up, And put him in his own apparel againe, And -:?d3 the TAMI-NG OF A S H R ^W. And lay him in the place where we did find him, Juft underneath the alehoufe fide below, 13ut i'ee yea wake him not in any cale. Boy', It {hal be done my Lord, come help to bcare him hence, « Entej' Ferando, Aurelius, and Polidor and his hoy^ ^w^Valerls^ and Sander. Ferando, Come Gentlemen, nowe that fupper's done. How iliall we fpend the time til we go to bed ? Aurelius. Faith if you wil, in trial of our wives Who wil come foonefl at their hufbands cul. Polidor, Then then Ferando he muft needes fit out. For he may cal I thinke til he be weary, Before his wife wil come before (lie lilr. Ferando. Tis wel for you that have fuch gentle uives^ Yet in this trial wil I not fit out, ]t may be Kate wil come as foone as I do fend. Aurelius, My wife comes fooneft for a hundred pound, Polidor. I takQ it. He lay as much to yours, That ray vafe comes as foone as I do fend. A^urelius, How now Ferando^ you dare not lay belike* Ferando, Why true, I dare not lay indeede : But how, fo little racny on fo fure a thin?, A hundred pound : why I have laid as much Upon my Dog, in running at a Deere, She dial not com^e fo far for fuch a trifie, But wil you lay five hundred maikes with nve, And whofe wire fooneft comes when he doth cal^ And fliewes herfelfc mort loving unto him, o. , Let THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 509 Lethlminjoy the wager I have laid, Now what lay you ? dare you adventure thus^ Polidor, I, were it a thoufand pounds I durll prefume On my wives love ; and I wil lay with thee. Enter Alfoufo. Alfonfo, How now fons, what in conference fo hard, May I without otfence, know where about ? Aurelius. Faith father, a waighty caufe about our wives, Five hundred markes already we have laid. And he whofe wife doth Ihew moft love to him, He muil injoy the wager to himfelfe. Alfonfo. Why then Ferando he is iure to lofe it, I promife thee fon, thy wife wil hardly come, And therefore I would not wifh thee lay fo much. Ferando. Tufh father, were it ten times more I durft adventure on my lovely Kate^ But if I lofe ile pay, and fo fhal you. Ain elius. Upon mine honor, if I lofe Ile pay. Polldor, And fo wil I upon my faith I vow. Ferando, Then fit we downe and let us fend for them. A'fonfo. I promife thee Ferando^ I am afraid thou wilt lofe. Aurelius, He fend for my wife firfl ; Vakriay Go bid your miltris come to me. Valeria, I will my lord. \Zxit Valeria, Aurelius, Now for my hundred pound. Would any lay ten hundred more with me I know I Ihould obtainc it by her love. O Terandot 210 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. I pray God you have not laid too much aheady, Aurelius, Truft me Fcran^o I am fure you have, For you I dare prefume have loii it a]. Enter Valciia againc. Now firha, what faits your miilris ? Valeria, She Is fomething buGe but fr.eele come anone, Ferando^ Why fo, did I not tel you this before, She was buiie and cannot come. Aurerms, I pray God your wife fend you fo good an anfwere, She may be bulie, yet ihe faies (heele come. Ferand^u Wei, wel ; Polldor, fend you for your vyife. PoUdor, Agreed. i?2V defire your miftris to come hither. Boy. I wll fir. \Exit Bflj. Ferdndo, I fo, fo, he defires her to come. Aifonfo. PoUdor^ I dare prefume for thee. I thinke thy wife wil not denie to come, And I do marvel much Aurelius^ That your wife came not when you fent for her. Enter the Boy cigaine» Pclidor, Now, wher's your miflris ? Bny, She bade me tell you, that Ihce will not come. And you have any bafintfle, you muil come to liir. Fcra7ido. O monftrous Intollerable prcfumption, Worfe than a blafing ftar, or fnow at Midfummer, Earthqujikes, THE TAMING OF A SHREW, iix Earthquakes, or any thing unfeafonable, She will not come, but he mull come to hir. Po/Icior. Wei fir, I pray you lets heare what Anfwere your wife will make. Feyando, Sirha command your miflris to come To me prefently. [Exit Sander, Airelius, I thlnke my wife for all fhe did not come, Wil prove more kind, for now I have no feare. For I am fare Fcramlos wife, (he will not come. Ferando, The mere's the pitty, then I mult lofe. Knter Kate and Sander. But I have won, for fee where Kate doth comeo Kate, Sweete hulband did you fend for me, Ferando, I did my love, I fent for thee to come. Come hither Kate^ what's that upon thy head ? Kate, Nothing hu(band but my cap I thinke. Ferfindo, Pul it off and tread it under thy feer, Tis foolilh, I wil not have thee weare it. - , \She fakes off her cap and treads on. tU Polidor, Oh wonderful metamorphofis. Aurelhis, This is a wonder almoil pall beleefe. Ferando* This is a token of her true love to me, And yet He try her further you fhall fee ; Come hither Kate^ where are thy fillers ? Kate. They be fitting in the bridal chamber. O 2 FeranJo^ 212 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Fcrandv. Fetch them hither, and if they wll not come, Bring them perforce and make them come with thee. Kate. I will. . ^Ifonfo, I promlfe thee Fcrando^ I would have fworne, Thy wife would ne'r have done fo much for thee. Fei'ando, But you flial fee fhe wil do more then this, For fee where fhe brings her fillers forth by force. Enter Kate thnijiing Phylema and Emelia hcfore her^ and make: them come unto their hifjhands cat, Kate. See hulband, I have brought them both. , Ferando, Tis wel done Kate. Emelia. I fure, and like a loving peece, your woith}" To have great praife for this attempt. Phykma. I for making a foole of her felfe and us. Aurelius, Belhrew thee Phylema thou haft Loft me a hundred pound to night. For I did lay that thou wouldft firft have come. Polidor. But thou Emelia haft loft me a great deale more. Emelia. You might have kept it better then, Who bade you lay ? * Ferando. Now lovely Kate^ before their hufljands here, I prethee tel unto thefe head-ftrong women, What dewty wives do owe imto their Huftjands. Kate. Then you that live thus by your pampered wilsj Now lift to me, and marke what I ftial fay, Th* THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 113 Th' eternal power that with his only breath, Shall caufc this end, and this beginning trame, Not in time, nor before time, but with time confus'd, For al the courfe of yeares, of ages, months, Of feafons temperate, ot dayes and houres, Are tun'd and Itopt by meafure of his hand, The firit world was, a forme without a forme, A heape o^nfus'd, a mixture al deform'd, A gulfe of gulfes, a body bodilefle, Where all the elements were orderlelTe, Before the great Coir.mander of the world, The King ot kings, the glorious God of heaven, Who in fix daies did frame his heavenly worke, And made al things to {land in perte(5l courfe, Then ro his image he did make a man Olde Adaniy and from his fide afleepe A rib was taken, of which the Lord did make The woe of man fo term'd by Adatn then. Woman, for that by her came finne to us. And for her iinne was Acia?n doomd to die. As Sara to her hufband fo fliould we. Obey them, love them, keepe and nourifh them, If they by any meanes do want our helpes. Laying our hands under their feet to tread, Ir that by that we might procure their eafe, And for a prelident He firif begin, And lay my hand under my hulband's ^ctt. [She lazes her hand under her hujhand^s feet, Ferando, Inough fweet, the wager thou haft won. And they 1 am lure cannot deny the fame. Alfonfo, I Ferando^ the wager thou half won. And for to fhew thee how I am pleasd in this, A hundred pounds 1 freely give thee more. Another dowry for another daughter, For (lie is not the fame flie was before. Ferando, Thanks fweet father, gentlemen, good nighf, For Kate and I will leave you for to night, O 3 Ti$ 214 THE TAMING OF A SHREW. Tis Kate and I am wed, and you are fped ; And lb farewell, for we will to our beds. \Excunt Ferando, Kate, and Sander» Alfonfo, Now Aurclius^ what fay you to this ? AureV.us, Beleeve me father, I rejoyce to fee Terando and his wife fo lovingly agree, \Exeu7it Aurelius, ^«<^ Philema, ^^//Alfonfo, ^;/^ Valeria. Emelia. How now Polidor ? in a dumpe ? what faift thou man ? Polldor. I fay thou arte a fhrew. Emelia, That's better than a (heepe. Polidor, Well, fince tis done, come, lets goe. \_Exeu?it Polidor a^id Emelia. \Then enter ti'jo hearing ^/"Slie in his oiwie apparrell againe, and lea'ues him vjhere they found him^ and then goes out : then enters -the Tapjier, Tapjler, Now that the darkefome night is overpail, And dawning day appeares in criilall Ikie, Now muft I haile abroade . but foft, who's this ? What Slie^ o wondrous ! hath he lalne heere all night i lie wake him, I thinke bee's llarved by this, Eut that his belly was fo flufft with ale : What now Slie^ awake for (liame. Slie, Sim, gives fome more wine, what all the Players gone ? am not I a Lord ? Tapfier. A Lord with a murrin : come art thou drunken llill ? Slie, Who's this ? tapjier, O Lord firha, I have had the braveft dreame to night, that ever thou heardell in all thy life. Tappr, Yea mary, but you had beft get you home, For your wife will courfe you for dreaming heere to night. I Slie, THE TAMING OF A SHREW. 215 Slie. ; Wil (he ? I know now how to tame a (hrew, I dreamt upon it all this night till now, And thou hafl wakt me out of the bell dreame That ever I had in my life : but He to my wife prefently, And tame her too if fne anger me. tapper. Nay tarry ^/:>, for He goe home with thee. And heare the reft that thou haft dreamt to night, \^Exeunt omnes. F I N I §• .04 The Firft and Second PART O F T H E Troublefome R- A I G N E of John King of England, WITH THE Difcoverie of King RICHARD Cordelions bafe Sonne (Vulgarly named, the Baftard Fawconlridge :) ALSO The Death of King John at Swinftead Ahhey. As they were (fundry times) lately afted by the Queenes Majesties Players. Written by JV. Sb. Imprinted at London by Valentine Simmes, for John Helme^ and are to be fold at his Shop in Saint Bwiftons Church-yard in Fketejireet, 1611. THE Troiiblefome R A I G N E of KING JOHN. Eufcr K. John, ^cenc Elinor his Mother^ WiHiam Maifnall, Earie of Penibrooke, the Earlcs of bHex and ^Salilbury. ^icc/i EUajior, BA R O N S of F^nglancI^ and my nc.«ble lords ; Though God and fortune have bereft from us Victorious Richard fcourge of intiiiells, And clad this land in llole otdliinail hew : Yet give me leave to joy, and joy you all. That from this wonibe hath fprung a iccond hope, ^ A king that may in rule and verrue both Succeede his brother in his emperie. K. John, My gratious mother queene, and barons all; Though fane unworthy of fo high a place, As is tne throne ot mighty Englanc^s king : Yet John your lord, contented uncontenr. Will (as he may) fuiiaine the heavy yoke Or" urelfmg caves, 'hat hang upon a crowne. My lord of Pembrooke and lord i^aljbury^ Admit the lord Chattilicn to our prefcnce ; That we may know what Fhillp king of Fraunce ifiy his amballadors) requires of us, ;?. EUnw* 220 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE i^. Elinor. Dare lay my hand that Eiowr can gefTe Whereto this weighty embafTade doth tend : It of my ..ephew Arthur and his claime, Then lay, my fonne, I have not miiuie my aime. Enter Chattilicn and the w.-o Earks, John, My lord ChattiUon, welcome into England : How fares our brother Philip king or Fraunci f Chattilicn. His highnefTe at my comming was in heahh, And wiU'd me to falute your majeilie, And fay the mefiage he hath given in charge. yobn. And fpare not man, wee are preparde to heare. Chattilion. Philips by the grace of God molt chriftian king of France^ having taken into his gardain and protection Arthur D, ol Brittai/ie fonne and heire to Jeffrey thine elder brother, re- Cjuireth in the behaite of the faide Arthur., the kingdome oi England^ with the lordlhip of Ireland^ Poiters, AnjoxV, Toraine^ Elaine: and I attend thine anfwer. John. A fmall requeft : belike hee makes account, That Engla?uij Ireland ^ Poiters, AnJozi\ To rain e, Maine, Are n«.:thmg for a king to give at once : I wonder what be meanes to leave tor me. Tell Philips he may keepe his lords at home, With greater honour than to fend them thus On embairades that not concerne himfelfe. Or if they did, would yeeld but fmall rcturne. Chattilion* Is this thine anfwer ? John, It is, and too good an anfwer tor fo prowd a meffage, Chattilion, Then king of England, in my mailers name, And in prince Arthur duke of Brittaincs name, I doe O F K I N G J O H N. 521 T doe defie tliee as an enemie. And wifli thee to prepare tor bloody warres. J^ Elinor. IMy lord (tliat {lands upon defiance thus) Commend me to my nephew, tell the boy. That I q.ieene EUanor (his grandmother) Upon my blelling charge him leave his armes Whereto his head-i]ron.;'ne natures 2av7, Mother, My gratious lord, and 3-0U thrice reverend dame. That fee the teares diuilling from mine eies. And fcalding iighes blovvne from a rented heart : For honour and regard of womanhood. Let me iatreate to be commaunded hence. Let not thefe eares heere receive the hiffing found Of fuch a viper, who v^ith poyfoned words Doth maflerate the bowells of my foule. Joh?i, Lady, ftand up, be patient for a while : And fcUoWj fay, whofe baiiard \» thy brother ?" 524 THE TROUBLESOIME RAIGNE Phiiip, Not for my felfe, nor for my mother now ; But for the honour of fo brave a man, Whom hee accufeth with aduherie : Heere I befeech your grace upon my knees. To count him mad, and fo difmilTe us hence. Robert. Nor mad, nor mazde, but well advifed, I . Charge thee before this royall prefence here To be a baftard to king Richards felfe, Sonne to your grace, and brother to your majeflie. Thus bluntly, and Elianor, Yong rftan, thou needft not be afhamed of thy kin, Nor of thy fire. But forward with thy proofe. Rol/ert. The proofe fo plaine, the argument fo firong, As that your highneife and thefe noble lords, And all (lave thofe that have no eies to fee) Shall fweare him to be baflard to the king. Firft, when my father was embalTadour In Germaine unto the Emperour, The king lay often at my fathers houfe ; And all the realme fufpe6led what befell : And at my fathers backe returne agcn My mother was delivered, as tis fed, Sixe weeks before the account my father mnde. But more than this : looke but on Philips face, His features, actions, and his lineaments. And all this princely prefence (hall confelTe, He is no other but king Richards ibnne. Then gratious lord, reil he king Richards fonne. And let me reft fate in my fathers right. That am his rightfull fonne and only heire. Johu Is this thy proofe, and all thou hafl to fay ? Robert. I have no more, nor neede I greater proofe. John. Firft, where thou faidft in abfence of thy fire >Iy brother often lodged in his houfe : 5 And O F K I N G J O H N. 22$ And what of that ? bafe groomc to flaunder him. That honoured his embalilidor ib much, In abfence of the man to cheere the wife ? This will not hold, proceed unto the next, j9. Eiinor. Thou faifl (he teemde fixe weelces before her time. Why good fir fquire, arc you fo cur.ning growen, To make account of womens reckonings ? Spit in your hand and to your other proofes : Many mifchances happen in fuch affaires, To make a woman come before her time. John. And where thou fnift, he looketh like the king, In aftion, feature and proportion : Therein I hold with thee, for in my life I never faw fo lively counterfet Ot Richard Corcklioji^ as in him. Rohert. Then good my lord, be you indiflfrent Judge, And let me have my living and my right. ^ Elinor, Nay, heare you fir, you runne away too fad: : Know you nor, 077ine fimile 7ion eft idem? Or have read in. Harke yee good fir, Twas thus I warrant, and no otherwife. Shee lay with fir Rohert your father, and thought upon king Richard my fonne, and fo your brother was formed in this fafliion. Robert, Madatne, you wrong me thus to jeft it out, "^ I crave my right : king John, as thou art king, So be thou jult, and let me have my right. ■ Jchn. ^ . Why (foolifh boy) thy proofes are frivolous, Nor canil thou chalenge any thing thereby. But thou (halt fee how 1 will helpe thy claime: This is my doome, and this my dooiiic fiiall Hand Irrevocable, as I am king of Er.glci-J, For thou know'li not, week afKe 01 them that know, ? Kla 226 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE, His mother and himfelfe ftiall end this flrife : And as they fay, fo (hall thy living paiTe. Robert. My lord, herein I challenge you of wrong. To give away my right, and put ':he doome Unto themfelves. Can there be likelihood That (hce will loofc ? Or he will give the li^^iog from himfelfe? It may not be my lord. Why fhould it be ? John, Lords, keep him back, and let him henre the doorri, J\/JeXj firft alke the mother thrice who was his lire r Efex. Lady Margaret .^ widow of Fauconhridge^ Who was father to thy fonne Philip f Mother, Pieafe it your majelly, fir Rob. Fauconlrictge^ Robert. This is right, alke my fellow there if I be a thicfe, John, Afke Philip whofe fonne. he is. EJ^x. Philips who was thy father ? Philip, Mas my lord, and that's a queftion : and you had not taken fome paines with her before, I fhould have defired you to aike ray mother, John, Say, who was thy father ? Philip, Faith (my lord) to anfwere you, fure hee is my father that was neereil my mother when I was begotten, and him I thinkc. Co be fir Robert Fauco7ihridge, John. Ejjex, for fafhions fake demand agen, And fo an end to this contention. Robert. Was ever man thus wrongd as Robert is? P iilip {peakQ I fay, who was thy father ? John. OF KING JOHN. ii'j John, Young mail how now, what art thou in a trance ? Elia?i07', Philip awake, the man is in a dreame. Philip. Philippui atai'is adite Regihus, What faia thou Philip, fprung of aunclent kings > ^^uo me raplt tempejlas P What winde of honour blowes this furie forth? Or whence proccede ihefe fumes of majeftie ? IVIe tliinkes I heare a hollow eccho found, That Philip is the fonne unto a king : The whirling leaves upon the trembling trees, Whillle in confort I am Richards fonne : The bubling murmur of the waters fall. Records Philippus Regius filius : Birds in their flight make muficke with their wings. Filling the aire with glorieof my birth : Birds, bubbles, leaves, and mountaines, eccho, all Ring in mine cires, that I am Richards fonne. Fond man! ah whither art thou carried? How are thy thoughts y wrapt in honors heaven ? Forgetfull what thou art, and whence thou camlh Thy fathers land cannot maintaine thefe thoughts, Thefe thoughts are farre unfitting i^^.vr^;.'^7i^.- And well they may; for vvhy this mounting minde Doth foare too high to Houpe to Fauconbridge, Why how now ? knowelt thou where thou'^art ? And knoweft thou who expedls thine anfwer here? Wilt thou upon a franticke madding vaine Goe loofc thy land, and fay thy felfe bafe borne ? No, keepe thy land, though Richard were thy fire. What ere thou thinkit, fay thou art Fauconhridge, John. Speakc man, be fodaine, who thy father was, Philip, Pleafe it your majeftie, fir Robert Philips that Fauconbridge cleaves to thy jawes ; It will not out, I cannot for my life Say I am fonne unto a Fauconbridge. P ^ Let 22S THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Let land and llvins: goe, tis honors fire That makes me fwcare king Rkl-arJ \va.s my fire. Bale to a king addes title or more ftate, Than knights begotten, though legitimate. Pleafe it your grace, i am king Richards Ibnnc. Roh.rt, Rchert revive thy heart, let forrow die, His faltring tongue not futfers him to lie. Mother. What head-ftrcng furie doth enchant my fonnc ? Philip. Philip cannot repent, for he hath done. jshn. Then Philip blame not me, thy felfe haft loil By wilfulnelTe, thy living and thy land. Robert^ thou art the heire of Fauconhrid^Cy ■God give thee joy, greater than thy delert. ^ Elianor, Why how now Philips give away thine owne ? Philip. Madame, I am bold to make my felf your nephev.'. The poorefc kinfman that your highnefle hath: And with this proverb gin the world anew. Help hands, I have no hnas, honor is my delire; Let Philip live to fliew himfelfe worthy fo great a fife. Elinor, Philip, I think thou knewll thy grandams minde ; But cheere thee boy, I will not fee thee want As long as Elinor hath foote of land; HenceForrh thou flialt be taken for my fonne, And waite on me and on thine uncle hecre, Who Ihall give honour to thy noble mind. Joh/i. Philip kneele downe, that thou malft throughly knew How much thy reiokuion pleafeth us, Kile up ^\r Richard Plantaginet king Richards fonne. Philip. Grant heavens that PI Hip once may (hew himfelfe Worthy the honour of Plantaginet^ Or bafclt ^Icri'^ cf a ' -^^ 's name, John O F K I N G J O H N. ^29 John, Now gentlemen, we will away to Francf, To checke the pride of Arthur and his mates : Effcx, thou Ihalt be ruler ot my realme, And toward the maine charges of ray wnrres. He ceaze the lafic abbey lubbers lands Into my hands to pay my men oi warre. The pope and popelings rtiall not greafe thcmrdvcs With gold and groatcs, that are the fouldiers due. Thus forward lords, let our commaund be done, And march wc forward mightily to France,^ \ExcunU [Maud rhihp ami his Mother, Philip, Madame, I befeech you deigne me fo much leafure as the hearing ot a matter 1 long to impart to you. Mother, What's the matter Philip ? I thinke your fiilt in fecret, tends to fome money matter, which you fuppofe burnes in the bot- tome of my cheft. ^ Philip, No madam, it is no fucb fuit as to beg or borrow. But fuch a fuit, as might fome other grant, 1 would not now have troubled you withal). Mother, A ^ods name let us heare it. Philip, Then madam thus, your ladifhip fees well, How that my fcandall growes by meanes of you> In that report hath rumord up and downe, I am a ballard, and no Fauconhric^ge, This grofle attaint fo tilteth in my thoughts, Maintaining combat to abridge mine eaie. That iitld and towne, and company alone, What fo I doe, or wherefoere I am, I cannot chafe the llaunder from my thoughtg. If it be true, refolve me of my hrc,^ For pardon madam, if I thinke amilfe. Be Philip Philips and no Fancojihridge, His father doubtlclTc was as brave a man. To vou on knee?, as fometime P/W/r^/, p 3 IV^idrufling Z70 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Miftrufling ficlly Merop for his iirc, Stra'.nir.g a little bafhfiiii raodellie, I beg fome inilance whence 1 am extraugbt. Mother. Yet niDre adoe to hafle me to my grave, And vvilr thou too become a mothers crolfe ? Mufl^ I a.cufe my felfe to clofe with you ? Slaunder i:iy felfe, to quiet your affects ? Thou moov'A me Philip with this idle talkc, Which 1 remit, in hope this mood will die, 'Philip, Nay lady mother,' heare me further yet, For llrong conceit drives dutie hence awhile: Your hufband Fauconbridge was father to that fonne. That carries maikes of nature like the fire. The Ibnne that blotteth you with wedlockcs breach, And holds my right, as lineall in defcent From him whofe forme was figured in his face. Can nature fo diflemble in her frame, To make the one fo like as like may be. And in the other print no charatfter To _hallenge any marke of true defcent ? My brothcis mind is bafe, and too too dull, To mount where P hilip Xo^gfOii his affecfls, And jiis externall graces that you viewe, (Though I report it) counterpoife not mine : His conftiturion plaine debilitie, Requires the chaire, and mine the feat of flecle. Nay, what is he, or what am I to him ? When any one that" knoweth how to carpc, Will fcarcely judge us both one countrey borne. This M.adam, this, haih drove me from my felfe; And here by heavens fernall lampes I fweare, As curfed A';r^ .; ith his mother did, So I with you, if you refolve me not. Mother, Let mothers teaies quench out thy angers fire, And urge no further vvhat thou doeft require. Philip. Let fonnes intrcatie fway the mother now, Or elfe ftiee dies : lie not infringe my vow, 'Motbef;, OF KING JOHN. 231 Mother^ Unhappy talke : muft I recount my fliamc. Blab my mifdeeds, or by comrealing die ? Some power ftrike me i'peechlcfle for a time. Or take from him a while his hearings ufCe Why wilh I fo, unhappy as I am ? The fault is mine, and he the faultie fruit, I blufh, I faint, oh would I might be mute. Mother be brieic,- 1 long to know my name. 1 Mother, And longing die, to fliroud t!iy mothers Ihame. PbiUp. Come madame come, you need not be fo loath, 'The ihame is (bared equall twixt us both, in not a flackenefle in me, worthy -tlame, To be fo old, and cannot write my name. Good mother refoUe me. Mother, Then Philip heare thy fortune, and my griefe, My honours lofTe by purchase of thy felfe, My fliame, thy name, and hulbands fecret wrong, All maimed and llaind by youths unruly fway. And when thou know'll from whence thou art extraught, Or if thou knew'il what fuites, what threats, what feaies. To moove by love, or mafTacre by death. To yeeld with love, or end by loves contempt. The mightinefle of him that courted me. Who tempered terror with his wanton talke, That fomething may -extenuate the guilt. ^ 35ut let it not advantage me fo much : Upbraid me rather with the Romane dame, That (bed her blood to wafh away her fliame. J Why {land I to expoOuIate the crime With pro & co::fra, now the deed is done ? When to conclude two words may tell the tale, That Philips father was a princes fonnc, Rich Englands rule, worlds onely terror he. For hocours lofle left mc with child of thee : P A Whofe \ 232 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNg Whofe fonne tlioii art, then pardon me the rather, For faire king Richard was thy noble father. T'hUip. Then F.ohin Fauconlrldye I vviih thee joy, V^ij fire a king, and I a landlelfe boy. Gods lady mother, the world is in my debt, There's fomething ovvi :g to Plantaginct, I marry fir, let me alone for game, lie ad fome wonders now I know my name. By blelTed Mary He not fell that pride For Englands wealth, and all the world befide. Sit fall the proudell of my fathers foes, Away good mother, there the comfort goes. \Exeunu Enter Philip the French hngy and Lewis, Limoges, Conftancej and her fonne Arthur. King, Now gin we broach the title of thy clalme, Young Arthur in the Albion territories, Skaring proud ^^«^;Vri with a puiiTant fiege; Brave Aujiria^ caufe of Cordclions death, Is alfo come to aide thee in thy warres ; And all our forces joyne for Arthurs right. And, but for caufes of great confequence, Pleading delay till newes from England come, Twice fhould not Titan hide him in the wefr. To coole the fct-locks of his wearie teame. Till I had with an unrefifted fhocke Controld the mannage of prowd Anglers walls, Or made a forfet of my fame to chaunce. Confia-nce, May be that John in confcience or in feare To otter wrong where you impugne the ill. Will fend fuch calme conditions backe to Fraunce^ As il^all rebate the edge of fearefull warres ; It fo, forbearance is a deed well done. Arthur. Ah mother, pofTefiion of a crowne is much, And John as I have heard reported of, Fur OF KING JOHN, 233 For prefent vantage would adventure farre. The world can witncfte, in his brothers time. He tooke upon him rule, anil alnioil: raigne ; Then mull it follow as a doubtfull point, That hee'l refigne the rule unto his nephew. I rather thinke the menace of the world Sounds in his eares, as threats of no efteeme, And fooner would he fcorne Europa's^oY^'tv^ Than loofe the fmallelt title he enjoyes ; For queiHonlefle he is an KngliJJmia:r» ^ Whyaie the EngliJJj peerelefle in compare? Brave cavaliers as ere that ifland bred, Have liv'd and di'd, and dar'd, and done enough, Yet never grac'd their countrey for the caufe : Eng'a?id\^ Engla-fiJ, yeQ\d\ng good and bad, And Jolm oi England IS as other Johns. Trull me yong Arthur^ if thou like ray reed, Praife thou the French that helpe thee in this need, Lymoges. The E.nglijlvnan hath little caufe I trowe. To fpend good fpeaches on fo proud a foe. Why Anhur here's his fpoyle that now is gone. Who when he liv'd outrov'd his brother John: But hailie curres that lie fo long to catch. Come halting home, and mecte their over-match, 3ut newes come now, here's the embalfadour. Enter Chattilion, K. Philip, And in good time, welcome my lord Chattilion : What newes ? will John accord to our command ? Chattilion. Be I not briefe to tell your highnelTe all, He will approach to interrupt my tale : For one felfc bottome brought us both to France, He on his part will trie the chance of wane, And if his words inferre afliired truth, Will loofe himffrlfe, and all hia followers, Ere «j^ THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Ere yeeld unto the leaft of your demands. The mother queene ftiee taketh on amaine Gainll la Jy ConfiAnce^ counting her the caufe That doth effed this claime to Alhion^ Conjuring Arthur with a grandamcs care. To leave his mother; willing him lubmit His (late to John^ and her protection, Who (as fhee faith) are Itudious for his good. More circumliance the feafon intercepts : This is the fumme, whid) briefiy I have fliowne. a; Philip. This bitter winde mull nip fome-bodlcs fprlng: Sodaine and bricfe, who fo, Ms harveft whether. But {■^y Chattiliony what pei^fons of account are with him ? Qhnttilion, 0\ England y Earle Pr///5r<7^/('is. But that may breake before the truth be known. Bajiard. Then this may hold till all his right be fhowne, Lymcgcs. Good words ilr fauce, your betters are in place. Bnf[ard. Kot you iir doughtie, v/ith vour lyons cafe. Blanch. Ah joy betide his foule, to whom that fpoyle belongM ; Ah Richard^ how thy glory here is wrong'd. ILymogc^, TVIe thinks that Richards pride and RicharJs fall, Should be a prefident t'attVight you all. Baf.ard. What word? are thefe ? how do my fine'.vs fliake ? My fathers foe clad in my fathers fpoyle, A thoufand furies kindle with revenge. This heart that cholier keepcs a conlillorie, Scaring my inwards with a brand ot hate : How doch Akdlo whifper in mine eares ? Delay not Philips kill the villaine flraight, pifrobe him or the matchlelfe monument Thy fathers triumpli ore the lavages, Bale heardgroom, coward, pealant, worfe than a ihrelhlng flave, What mak'il thou with the trophic or a king ? Sham'il: thou not coyftrell, loathfome dunghill fwad. To grace thy carkalle with an ornament Too pretious for a monarkes coverture ? Scarce can 1 temper due obedience Vato the prefence of my foveraigne. From O F K I N G J O H N. ^37 From acting outrage on this trunke of hate : But arme thee traytor, wronger ot renowne. For by his Ibule I fvveare, my fathers foule, Twife will I not review the mornings rile. Till I have tome that trophie from thy backe> And fplit thy heart for wearing it fo long, Fhilip hath fworne, and if it be not done, Let not the world repute me Richards fonne. Lymoges, Nay foft fir baftard, hearts are not fpHt fo foonc. Let them rejoyce that at the end doe win : And take this lelTon at thy foe- mans hand, Fawne not thy life to get thy fathers Ikin, Blanch. Wei may the world fpeake of his knightly valor, That wins this hide to weare a l:^dies favour. Brfuvd, Fil may I thrive, and nothing brookc with me. If fhortly I prefent it not to thee. Lordings forbeare, for time is comming fafl. That deeds may trie what words can not determinCj And to the purpofc for the caufe you con-je. Me feemt'S you fet right in chaUnce of warre, Ycclding no other reafons for your claime, Bur fo and \o^ becaufe it fhall be fo. So wrong fnall l^e lubornd by truft of ilrength : A tyrants pra6tife to inveil himielfe, Where wcuke refiilance giveth wrong the way. To checke the which, in holy lawful! armes, I, in the right of Arthur^ Geffreys fonne. Am come before this city of Anglers, To barre all other falfe fuppofed claime, From whence, or howfoere the error fprings. And in his quarreil on my princely Wx)rj, He fight it out unto the lateit m.an. Know king ol France, I will not be commanded Ey any power or prince in Chx'ijtmd.nr.e, To yeeld an inftunce how 1 hold mine owne, 3 More 21% THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE ' More than to aiifweie, tliat mine owne is mine, But wilt thou lee me parley with the towne, And heare them offer me allegeance, Feultie and homage, as true liege men ought. K. Phiiip. Sammon them, I will not beleeve it till! fee it, And when I fee it, lie foone change it. VThcy J'ummon the toivne^ the citizens appeare upon the iMalk, K, John. You men of Jngiors^ and as I take it my loiall fubjeds, I have fummoned you to the walls : to difpute on my right, were to thiuke you doubtfull therein, which I am perfwaded you are nor. In few words, our brothers fonne, backt with the king of France^ have beleagred your towne upon a falfe pretended title to the fame; in det'ence wherof I your liege lord have brought our power to fence you from the ufurper, ro tree your intended lervitude, and utterly to fu pi>lant the foemen, to my right and your relK Say then, who keej^e- you the towne for? Citizen^ For our lawfull king. John. I was no lefle perfwaded : then in gods name open your gates, and let me enter. Citizen, And it pleafe your hig'hnes we comptroll not your title, neither -vlU wee raihly admit your entrance: if you be lawful! king, with all obedit-nce we keep it to your ufe, if not king, our ralhn-js to be impeached for yeelding, without more con- liderate triall : wee anfwere not as men lawlelle, but to the behoole of him that piooves lavvf.dl. John, I (hall not come in then ? Citizen. No my lord, till we know more. K, Philip. Then heare me fpeak in the behalfe of Arth:ir fon of Geffrey., elder brother to John, his title manifeil, with out con- tr;idittion, to the crownc and" kingdom of England., with Jngirrs, and divers townes on this fide the fea : wil you ac- 1 knowledge OF KING JOHN. ^sf knowledge him your liege lord, who fpeaketh in my word, to entertaine };oii with all favors, as befecmeth a king to his fiibjedls, or a fViend to his wehvillers : or fland to the peril of your contempt, when his title is proved by the fword. We anfwer as before, til you have proved one right, we acknowledge none right, he that tries himfelfe our roverai'^eld the towne. Arthur, A proper peace, it' fuch a motion hold ; Thefc kings beare armes for me, and for my right, And they fhall (hare my lands to make them friends. ^ EUanor. Sonne John, follow this motion, as thou loveft thy mother. Make league with PhlUp, yeeld to any thing : Le^.vis Hiall have my neecc, and then be lure Arthur (hall have fmall fuccour out of Fratice. John. Brother of France^ you heare the citizens : Then tell me, how you meane to deale herein. Con/iance. Why John, what canft thou give unto thy neece, Thou hail no foote of land but Arthurs right ? Bir lady citizens, I like your choyce, A lovely damfel is the lady Blanch, Worthy the heire of Europe for her pheere. Cofiftance, What kings, why ftand you gazing in a trance? Why how now lords ? accurfed citizens To fill and tickle their ambitious eares, With hope ofgaine, that fprings from Arthurs Xoi^Q, Some di fmall planet at thy birth-day raign'd, For now I fee the fall of all thy hopes. AT. Philip, Ladie, and duke o^ Brittaine, know you both, The king oi France refpefts his honor more. Than to betray his friends and favourers. PrincelTe of Spaincy could you atfeft my fonne, If we upon conditions could agree ? Bajiard. Svvounds madam, take an Engl-Jh gentleman ; Slave as I was, I thought to have moov'd the match. Grandame you made me halfe a promife once, That lady Blanch Ihould bring me wealth inougb, And make iiie heire of (lore of EngUfu land. 0^2 ^ Eliancr, ZH THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE ^ EUano7\ Peace Philips I will looke thee out a wife, We muft with policie compound this flrife, Bajlayd, l^ Le^Ms [TCt her, well, I fay no more: But let the fiOiicke Fretichman take no fcorne, If Philip front him with an EiigV-jh home. John. Ladie, what anfwer make you to the K. of Frafice ? Can you affect the Dolphin for }'our lord ? Blanch. I thanke the king that likes of /ne fo well, To make me bride unto fo great a prince : But give me leave my lord to paufe on this^ Leaft beeing too too forward in the caufe. It may be blemifh to my m.odeftie. ^ Elinor. Sonne John^ and worthy Philip K. oi France^ Do you confer a while about the dower, And I will fchoole my modcll ncece fo well. That fhe fliail yeeld as foone as you have done. Co7iftance. I, theres the v/retch that hrocheth all this il, Why flie I not upon the bedlams tace, And with my navies pull forth her hateful! eyes, Arthur, Sweet mother ceafe thefe haftie madding fits: For my fake, let my grandam have her will. would f-e with her hands pull forth my heart, 1 could afFoord it to appeafe thefe broyles. But (m.other) let us wifely winke at all, Leaft ti»rther harmes enfue our haftie fpeech. Philip. Brother of E-ngland^ what dowrie wilt thou give Unto my fonne in marriage with thy neece ? John. Firfl: Philip knowes her dowrie out oi Spaine^ To be fo great as may content a king : But move to mend and amplifie the fame, I give in money thirtie thoufand markes. For laad I leave it to thine cwne demand. ■ Philip, O F K I N G J O H N. 245 Philip, Then I demand Vohjucjfon, Torain^ Ma hi, Poitcrs and Jl/ijou, thele five provinces, Which thou as king ^i England hoX^ii m France: Then fhall our peace be foone concluded on. Baftard. No lefle then five fuch provinces at once? John. Mother what Hial I do? my brother got thefe lands With much etFufion of our Englijh bloud : And fliall I give it all away at once ? ^ Elinor. John give it him, fo (halt thou live in peace, And keepe the refidue fans jeopardie. John. Philip, bring foorth thy fonne, here is my neece, And here in marriage I do give with her From me and my fuccelfors EngUJJp kin^s, Folquejfon, Poiters^^ Anjou, T'orain, Main, And thirtie thoufand markes of flipend coyne. Now clttizens, how like you of this match? Citizens. We joy to fee fo fweete a peace begun. Lenxns, L(rMis with Blanch fliall ever live content. But now king John, what {iy you to the duke ? Father, fpcake as you may in his behalfe. Philip, K. John,^ be good unto thy nephew here, And give him fomewhat that fliall plcafe you bell. John. Arthur, althouf^h thou troublefl: Englands peace Yet here 1 give thee Brittaine for thine owne, Together with the earledome o^ Richmont, And this rich citie oi Anglers withali. ^ Etlanor, And if thou feeke to pleafe thine uncle John^ Shalt fee my fonne how I will make of thee. John, Now every thing is forted to this end, Lets in, and there prepare the marriage rites, Q.3 Which 2^fi THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Which in S. Maries chappell prefently Shall be performed ere this prefence part. \Kxeimt, [Maneni Conflance and Arthur, j^rihur, Mad^m good cheere, thefe drouping languiflimeEts Adde no redrelFe to falve our awkward haps, If heavens have concluded thefe events, To imall availe is bitter penfivenefle ; Seafons will change, and fo our prefent greefe May change with them, and all to our releefe. Cofz/iafice. Ah boy, thy yeares I fee are farre too greene To looks into the botrome of thefe cares. But i, who fee the poyfe that weigheth downe Thy weale, m) wi(h, and all the willing meanes Wherewith :hy fortune and thy fame (hould mount. What joy, what eafe, u'hat reft can lodge in me, With whom all hope and hap doe difagrewe to thee, and parvlon and forgivenefTe of finne to thofe or them whatfoever, which fhall carrie armes againi^ thee, or murder thee : this I pronounce, and charge all good men to abhorre thee as an excommunicate perfon. So fir, the more the foxe is cursM the better a farc> : if God blelTe me and my land, let the pope and his iliavclings curfe and fpaie not. Cardlnall. Furthermore, I charge thee PVilip K. of Frauncc, and all the kings and princes of Chrijlendome, to make warre upon this milcrcant : and whereas thou hail: made a league with him, and confirmed it by oarh, I doe in the name of our forefaid father the Pope, acquit thee of that oath, as uolaw- full, beeing made with an herctickc ; howe fai'il thou Philips do'ft thcu obey ? John. Brother ot J^rancc, what fay vou to the cardlnall ? Philip, I fay, I am fory for your majellie, re'iuefting you to fub- jr/it your felfe to :he church of Ihunc, John, O F K I N G J O H N. 251 John. And what fay you to our league, if I do not fubmlt ? Th'ilzp, What (liould I lay ? I mull; obey the pope. John. Obev the pope, and breakc your oath to God ? ^ P/.///>. The legate hath abfolved me of mine oath : Then yeeld to Romc^ or 1 defie thee here. John. Why Fhilipy I defie the pope and thee, Falfe as thou art, and perjurM king of France^ Unworthy man to be accounted king. Giv'fl thou thy fword into a prelates hands ? ^ Pandulpb, where I of abbots, monkes, and triers Have taken ibmewhat to maintaine my wars, Now will I take no more but all they have. He rouze the lazie lubbers from their eels. And in defplght He fend them to the pope. Mother coiT.e you with me, and for the reft That will not follow John in this attempt, Confufion light upon their damned foules. Come lords, fight for your K. that fighteth for your good. Philip. And are they gone ? PanMpb thy felfe (hah fee How France wilffight for Rome and RomijJj rites. Nobles to armes, let him not pafle the feas, Let's take him captive, and in triumph lead The K. o^ England to the gates oi Rome. Arthur bertirre thee man, and thou (halt fee What Philip K. of France will doe for thee. Blanch. And will your grace upon your wedding day l^orfake your bride, and follow dreadfull drums ? Nay, good my lord, flay you at liome with mc. Lewis. Sweet heart content thee, and wee Ihall agree. Philip. Follow my lords, lord Cardinall lead the way, Drums ihall be mullckc to this wedding d-iy. \^Exeunt, Excurjions. 252 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Excurjions, The Bafiard ^urfucs Auiiria, and kih hbu. Bafa.-d. Thus hath K. Richards fon performd his vowcs, An:l cffrcJ Auf.rias bi^oJ lor his iaciifice Unto his tarhers everlivjng foule. Brave CordAion^ now my heart doth fay, I have deferred, though not to be thine helrc, Yet as 1 am, thy bafe begotien fonne, A name as pleafinv/ to thy Philips heart, As to be cald the duke ot Normmidle. Lie there a prey to every rav'ning tovvie : And as my father trlumpht in thy fpoyle?, And trode thine enfignes underneath his ^*tttf So doe I tread upon thy curfed felfe, And leave thy body to the fovvles for food. [Ejclf, rExcurfions, Arthur, Conftance, Lewis, having taken ^ Elianor prifoner, Conjlance, Thus hath the god of kings with conquering arme Dlfpearfl the foes to true fuccellion, Proud, and difturber of thy countries peace, Co/iJIance doth live to tame thine infolence, And on thy head will now avenged be For all the mifchiefs hatched in thy braine. ^ Elinor, Contemptuous dame, un reverent dutches thou, To brave lb great a queene as Elianor, Bale fcold, hall: thou forgot, that 1 was wife And mother to three mightie EngliJJ} kings ? I charge thee then, and you forfooth fn- boy, To fet your grandmother at libertie, And yeeld to John your uncle and your king. Conjlance. 'Tis not thy words proud queene Ihall carry it. Elinor. Nor yet thy threates proud dame flial daunt my mind. Arthur, Sweete grandain, and good mother, leave thefe braules. 5 Elianor* O F K I N G J O H N. 253 Rllanor, ^ He fimle a lime to triumph in thy fall. ConficDice, My time is now to triumph in thy fall, And thou Ihalt know that Corjiancc will triumph. Arthur, Good mother, weigh it is queene Elinor, Though flie be captive, ufe her like her feife. Sweet' grandame, beare with what my mother fays, Your highnefle Hiall be ufed honourably. Knter a Mrje/'ger, Mcjfcnger, Le-rjis my lord, duke Arthur^ and the reft, To armes in haft, K. John relyes his men. And ginnes the fight afiefli : and fweares withall To loofe his life, or fet his mother free. Levels. Arthur away, 'tis time to looke about. Elinor, Why how now dame, what is your courage coold .^" Conjlance. No Elinor my courage gathers ftrength. And ho])es to leade both John and thee as flaves : And in that hope, I hale thee to the field. {Exeunt, \Excurfions. Elianor is re/cued hy John, and Ax\.\\\it is taken prlfoncr. Exeunt, Sound Fi^hiy, £/^/fr John, Elianor, and AnXmx pryhnsr^ Baftard, Pembrooke, Salifbury, and Hubert de Burgh. John. Thus right triumphs, and John triumphs in right: Arthur thou feeft, Fraunce cannot bolfter thee : Thy mothers pride hath brought thee to this fall. But if at laft nephew thou yeeld thy felte Into the gardance of ihine uncle John^ Thou ftiult be ufed as becomes a prince. Arthur* 2^4 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Arthttr. Uncle, my grandame taught her nephew this, Tobeare captivitie with patience. Might hath prevaild, not right, for I am king Of England^ thowgh thou weare the diademe. ^ Elinor. Sonne John^ {o^^yz fliall wee teach him to forget Thefe provvd prefuii ptions, and to know himfelfe. John. Mother, he never will forget his clainie, I would he livde not to remember it. But leaving this, we will to England novf^ And take fome order with our popelings there. That fwell with pride and fat of lay mens lands. Philips I make thee chiefe in this atFaire, Ranfacke the abbeis, cloyfters, priories. Convert their coine unto my fouldiers ufe : And whatfoere he be within my land, That goes to Rome for jufrice and for law, While he may have his right within the realme, Let him be judgde a traitor to the Hate, And fuffer as a.i enemy to England, Mother, wee leave you here beyond the feas. As regent of our provinces in France^ While we to England take a fpeedie courfe, And thanke our God that gave us vidorie. Hubert de Burgh take Arthur here to thee, Be he thy prifoner : Hubert keepe him b^k. For on his life doth hang thy fovcraignes crowne. But in his death conlifls thy foveraignes blilTe : Then Hubert, as thou fhortly hearlt from me, So ufe the prifoner I have given in charge. Hubert, Frolicke yong prince, thogh I your keeper be, Yet fl-iall your keeper live at your command. Arthur, As pleafe my God, fo fliall become of me. i^. Elianor. My fonne, to England, I will fee thee fliipt, And r.niy to God to fend thee lafe afhore. * ^ Bqftard, O F K I N G J O H N. 255 Bajiard, Now warres are done, I long to be at home, To dive Into the monks and abbots bagges. To make fome fport among the Imooth Ikind nunnes. And keepe fomerevell vvhh the fanzen friers, John. To England \ovd'=^ each looke unto your charge, And arme your felves againft the Roman pride. [Exfurd, Enter the King of France, Lewes his fonne, Cardinall Pandolpli Legate^ mid Conilance. Philip, What, every man attacht with this mifhap? Why frowne you fo, why droope ye lords of France f Me thinkes it differs from a warrelike minde, To lowre it for a checke or two of chaunce. Had Lymoges efcapt the ballards fpight, A little forrow might have fervde our Io{Ie. Brave Aujiria, heaven joyes to have thee there^ Cardinall, His foule k fafe aad free from purgatorie, Our holy father hath difpenft his finnes. The bleffed faints have heard our orifons. And all are mediators for his foule, And in the right of thefe moll holy warres. His holinefle free pardon doth pronounce To all that follow you gainll EngUJh heretikeSp Who Hand accurfed in our mother church. Enter Conflance alofif, Philip, To aggravate the meafure of our greefe. All male-content comes Conjiance for her fonue. Be breefe good madame, for your face imports A tragicke tale behiiid thats yet untold. Her paffions Hop the organ ot her voyce, Deepe forrow throbbeth mif-hetalne events. Out with it ladie, that our ad mav end A full cataftrophe of fad lament^.' CQ.nfian£ir, 256 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE CpnJIavcc. My tongue is nin'd to floiie forth miHiap: When did I brc.ith to tell a plealing tale ? Muit Confiance I'peake ? let teares prevent her talke : Mull I difcouire ? let Dido figh and fay, She weepei againe to hcare the vvracke of Troy: Tu'o words uill ferve, and then my tale is done : Elnors proud brat hath rob'd me of my fonne. Have patience madame, this is chance of warre: He may be ranfom'd, ue revenge his wrong. Co?i/rance, Be it ne'r fo foone, I il-iall not live fo long. Fhllip. Defpaire not yet, come ConJia?ice, go with me, Thefe clouds will fleet, the day will cleare againe. [Exeunt, CardinalL NowZr-ivV, thy fortune buds with happy fpring, Our holy lathers prayers effccleth this. A'-tbur is late, let JobrnXovvt. with him, Thy title next is fairll to England^ crowne : Now frirre thy father to begin with JoJm^ The Pope fays I, and fo is Albion thine. Thanks my lord legat for your good conceit, 'Tis bell we tollow now the game is faire. My father wants to worke him your good words. Cardhiall, A (tvi will ferve to forward him in thi?, Thofe fhall not want : but let's about it then. \_Exeunt, E?iter Philip leadbig a friar ^ charging hbn JIjcjo "-johere the Abbots gold lay, Philip. Come on you fat Franclfcafiy dallie no longer, but fliew me where the abbots treafure lies, or die. Frt'er. Beticdicamus Do-mlnl^ was ever fuch an injurie ? Sweet S, JVitholdoi thy leniiie, defend us from cxtremiiic, And O F K I N G J O H N. 257^ And heare us for S. Charitk, opprefTed with aufieritie. In no?nine domini^ make I my homily, Gentle gentllitie grieve not the clcargie. ^ Fhilip, Gray-gown'd good fltce, conjure ye, Nere truft me for a groat If this wad girdle hang thee not That girdeth in thy coat. Now bald and barefoot Biivgk birds, When up the gallowes climing, Sav FhiVp he had words enough, • To put you downewith riming. Frier. O pardon, O parce, S. Francis for mercie, ^ Shall Ihield thee from night-fpels, and dreaming of divels. If thou wilt forgive me, and never more grieve me. With fading and praying, and Kaile Marie faying. From blacke purgatorie, a penance right fory : Frier Thomas will warme you. It (hall never harme you. Philip, Come leave off your rabble, Sir, hang up this lozell, 2 Frier. For charitie I beg his life, Saint Francis chitell frier. The beft in all our coventii*.. To keepe a vintners liiw. O drangle not the good old mau. My hoiteiTe oldell gueff, And I will bring you by and by Unto the priors chclt. Philip, I, faift thou ^Oy and if tliou wilt the frier is at liberty, If not, as I am honeft man, I hang you both for company. Frier, Come hither, this is the cheft, thogh fimple to behold. That wanteth not a thojfand pound in lilver and in gold. My felf wil warrnnt ful io much, I know the abbots ftore, He pawn my life there is no lefle, to have what ere is more. 558 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Philip. I take thy word, the overplus unto thy (hare fhal come. But if there want of full fo much, thy necke fhall pay the fumme. Breake up the coffer, frier. Frier, Oh I am undone, faire Alice the nunne Hath tooke up her reft in the abbots cheft. ^anJle henedicite, pardon my fimplicitie. Fie Alice, confelfion will not fahe this tranfgreflion. PJ/rip. What have we here, a holy nunne ? fo keepe me God in health, A fmooth facde nunne (for aught I know^ is al the abbots wealth. Is this the nunries challitie ? Eefluew me but I thinke They go as oft to venery as niggards to their drinke. Why paltry frier and pandar too, yee fnamekfle Ihaveii crovvaC, ^Is this the cheft that held a hooid, at leait a thoufand pound ? And is the hoord a holy whore ? well, be the hangman nimble, Hee'i take the paine to pay you home, and teach you to dillemble. Nunne* O fpare the frier Anthony^ a better never was To fmg a dirige folemnely, or reade a morning mafle. If money be the meanes of this, I know an ancient nunne, That hath a hoord theie feven yeeres, did never fee the funne ; And that is yours, and what is ours, fo favour now be fhowne. You ihill commaund as commonly, as if it were your owne. Frier,- Your honour excepted, 'Nuwit* O F K I N G J O H N. 2^g Numie, 1 77jomas, I meane fo. From all fave from friers. Good fir, doe not thinke fo. I thinke and fee fo : Why ho'.v camft thou here ? Frier, To hide her from lay men. Tis true lir, for feare. P/mI//>. For feare of the laitie : a pitiful dred When a nunne flies for fuccour to a fat friers bed. But now for your ranfome my cloyiler-bred conney, To the cbeft that you fpoke of where lies fo much mony, Faire fir, within this preiTe, of plate and mony is The valew of a thoufand marks, and other thing by gis. Let us alone, and take it all, tis yours lir, now you know it. Come on fir frier, picke the locke, this gere doth cotton hanfome, That covetoufnefTe fo cunningly muil pay the lechers ranfome. What is in the hoord ? Frier. Frier Laurence my lord, now holy water heipe us, Some witch or Ibme divell is fent to delude us : Hand credo Laurentius^ that thou Ihouldft be pend thus In the prefle of a nunne ue are all undone, And brought to dilcredence if thou be frier Laurence^ Frier, Amor vine it omnia ^ fo Cato affiimeth, And therefore a frier whofe fancie foon burnetii, Becaule he is mortall and made of mould, He omits what he ought, and doth more than he (hould. R 2 PhiUp, 26o THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Pbilif. How goes this geeic ? tlie rriers cheil fiUd with a faufea nunne. The nunne again lockes frier up, to keepe him from the funne. Belike the prelfe is purgaioiie, or penance paffini^ grievous : The friers cheit a hell \o\- nunnes ! ho-vv- doe thefe dolrs deceive us r* Is this the labour of their lives, to feede and live at eafe? To revell fo lafcivioufly as often as they pleafe ? I!e mend the fault or fault vay aime, if 1 doe miiie amending, Tis better burne the cloyfters doxvne, than leave them ror offending. But holy you, to you I fpeake, to you religious diveli, Is this the prefle that holds the fumme, to quit you for your evill ? I cntpcccazu, pares mcy good fir I was beguii'd. Frier, Abfolve fir for charitle, iliee would bee reconcii'd. Philip, And fo I fhallj firs bind them fait. This is their abfolution, goe hang them up for hurting them, Haile them to execution. Fr* Laurence, O tempiis edo.x rerum^ Gii'e children bookes they tearethem. O I'anitas vatiitalis^ in this waning at a* is. At threefcore wel neere, to goe to this geere, To my confcience a clog, to die like a dog. ExauJi me do/nine, Ji i>is me parce Daho pecuuLa?n^ Ji haheo veniam. To goe and tetch it, I will difpatch it, A hundred pound Herling, for my lives fpariug. Enier O F K I N G J O H N. 261 Enter Peter a prophet^ with people. Peter. Hoe, who is here ? S. Fronds be your fpeed, Come in my flocke, and follow me, your tortunes I u'i!! re-^d. Come hither boy, goe get thee home, and clime not over hie, For Irom aloft thy fortune flands, In hazard thou (halt die. God be with you Pcter^ I pray you come to our houfe a Sunday. Feter. My boy fhew me thy hand, blefTe thee my boy, For in thy palme I fee a many troubles are ybent to dvvel, But thou fhalt fcape them all, and doe full well. Boy, I thanke you Peter ^ theres a cheefe for your labor : my filler prayes yee to come home, and teh her how many huibands fhc Ihali have, and fhee'l give you a rib of bacon. Peter. My mailers, flay at the townes end for me. lie come to you allanone: I mull dilpatch fome bufines with a frier, and then lie reade your fortunes. Philip, How now, a prophet ! fir prophet whence are ye ? Peter. I am of the world and in the world, but live not as others, by the world : what I am I know, and what thou wilt be I know. If thou knoweft me now, be anfwcred: if not, en- quire no more what 1 am. Philip. Sir, I know you will be a diiTembllng knave, that deludes the people with blinde prophecies : you are hee 1 look ror, )rou Ihal away with me : bring away all the ruble, and yon frier Laurence^ remember your'raunfome a hundred pound, and a pardon for your felfe, and the rell j come on iir propher, you (hall with me, to receive a prophets rewarde, \^E^eunt, R 3 ^ntw -62 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Knttr Hubert de Bargh i^ith three nwi, Hubert, My mafters, I have fhewed you what warrant I have for this attempt; I perceive by your heavy countenaiices, you had rather be otherwife impluyed, and for my owne part, I would the king had made choice of fome other executioner : only this is my comfort, that a king commaunds, whofe precepts neglected or omitted, threatneth torture for the default : therefore in briefe, leave me, and be ready to attend the ad- venture : ft ly witliin that entry, and when you heare me crie, God fave the king, iflue fodainely forth, lay hands on Arthur^ fet him in his chaire, wherein (once tall bound) leave him with me to finilh the reft. Aitefidants, We gee, though loath. \^Exeunt, Hubert, My lord, will it pleafe your honor to take the benefit of the faire evening ? Enter Arthur to Hubert de Burgh, Arthur, Gramercie Huhert for thy care of me. In or to whom reftraint is newly knowne, The joy of walking is fmall benefit, • Yet will I takcchy otfer with fmall thanks, I would not loo:e the ple:ifure of the eie. But tell me rurteous keeper if thou can, How long the king will have me tarrie heere. Hubert. I I know not prince, but a§ 1 geile, not long. God fend you freedome, and God fave the kir.g. \7hty ijfue forth, Arthur, Why how now ftrs, what may this outrage meane ? O helpe me Hubert, gentle keeper help : God fend this fodaine mutinous approach * Tend not to reave a wretched guiltlefo life. s .i Hubert, OF KING JOHN. 26^ Huhert. So firs, depart, and leave the reft for me. Arthur. Then Arthur yeeld, death frownerh in thy face. What meaneth this ? good Hubert plcadc the cafe. Hubert. Patience yong lord, and lillcn words of woe, Harmefull and harfh, hells horror ro be heard: A difmall tale fit for a furies tongue. I faint to tell, deepe forrovv is the found. Arthur. What, mufti die? Hubert. No newes of death, but tidings of more hate, A wrath full doome, and moft unluckie fate : Deaths dilh were daintie at fo fell a feaft, Be deafe, heare not, its hell to tell the reft, Arthur. Alas, thou wrongft my youth with words of feare, Tis hell, tis horror, not f .r one to heare : What is it man if it muft needed be done, Aitl it, and end it, that the paine were gone. Hubert. I will not chaunt fuch dolour with my tongue, Yet muft I a<51 the outrage with my hand. My heart, my head, ajid all my powers befide, To aide the office have at once denlde, Perufc this letter, lines of trebble woe, •* Reade ore my charge, and pardon when you know. Hubert^ thefe are to commaund thee, as thou tendreft our quiet in minde, and theeftate of our perfon, that pre* fently upon the receipt of our commaund, thou put out the eies oi Arthur Plantagimt, Arthur. Ah monftrous damned man ! his very breath infers the elements. Contagious venome dwelleth in his heart, Efiecling mcar.cs to poyfon all the world, ^ 4 Uarevcrent 264. THE TROUBLES;OME RAIGNE Unreverent may I be to blame the heavens Of great injuftice, that the mifcreant Lives to opprelTe the innocents with wrong. Ah Riihertl makes he thee his inftrument, To found the tiump that cuufeth liell triumph? Heaven weepes, the faints do fhed celediall teares. They feare thy fall, and cite thee with remorfe, They knocke thy confcience, moving pitie there, VViUing to fence thee from the rage of hell ; Hell, Hubert, truft me all the plagues of hell Hangs on performance of this damned deed. This fexle, the warrant of the bodies bHlie, Enfureth fatan chieftaine of thy foule : Subfcribe not Hubert, give not Gods part away, I fpeake not only for eies priviledge, The chiefe exterior that I would enjoy : But for thy perill, farre beyond my paine, Thy fweete foules loiTe, more than my eies vaine lacke; A caufe internall, and eternall too. Advife thee Hubert, for the cafe is hard, To loofe falvation for a kings reward. Hubert. My lord, a fubje^fl dwelling in the land Is tied to execute the kings commaund. Arthur, Yet God commaunds whofe power reacheth further, That no command fhould ftand in force to murther. Hubert. But that fame eifence hath ordaind a law, A death for guilt, to keepe the world in awe. Arthur. I pleade, not guilty, treafonlefie and free, Hubert, But that appeale, my lord, concernes not me. Arthur, Why thou art he that maift omit the perill. Hubert. I, if my foveraigne would omit his quarrell, j^rtb7ir. His quarrell is unhallov/ed falfe and wrong. Hubert, O F K I N G J O H N. a6^ Hubert. Then be the blame to whom it doth belong, Aribur. Why tliats to thee If thou as they proceede, Conclude their judgement with {i^ vile a deede. Huhert. Why then no execution can be lawfull. If judges doomes mull: be reputed doubtful!. yirthur. Yes where in forme of law in place and time, The oftender is convided of the crime. Hubert, Mv lord, my lord, this long expoflulatlon, Heapes up more griefe, than promife of redreflfe ; For this 1 know, and fo refolvde I end, That fubjecls lives on kings commands depend. I mulT: not reafon why he is your foe, But do his charge lince he commaunds it fo, Arthur. Then do thy charge, and charged be thy foule With wrongfLill perfecution done this day. You rowling eyes, whofe fuperticies yet I doe behold wi:h eies that nature lent : Send foorth the terror of your moovers frowie, To wreake my wrong upon the murtherers That rob me of your taire refle(5f;ng view : Let hell to them (as earth they wi(h to me) Be darke and direfuU guerdon for their guilt. And let the blacke tormenrers of deepe Tartary Upbraide them with this daained entcrprife, Intiiftin^^ change of tortures on their foules. Delay not Hubert^ my orilbns are ended. Begin I pray thee, reave me of my fight: But to pertornie a tragedie indeede. Conclude the period with a mortall Hab. Conjiance farewell, torn:ienter come away, Make my difpatch the tyrants fealHng day. Hubert, I faint, I feare, my confcience bids defitl : Faint die} I f-y .^ feare was it that I naTicd : 266 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE My king commaunds, that warrant fets me fiee : But God forbids, and he conimaundeth kings, That great commaunder countercheckes my charge. He flayes my hand, he raaketh foft my heart. Goe ciirfed too^es, your office is exempt, Cheere thee yong lord, thou Ihalt not Icofe an eie, Though I fhould pvirchafe it with lolTe of life. lie to the king, and fay his will is done, And of the langor tell him thou art dead, Goe in with me, for Hubert was not borne To bhnde thofe lampes that nature pollilht fo. Arthur, Hubert^ if ever Arthur be in Hate, Looke for amends of this received gift, I took my eieiight by the curtefie, Thou lentlf them me, I will not be ingrate. But now procrallination may oiFend The ilTue that thy kindnefie undertakes : Depart we, Hubert^ to prevent the worll. {Exeunt. Enter K. John, EfTex, Salifbury, Penbrooke. John. Now warlike followers, refteth aught undone That may impeach us of fond oyerfigbt ? The Freiich have felt the temper of our fwords, t ";jld terror keepes polTeffion in their foules, Checking their overdaring arrogance For buckling with fo great an overmatch. The arch prowd titled prieft of Italy^ That calls himfelfe grand vicar under God, Is bufied now with trentall obfequies, TualTe and months mind, dirge and I know not what, To eafe their foules in painetull purgatorie. That have -mi fear ried in thefc bloody warres. Heard y.-u not, lords, \vhen firtl his holinefl'e Had lidings ot our fmall account of him. How with a taunt vaunting upon his toes. He urgde a rtcufon why the Englljh afie Difdaind the bielfed ordinance ai Ramc? 1 The O F K I N G J O H N. 367 The title (reverently might I inferre) Became the kings that earft have borne the load, The llavilh weight ot that controlling prieil : Who at his pleai'ure temperd them like vvaxe To Carrie armes on danger of his curie, Banding their foules with warrants ot his hand. I grieve to thinke how kings in ages pali (Simply devoted to the fee of Rome) Have run into a thouf-nd acts of (hame. But now for conlirma.ion of our fuite, Sith we have proind the more than need full braunch That did oppreife the true well-growing ftucke, It reileth we throughout our teriiiories Be reproclaimed and inverted king. Pemhrookt:. My liege, that were to bufic men with doubts, Once were you crownd, prodaimd, and with applaufc Your citie Itreets have ecchocd to the eare, God fave the king, God fave our foveraigne John^ pardon my feare, my cenfure doth inferre Your highnefi'e not depoide trom regall ftate. Would breed a mutinie in peoples mindes, What it fliould meane to have you crownd agaiue. John, Pemhrooke, performe what I have bid thee do, Thou knowiT: not wha: induceth me to this. Ejjtx goe in, and lordings all be gone About this tafKe, I will be crownd anone. Eriter the Bajlard, Philip what newes, how i^o the abbots cherts ? Are triers tatter than the nunnes are faire? What cheere with church-men, had they gold or no ? Tell me, how hath thy oihce to(jk'etfect ? ^ Philip. -My lord, I have performd your highnes char'^e : The eafe-bred abbots, and the bare-foote trier., The monks, the priors, and holy cioylfred nu jnes, , Are ail in health, and were my lord in wealth Till 2bS THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Till I had tithde and tolde their holy hoords. 1 doubt not ^vhen your highnefie fees my priie, You may proportion all their fos mer pride. Why fo, now forts it P/jiIi/> as it fhculd : This fmall intrufion into abbey trunkes. Will make the popelings excommunicate, Curfe, ban, and breathe out damned orifons. As thicke as haile-ftones fore the fprings approach : But yet as harmelelTe and without etfedt, As is the ecchc of a cannons cracke Difchargde againft the battlemer.ts of heaven. But what newes elfe befell there Fl-ili/) ? Bqftard, Strange newes my lord : within your territories Keere Fo?nfref is a prophet new fprung up, "V\ bofe divination volleis wonders loorth : To him the commons throng with countrey gifts. He fets a date unto the beldames death, Prefcribes how long the virgins ilate fhall laft, Dii'iinguiOieth the mooving of the heavens. Gives limits unto holy nuptiali rites, Foretelleth famine, abo undeth plentie forth : Or fa^e, of fortune, life and death he chats, \\n\\ fuch affurance, fcruples put apart. As it he knew thecevtaine doomes of heavep. Or kept a regiUcr of all the deftinies. John, Thou telll me marvels, would thou hadft brought the man, We might have queinond him of things to come. My lord, I to^>ke a care or nad-I-wilf, And brought the prophet wi.h me to the court, He ftai.es my lord but at tiie prefeuce doove ; Pleafeth your highnelle, 1 will call him in. Nay ftay awhile, wee'l have him hereanone, A thing of weight is fird to be pertoimd. E;,fir OFKINGJOHN, 269 Enter t}j£ nohks auJx, We crave my lord, to pleafe the coirfrnons with The liberrie of lady Conjiancc fonne : Whole durance darkeneth your highnefie right, As if yon kept him prisoner, to the end Your felfe were doubtfall of the thinj^ you have. Difmille him thence, your highnelib needs not feare. Twice by conient you are prodaini'd our king. Fembrooke, This if you gvanf*, were all unto your good : For fimple people ra-ufe you keepe him clofe. John. Your words have fearcht the center of my rhoghrs. Confirming warrant of your loyalties, Difmiffe your counfell, fway my ilate, Let John due nothing, but by your confents. Why how now Philip, what extafie is this ? W^hy caiis thou up thy eyes to heaven fo ? [There the jiv: moones appeare, Bajiard, See, fee my lord, {Irange apparitions, Glancing mine eie to fee the diadem Plac'dby the biiliops on your highnelTe head, _ From forth a gloomie cloud, which curtaine-likc Difplaid it feffe, I fuddainely efpied Five moones relkdting, as you fee them now : Even in the moment that the cro^vne was plac'd Gan they appeare, holding the courfe you fee. John, What might p)rtenQ thefe apparitions, Unufuall fignes, forerunners of event, Prefao^ers of flrange terrors to the world : Beleeve me lords, the object feares me much. Philip thou toldll me of a wizard but of late. Fetch in the man to deicant c.f this fhow. Pc?rJjrooke. The heavens frowne upon the fmfuU earth, When with prodigious unaccurto'n'd fignes They fpot their fuperficies with fuch wonder. EJfex. O F K I N G J O H N. 2^t Ejfex. Before the rulnes of Jeyujalem, Such meteors were the enfignes of his wrath, That hafl'ned to deilroy the fauhfull towne. Enter the Baflard vjith the prophet* Is this the man ? BaJIard. * It is my lord, John, Prophet oi Pomfret, forfo I heare thou art. That calculai:*fl of many things to come : Who by a power repleat with heavenly gift, Caaft blab the counfell of thy makers will. If fame be true, or truth be wrong'd by thee. Decide in cyphering, what thele five moones Portend this clime, if they prefage at ail. Breath out thy gift, and if I live to fee Thy divination take a true effect, He honour thee above all earthly men. Peter. The ikie wherein thefe moones have relldencc, Prefenteth Rome the great metropolis. Where fits the Pope in all his holy pompe. Foure of the moones prefent foure provinces. To wit Spahie, Dcirmarke^ Gerftiaine^ and France ^ That beare the yoke of proud commanding Rome^ And ftand in feare to tempt the prelates curfe. The fmallell moone that whirles about the rell, Impatient of the place he holds with them. Doth figure forth this ifland Albion^ Who gins to fcorne the fee and feat of Rome^ And feeks to fhunne the edids of the pope : This fhowes the heaven, and this I doe averre Is figured in the apparitions. Why then it feemes the heavens fmile on us, Giving applaufe for leaving of the pope. But 27i THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE But for they chance in our meridian. Doe they effecl no private growing ill To be infiifted on us in this clime ? Pe.'er. The mooncs effe^St no more than what I faid : But on fome other know-edge that I have By my prefcience, ere aicenlion day Have brought the funne unto his nfuall height, Ot crowne, eltate, and royall dignity, Thou Ihak be cleane diipovi'd and difpofTeft. Falfe dreamer, perifh with thy witched newcs, Villaine thou woiindil me with thy fallacies : If it be true, die for thy tidings price; If falfe, for fearing me with vain fuppofe : Hence with the witch, hels damned lecretarie, Locke him up fare : for by my faith I fweare, True or not true, the wizard (hall not live. Before afcenlion day : who fhould be caufe hereof? Cut off the caufe, and then the etfecl will die. Tut, tut, my mercie ferves to maime my feUe, The roote doth live, from whence thefe thornes fpring up, I and my promife pall tor his deliv'rie : Frowne friends, faile faith, the divell goe withall, The brat fliaii die, that terrifies me thus. .I^fmhrooke2ii\<\ EJpx, I recall my graunt, I will not buy your favours with my feare : Nay murmure not. my will is lawe enough, I love you well, but if I lov'd you better, I would not buy ic with my difcontent. Enter Hubert, How now, what newes with thee ? According to your highnelle firicf command, Young Arthurs eies are blinded and extinct. John, Why fo, then he may feele the crown, but never fee it. Hubert. OF KING J a II N. 273 Hubert. Nor kt nor kc\t, for of ihe extream palne, Within one hourc gave he up the ghoft. John, What is he dead ? Hubcru He is my lord. John, Then with him dies my cares. Ejjcx. Now joy betide thy foule. Pemhrsoke, And heavens revenge thy death. EJTcx. What have you done my lord ? was ever heard A deed of more inhumane confequence ? Y(iur foes will curfe, your friends will crie revenge. Unkindly rage, more rough than northern wind, To clip the beautie of fo fweete a flower. What hope in us for mercie on a fault, When kinfman dies without impeach of cauie, As you have done, fo come to cheere you with, The guilt fhall never be call in my teeth. [Exeunt, John, And are you gone ? the divell be your guide : -Proud rebels as ye are, to brave me fo; Saucie, uncivilly checkers of my will. Your tongues give edge unto the fairall knife, That fliall have palfage through your tray t'ro us throats. But hufht, breath not bugs words too foone abroad, Left time prevent the ilfuc of thy reach. Arthur is dead, I there the corzie growes : But while he livM, the danger was the more ; His death hath freed me from a thoufand feares, But it hath purchaft me ten times ten thoufand foes. Why all is one, fuch lucke fliall haunt his game, To whom the divell owes an open fiiame: His life a foe that leveld at my crowne, His death a frame to pull my buiKling downe. My thoughts harpt liiil on quiet bv liis end, S ' Who 274 THE TROUBLESOME RAIGNE Who living aimed fhrewdly at my roome : But to prevent that plea, twice was I crown'd, Twice did my fubjeds lueare me I'ealtie, And in my confcience lov'd me as their liege. In whofe defence they would have pawn'd iheir lives. But now they {hun me as a lerpents Iting, A tragyke tyrant, Heme and pitilefle, And not a title toUowes after Johyiy But butcher, blood- fucker, and nunthcrer. What planet govern'd my nativitie, To bode me foveraigne types of high eftatc, So interlac'd with hellifh difcontent, Wherein fell furie hath no intereft? Curll be the crowne, chiefe author of my care, Nay curil my will, that made the crowne my c;;re : Cu'rfl be my'birth-day, curd ten times the wombe That yeelded me alive into the world. Art thou there viliaine, furies haunt thee ftill, For killing him whom all the world lamenti^. Huhrt. Why here's my lord your highncs hand and feale, Charging on lives regard to do the deed. John. Ah dull concelpted pefant, knowft thou not It was a damned execrable deed ? Shew ft me a feale ? oh viliaine, both our foules Have folde their freedome to the thrall of hell Under the warrant of that curled feale. Hence viliaine, hang thyfelfe, and fay in hell That I am comming for a kingdome there. My lord, attend the happy tale I tell, For heavtins health fend Sathan packing hence That inftigates your highnelle to dcfpaire. \i Arthurs death be difmall to be heard, Bandie the newes for rumors ot untruth : He lives my lord, the fweeteil youth alive. In health, with eie fight, not a haire amilfc. This heart took vigor from this forward hand, Making it weake to execute your chvirgc. ohfu O F K I N G J O H N. 27; John, What, lives he ! then fwectehope come home agen. Chafe hence defpaire, the purveyor for hell. Hye Hubert tell thefe tidings to my lords That throb in paliions for yong Arthurs death : Hence Huhcrt^ ftay not till thou haft reveald The vvifhed ncwes of Arthurs happy health. I goe my felfe, the joyfullft man alive To ftorie out this new fuppofed crime. {Exeunt* The End of the First Part, THE ry^^ ■It. ', < s