The Floating Island, Play

The Floating Island · Play

The Floating Iſland.

ACTVS I.

SCENA. I.

The Scene turns to the Court of Prudentius.

Enter from ſeveral wayes Sr. Amorous, and Morphe.

AM.

Well met ſweet Morphe,

Empreſſe of my heart,

And all hearts elſe, if made of fleſh like mine.

You muſt not paſſe untouch'd.

Mor.

What mean you Sir?

Am.

To print you Mine;

Mor.

Hands off Sir Amorous.

Am.

Why ſhould ſuch coyneſſe wrinkle ſuch a Brow?

Mor.

Why ſhould ſuch boyſtrous incivility

Defile your Courtſhip? All your courtly Arts

Of Singing, Playing, Dancing, Poetry,

Will grow ſuſpected pleaders of meer Luſt:

Forbeare for my ſake: this rude force in you

May chance to blot a white repute in me.

Am.

The blot Ile thus rub out.

(Offers to kiſſe.

Mor.

Ile waſh it thus.

(Spits.

Am.

How can the eye, that ſees not love the light?

Blame your own beauty if you blame my Love.

Mor.

I blame th' Expreſſion.

Am.

If the thing be good,

Expreſſion makes it better.

Mor.

Yes, if chaſt,

Am.

Chaſt Love is nothing.

Mor.

Nothing to th' unchaſt.

Forbeare I pray, and feare a neere example.

Do you not know the King hath taught the Paſſions

Within this Floating Iſle more modeſty,

By baniſhing your child Concupiſcence?

Am.

Others perhaps ſhall quickly know I know it,

And that I know it as rough tyranny.

What for a trick of youth ſuch Diſcipline?

Doth breeding Subjects call for Baniſhment?

Or giving life deſerve a civil Death?

Hold; ſtand; in vain you ſtrive; I am reſolv'd;

Should now the King look on, and call a Kiſſe

Treaſon, ſhould poyſon puniſh this ſwet touch,

Thus far I durſt preſume.

Mor.

Shame on your rudeneſs.

(Ex. Mor.

Am.

Are not our Eyes and Lipps and touch our own,

Not to be uſ'd without a ſpecial warrant?

At length we ſhall not ſatisfie meere Nature,

Nor ſpit without a Counſel. If my Girle

Pertake my ſpirit, then like me ſhe'l try,

What fury Love can in the Paſſions raiſe,

To ſhake this Stoick from his chaire of Rule.

Ile move my Fellows.

SCENA II.

Enter to him Irato, Malevolo, Audax.

Ir.

How? not fight this Duel?

Duel forbidden to the Valiant?

Am.

Some other cauſe, it ſeemes, moves theſe already.

(aſide)

Mal.

Be ſure, Irato, by Prudentius law

Perſonal Valour now is nothing worth.

Hope with his Pen, Sr. Timerous with his knife,

Or Deſperato's man with ſingle Halter

May paſſe in equal ranke with you, or me,

Or Captain Audax.

Au.

Not with me, I tro.

Mal.

Yes, if this Law ſhould ſtand.

Am.

Not ſo however.

Mal.

Not if?

Au.

If to a generous Paſſion?

Am.

I ſee theſe ſparkes are glowing. Noble Sparkes,

Let Amorous adde fire. Love burnes with Hate.

Thy Hand Malevolo, and 'gainſt the King.

Ir.

Why what's your grief?

Am.

My Daughters Baniſhment.

Mal.

Great cauſe: yet none need preſs a ſingle grief:

We finde our ſelves all pinch'd of liberty:

We walk in chaines, call'd Juſtice, Temperance,

Such ruſty curbs; and none can further ſtart

Then the ſtrict keeper will allow us length.

Ir.

Tis ſo; we're us'd like Dogs, or ring'd like Beares;

Whither Prudentius leades us we muſt follow:

But if we take a looſe, or ſwell and roar,

We muſt be whip'd for't; Sirs, Prudentius whips us.

Am.

Can this be brook'd by them that draw the Sword?

Ir.

And amongſt them, by one that will exact

Life for a word, pay death for crabbed lookes?

Au.

And amongſt them, by one that ſcales the wall,

That ſwims in Armour, flies againſt the mouth

Of thundring Ordinance? muſt alſo He,

Muſt He be ordered by a ſit ſtill thus?

Mal.

So he hath been. For my part, if I broach

Some biting Libel, venemous word or Book

Againſt ſome proſprous Object which I hate,

My Eares are queſtioned. Locks which I have ſcorn'd

Muſt hide my Eare ſtumps.

Ir.

And me thinkes I ſpy ſome want upon your Noſe.

Mal.

Is your ſpleene up?

Rage for your ſelfe. You alſo may remember

Brave Lord Irato when you hardly kept

Your Neck. Some fellow Peers, for as few blowes,

Have loſt it quite.

Ir.

My Veynes will burſt.

Mal.

And Captaines

Not to be numbred; All as bold and ſtout

As Audax here, for undertaking reskues,

And following them too far in open ſtreetes,

Have been caſheered of Lberty and Life.

Au.

But ſhall not be again. Ile hang the Law.

Mal.

Then as for you, Sr. Amorous, you may talk

Not onelyonly of your Daughters Baniſhment,

But of your Siſters whip'd, your carred Aunts,

And Mulcts upon your ſelfe.

Am.

The truth to tell,

My hard reſtraint is worſt of all. I live (If it be life) confin'd to mine own Bed: Prudentius bridles up my mouth from kiſſing,

Yea and from ſpeech, and calls that ſtinting manners.

I cannot caſt a faire inviting look,

But he pulls back the Nerve. I ſcarce dare think,

Or ſigh beyond my ſtint. One Sigh a day

Is all that I muſt ſpend for her that keepes

And may command my breath. Prudentius

Locks up my winde like Aeolus; 'tis calm'd,

And may not iſſue forth to bear a whiſper.

Ir.

Mend your Compariſon. Prudentius

Like Aeolus? No, Aeolus ſometimes

Permitts a Tempeſt: does Prudentius ſo?

Au.

The Paſſions cannot ſtretch beyond his line,

But they are cenſured, Perturbations call'd,

Breakers of Peace; if calm'd, they nothing are:

We loſe both Name and Nature by reſtraint.

Ir.

For what's a Lord I ask you but his Anger?

Mal.

Or what's a great man but oppreſſion?

Au.

A Captain but his Cutting?

Am.

And a Knight

What but his Pleaſure? O this froſt of Reaſon

Hath numd my Joynts. I that with ſprightly vigour

Dancing to pleaſe my Miſtreſs, could have roſe

To fetch her from the Moon (had ſhe been there)

Or as ſhe ſtood ſalute her, now have loſt

Thoſe active legs, and not by doing ſervice

To any Creature but Prudentius.

I live a Hermite in the Court; to me

It ſeemes a Colledg or a Nunnery.

Ir.

To me a Priſon.

Au.

A meer Schoole to me.

Mal.

To me an Inquiſition: worſe: a Hell.

Where Objects ſtill we meet, and may not reach.

You Amorous like Tantalus behold

Two red white Apples in a well made face,

Which you as ſoon may touch as reach the Sun;

Which doth but ſcorch the gazer.

Am.

Ile to Hell:

Tis leſſe to ſterve for Apples then for Cheekes.

Mal.

You being ſtir'd Irato thirſt for blood,

And thirſt you may, but not be ſatisfied:

You muſt take blowes and beare'em; your Reward

(O poor!) is to orecome by ſuffering;

As now I kick you; ſtand: you muſt not rage,

For this is Patience; now I pull your Noſe;

You muſt not fume, leaſt you impatient prove.

Ir.

Let me kill thee, or ſerve Prudentius ſtill.

Mal.

you muſt keep Peace. I ſpeak but as a Friend;

And onelyonly tell what you have told your ſelfe.

You Audax, like Ixion, though you dare

To ſet on Heaven, muſt wheele about your ſelfe

When Reaſon bids you.

Au.

Audax will run on

Though thunder meet him.

Mal.

Yes; but I my ſelfe

Like Titius vainly feed the Vultur Hate

With mine own heart, and wreck it not on others,

Thoſe Favourits which I hate. Shall this be ever?

Ir.

How long ſhall I like to a painted George

Advance my idle Sword? What muſt I ſtrike

Like Iack o'th clock-houſe, never but in ſeaſon?

Mal.

How long ſhall I like a grim Statue ſtand,

Look hatred and uſe none? Prudentius

Hath he Meduſa's head?

Am.

Hey ho, how long!

Au.

How long ſhall I like a fell Maſtiff held,

Yelp for the glorious danger that I love!

Water it ſelfe if bounded in too ſtreight,

Will foame and ſwell and breake thick bonds of Rock.

I wiſh we Paſſions were as ſtrong as water.

SCENA. III.

Enter to them Hilario Singing, Dancing and Paſſing by.

My limbs I will fling

Out of joynt, and ſing,

And dancing will ſhake my hair:

Not how at each beck,

Nor break my neck

With ſorrow and deep deſpaire.

Such a chirpiu din,

with mirth within,

And a head not needing a cloute,

Is much better far

Than a careful chaire,

And a wreath of thornes without.

(Exitarus.

Am.

The Boy may be our Tutor. Hilario my Boy!

Hil.

Sir.

Am.

We were taking care how thou may'ſt be merry thus alwaies; never be check'd for drinking, for ſinging, or for playing thy prankes.

Hil.

I imagin your deſign: and thereto promiſe, give, grant, let, ſet and ſubmit my full aſſent and conſent: In witneſſe whereof here's my hand with a clap, and my ſeale with a kiſſe; Your ſon and ſervant Hilario.

Am.

But ſtay, whence now?

Hil.

From my blubbering Siſter Concupiſcence;

who deſired me forſooth

To arme and conduct her to Lady Phancy.

Am.

And whether bound?

Hil.

I go to be merry with or upon

Melancholico and Deſperato,

Either to quicken their dumps, or by laughing

at their dulneſſe to heighten my ſelfe.

Am.

Where are they?

Hil.

Not far; cloſe by; here at the Hart.

Mal.

Courteous Sir, ſend them hither,

Hil.

I ſhall or will Sir.

Mal.

We muſt no longer ripe up greivances,

(Ex. Hil.

But think of Remedy.

Au.

Paſſions muſt not ſtay.

Ir.

Why with a murraine do we ſtay to ſay ſo?

Mal.

In briefe do all conſent to free themſelves

From this oppeſſion?

Ir.

What a Queſtion's that?

Am.

Give a Command that it be ask'd no more.

Au.

We all conſent.

Mal.

All are not here.

Am.

Indeed

We want two ſerviceable men now ſent for.

Ir.

Delayes intolerable!

Am.

We want beſides Sir Timerous Fear all.

Au.

Wee'l force that dowty Knight

To know his good when all is done; and ſo

Prevent his Treaſon.

Ir.

Conſultation too.

Am.

And where is Livebyhope?

Mal.

No matter where.

His hopes will make him turn to any ſide

That ſhall ſucceed.

Am.

For femal Paſſions,

Their fortune lies in ours.

Mal.

Then to proceed,

The way to free our ſelves lies, thus, or thus;

Kill, or dethrone Prudentius.

Ir.

I begin To think on Sr. Raviliack, and Sr. Garnett.

Au.

The boldeſt way is ſafeſt.

Ir.

Yes, if bloodieſt.

Am.

Or if he will eſcape.

Ir.

Let him go far enough.

Mal.

Then who ſhall do the feare?

Au.

I.

Ir.

I, or elſe

Ile kill ſome other; what? ſhould I for get

My ancient Trade of killing?

Mal.

Let him doo't

Who firſt hath opportunity.

Am.

To this We all muſt ſweare.

(They lay two Swords acroſs)

Ir.

By all the wounds which on my fleſh are ſcor'd,

And all the ghoſts I've made.

Au.

By all attempts

And all the mines of Bullets in my Entrals;

Mal.

By all my pangs of hare and black deſignes;

Am.

By all the goodly Nymphes, and Morphe chief.

SCENA IIII.

Enter to them Prudentius, Intellectus Agens, and Liveby hope with Attendents.

Pru.

D'ee long for action? have ye too much Peace?

Orecloy'd with bleſſings? you Malevolo

Bend hate againſt th' unjuſt.

Mal.

My hand is crampt;

Strike Audax.

Au.

O his brow! I turn to feare.

Pru.

You Amorous love true beauty, Honeſty.

Mal.

Thy ſpleene Irato.

Pru.

Thou Irato fight

Meerely for publike peace.

Ir.

Sweetneſſe!

Mal.

Witchcraft!

Pru.

Audax, be bold, but ſtay till I have bid

Ex. Pru. & Int. & Liveby▪ following.

Au.

S't. Liveby hope

Liv.

I muſt attend his Majeſty.

Int.

Goe back, and ſecretly oreheare this meeting.

(Liv. returns▪

Am.

Ha! What Schooling call you this?

Mal.

What Viſion?

That Eye of ſubtil Intellectus Agent

Troubles me ſomewhat; and I doubt of Liveby.

Ir.

Now I could kill my ſelfe.

Au.

Now I, Prudentius

He came upon us like the Baſilisk,

Or like a Wolfe; but had we ſeen him firſt—

Mal.

You could not do it then: never by day.

Am.

Why ſo?

Mal.

You ſaw the cauſe. His flaming Temples

Strike with ſuch charming Power, ſuch ſecret Spells,

That if you ſee the Light upon his Face,

Your ſpirits quaile; it muſt be done by night.

And Deſperato, he muſt be the man.

Au.

Why He above All Us?

Mal.

Tuſh, we are foyld;

Already foyld; and may be ſo again.

Beſides Irato ſpends himſelfe: hee's now

So full of heat, I doubt hee'l then grow cold.

But Deſperato to his miſchief goes

With art and argued reſolution,

Strong in cold blood.

Ir.

I perfectly abhorr

All Judgement, Plo…s, and Conſultations▪

To canvaſe thoughts, to toile and vexe the

In weighing meanes, and picking out the beſt,

This is as bad as to have ſerv'd Prudentius.

Mal.

And how thinks Audax?

Au.

So. Or elſe I'm mad.

To plot is baſe; and to demurr contrivance

Of things that ſhould be done, as ſoon as thought,

Is fooliſh too. What turn our powder up,

Then ſmother't under ground, then by degrees

Give fire! Such creeping miſcheife hath no luck.

Ir.

Come Martial Law, come Captain Martial Law

Au.

And wiſe Malevolo, when have you e're heard

Of great attempts without the hand of Audax?

Come wee'l too't preſently.

Mal.

Even as you pleaſe.

Liv.

(in ſecret) I ſweat with hearing.

Il now run with this Leaſt I may come too ſhort of telling more.

Am.

OnelyOnly this word.

Liv.

Then yet I'le ſtay.

Am.

Be ſure,

If you miſcarry we are all undone.

Goe with Ʋlyſſes in this night-attempt,

Be each of you to him a Diomed.

Mal.

Stay till they come.

Am.

Lo here they are. Who elſe?

SCENA V.

Enter to them Melancholico, Deſperato and Sr. Timerous.

Ir.

What and Sr. Timerous too? Come▪ mend your pace.

What? doth Prudentius moderate your feet?

And make you ſnayles as well as ſlaves?

Mal.

Free Paſſions,

(So ye muſt be) we know your greivances.

Brother Melancholy, diſcreet you are,

But not expreſſive; unprefer'd you are,

Becauſe preciſe; but ſay, would you with State

Inſold your armes; look ſad, and feele content;

Live careful over bags, retire your ſelfe

To ſolemn greife in Temples of delight,

Sigh in a Siſters boſom, and complain

Of Perſecution at a plenteous Feaſt?

Ir.

Yes, yes. I'le anſwer for him.

Mal.

Sooth, you may.

Sadneſſe is pleaſant, but the cauſe is not.

Au.

And Deſperato, once my old Comrad,

Once Noble, and again to be the ſame,

But now as void of caſh as of imployment,

Would you, in Peace forgot, bard of a Penſion,

Having no lands but bare high-wayes, now run

All hazards for new Fortune?

Deſp.

Yes apace.

Ir.

Why parly then? can he not firſt draw blood?

Do Cutters ask what money have you firſt?

Tim.

Blood and Cutters? his ſpeech is rough.

Mal.

hee's mad.

Say on.

Ir.

Nought's done through ſuch long talke.

Mal.

Such Choler.

Au.

Wouldſt thou have power to raiſe more flames then Nero,

To fire the World, prevent his final doome,

Stare awfully, ſtab others with applauſe,

Hang, drown thy ſelfe, to immortality.

Deſp.

Such change I long for; rows'd from Lethargy

I am reviv'd.

Au.

Thou lyeſt, thou art not yet.

(Deſp. offers to draw)

Hold, hold thy hand: I did but tempt thy mettle,

To ſearch the truth.

Deſp.

And Sir, 'tis well you ſay ſo.

Ir.

This Bully,s right, why now I'm pleas'd

Am.

Sr. Tim.

My fellow Knight, you know (but do not tremble)

How oft the King hath miſimpos'd on you

Thoſe dreadful, thoſe horrible, terrible

Tim.

Good Sir.

Am.

Thoſe heart-labouring imployments,

Which Audax beg'd.

Tim.

I pray.

Am.

He ſought thereby

Meerely to vexe and to diſgrace your ſpurr▪

But wouldſt thou hug thy Pillow or thy Love

Without diſturbance, or the noiſe of danger?

How ſay'ſt?

Tim.

I love to live, and love in ſafety.

Mal.

Then in a word.

Au.

He firſt kick hence this Knight,

Hee'l prove a five through feare; his trembling humour

Will ſhake our ſecrets out.

Am.

Which to prevent,

He ſtirs not from this company.

Mal.

Then know,

Our common medicine is Prudentius ruine.

Laſt comers, do ye twiſt in full conſent?

Mel. & Deſp.

We do.

Ir.

then kiſſe the Sacramental Sword.

Am.

Sr. Tim. you came unſought, but being come,

You muſt conſent, or will be beaten too't.

Tim.

I, I do conſent—but caution muſt be had;

This is no common ſport: what Engines uſe ye?

Au.

Not you, be ſure. Will Deſperato joyne

With me and this brave Count?

Deſp.

Yes, and ſtrike home.

Mal.

Then for the time: we think cloſe midnight beſt.

Mel.

And fitteſt; cauſe the crowned

Fox is watchful.

Tim.

Be ſure you take diſguiſe to paſſe unknown,

Though it be night.

Au.

O wit and valour both!

Vizards to Paſſengers will be but ſignes

Hang'd out to move ſuſpicion; and to leave

Him ignorant whom we aſſault is loſſe▪

Unto the glory of our bold revenge.

Mal.

What ſhall be done with Memor the Recorder,

One whom I hate, yet have no reaſon for't,

Like an old debt-book, or mine own Conſcience▪

Shall he be blotted out, or ſhall he ſtand?

Am.

Alas he's all Record, Example, Cuſtome,

What's done Quadrageſimo primo Henrici tertii,

Triceſimo primo Henrici octavi;

And theſe ſute more with Paſſion then with Reaſon.

Mal.

What ſhall be done with Common ſenſe the Judge?

Am.

He alſo more inclines to ſenſe then Prudence,

Leanes to the Commons rather then the King.

Au.

As for the reſt, they ne're ſhall trouble us;

Cut off the head, we need not feare the Members.

Mal.

Who ſhall ſucceed? I mean, in place, and ſhew,

Not in the tyranny of ſtrict Command;

Who ſhall aſſemble, lead, incourage us,

And give ſome faſhion to our Commonwealth?

Am.

What ſay to Fancie? will not Fancie do't?

Au.

No better choice: for Fancie neereſt is

To unyoak'd Paſſion.

Am.

And 'tis moſt proper,

That ſince by Paſſion this revolt is made

From Reaſon unto Senſe, the Rule ſhould paſſe

From man to Woman.

Au.

She, ſhe, Fancie ſhe.

Liv.

(in ſecret) O now for wings like thought, this to relate

Firſt to the Agent of Prudentius;

And then to beare firſt newes to new Queen Fancie.

(Ex. Liv.

Au.

She, Fancie's Queen.

Am.

She'l be a pleaſant Miſtreſſe

Rather then Governeſſe, leading each Paſſion

Whether himſelfe inclines. Nay ſhe'l invent

New Objects for their ſeveral content.

SCENA VI.

Enter to them Groome of the Chamber.

Groo.

Silence through all the Court, the King would reſt.

Deſp.

Let him Eternally.

Mal.

The time growes nigh.

You three to th' task of Blood: the reſt to Fancy.

(Ex. Paſſions.

Groo.

I doubt this earneſt talk portends no good,

The buſineſſe hath been hot.—

Enter form the Bedchamber Prudentius Crown'd, and Intellectus Agens.

Pru.

We would be private.

(Ex. Groome.

Liveby the Relator is moſt creditable.

Int.

A right ingenuous man.

Pru.

And you have ſent him

To take advantage of the changing State,

With Caveat to reſerve his heart for Us.

Int.

The Pinch and my beſt thoughts did ſo inſtruct me.

Pru.

Tis well, I dearely thank your ſharp obſervance,

Suſpecting Treaſon by their ſtartled brows;

And then your art of finding out, and now

Your Providence for our Reſtabliſhment.

But O, O this ungrateful Rout, whom I have taught

Both how to Feare and Love, and what to Loath,

Wherefore to Greive and Joy, and in what place

To rouſe their anger and audacity

By Rule and Circumſtance, and with ſuch Sweetneſſe

As might befit a Wooer more then King.

Have I theſe Vipers bred within my Breſt

With greater Care and Pangs then can a Mother

The Childe within her womb? have I broke ſleep

Toſs'd after ſlumbers, early roſe, and ſpent

The day from Sun to Sun in painful Counſel;

Sent Birds about their Coaſts, ſent Eyes and Tongues

Abroad the world, to watch and guard,

and work,

And keep all ſafe, and make them great, for This

For This Reward? Ask Heaven and Earth, if I

Have not with utmoſt care procur'd them Bread,

Cloth, Health, Peace, Manners, and Religion!

For Prudence is the womb and Forg of all

This mortal bliſſe. What ere I took from Them

Was for their uſe; like Vapour now exhal'd,

And ſoon return'd in Showers to fat their Land.

Oft have I bore them under both theſe wings,

One under each, when they inclin'd to Fury,

Would puſh each other down a Precipice,

Not ſteep like th' Alpes, but ſteep on either ſide,

There on a narrow ridg, an edg, a Thrid,

(Such is the meane, ſo plac'd betwixt two Gulfes)

I bore them in their Strife. For this and more

They have not pay'd (what's cheaper?) Single Duty.

Nothing but Grudgings, Whiſpers, Evil words:

Theſe are their Thankes.

Int.

The greater glory yours:

What Crown like This to govern out of almes!

Pru.

But now they ſeek the Crown; my life they ſeek.

Int.

They'l beg hereafter that you'l take the Rule,

Which now they wreſt out of your hands.

Pru.

Perhaps.

Int.

Meane while your life is ſafe.

Pru.

And while 'tis ſafe,

Though they forget their Duty, I, le not leave

A Fathers care, but will be ſtill a King

In love, though not in power.

Int.

This is a ſigne

Of future greatneſſe. Then caſt off this Crown

As but the ſheddings of renewing State,

Now to be burniſhed. Leave it on your Pillow:

For that they ſeek. But it return'd ſhall be

With double ſervice both of Heart and Knee.

Pru.

Be Thou my Prophet.

Int.

Ware; the Caitiffes come.

SCENA VII.

Enter Audax, Deſperato, Irato with Swords: the firſt bearing a Torch.

Au.

This Torch muſt out, or ſome muſt blind their eyes;

And look not all at once, leaſt all be

ſtruck.

The Chamber's here.

Deſp.

Come ſet your Points

And Poſtures right; ſtand ſure.

Pru.

Why ſhould not I

Step in, and daunt them?

Int.

Tis not ſafe to tempt

United Impudence too far: withdraw.

Pru.

When Folly's ripe, Ile to my Diligence.

Int.

And I to ſerve you with Intelligence.

I'le guide you to ſome Cloyſter.

Ir.

Now: there's the Neſt.

(Ex. Pru. & Int.

Deſp.

But what? the Eagle's flowne.

Ir.

Damn'd Trechery!

Treaſon amongſt us Traytors!

Deſp.

Leſſe Reſolution

Then mine had ſerv'd this Task.

Au.

How'ere my Lads,

(Brings forth the Crowd.

Our Labour is not loſt. Here's what we ſeek for.

Ir.

Thus when the Beaver ſmells the Hunters aime,

He throwes away the price of his eſcape.

Au.

Now ſhall I offer what affront I pleaſe.

Ir.

Ile ſtab with honour at what word miſlikes me.

Deſp.

No Peace ſhall ſtand unleſſe our pleaſure make it.

Au.

Fancie, we come. Stay, hark, ſtand, hark. This ſound

Muſick begins ſoftly.

The Sirens make, 'cauſe Fancie ſhall be crown'd.

(Ex. Omnes.

Finis actus Primi.

ACTVS II

SCENA. I.

The Scene turns to Fancies Court.

Enter Concupiſcence and Fuga.

Conc.

The Day appears in Scarlet; and the Sun

Seconds the luſter of our riſing Queen.

I nere long'd more for night, then for this morning.

Fug.

Twill be to you a double day, and bring

Your Miſtreſſe Majeſty, you Liberty.

Conc.

Fuga, the caſe is alterd; he that baniſh'd,

Himſelfe is vaniſh'd. Thus the King and I,

Or I and he, are up and down like Buckets.

Ha wench! theſe Moral men are taught,

I tro,

What 'tis to wrong kind hearts. Return with me

Periwigs, Powders, Fucuſes for Ladies,

Chioppiens for ſhort, for crooked Farthingals;

For tainted Artificial breath; Teeth moveable;

Such as may ſerve a Family by turns,

To eat, and laugh abroad: now wellcome helps

For all decayes of Nature, Arts for allurement;

Be licenc'd Ladies for Variety

Now to miſtake your Servant, Uſher, Page,

For your own Lords, and without Hereſie

In marri'd State.

Fug.

Fie Madam how you talk!

Conc.

How talk I Madam Simpers? do not thus

And broader too as mincing Dames as you,

When met together? Do you ſee your Servant?

SCENA II.

Enter to them Sr. Timerous with a Paper.

Conc.

Sr. Timerous Fear-all inches and inches to you

Iuſt like a Spy.

He ſteals to Fuga and offers the Paper, ſhe refuſes; Concup. ſnatches and reades it.

Fug.

And ſtill he comes in ſecret

Leaſt he be ſpied.

Conc.

What's this? a ſilent motion?

The Bill hung out will ſhew us what it is.

Lady, I dare not with the praiſe of arts

With any thing but Love aſſay your parts;

Which are ſo rare, that when I ſtrive to write,

The ſcant Expreſſion ſeems not Love but ſpite.

Well wrot Sr. Tim.

Fug.

You cannot ſay well ſpoke.

Conc.

Can you not uſe your mouth? no way, Sr Tim.?

Why do you love? you are not fit to love;

Think me your Miſtreſſe; now addreſſe your ſelfe

In form befitting.

Tim.

Hum!

He offers to Salute and ſteps back again; ſhe makes to him.

Conc.

I muſt make up

Your will with my performance.

Tim.

Hum—I fear Fuga will frown.

Conc.

Thy Mother was a Fuga.

Nor give nor take? not in a faire Salute?

Tongue-tide and Lip-bound too? O that it were

In faſhion for my Sex, my Sex, to wooe.

Fug.

Lady, you ſeem to me in word and action

Too looſe and open.

Conc.

My Complexion

Is I confeſſe the ſame with Meſſaline's;

We might have layn together in one Egg

As well a Helena and Clytemneſtra.

To me no ſuch deſire as of our Like,

No Joy like Union. But your eares and age

Want breeding yet;

I'm ſorry for offending:

I thought I knew my Sex; but if I do not,

I know my ſelfe.

SCENA III.

Enter to them Hilario.

Hil.

What here ye whirlygigs, while Queen Fancie calls you? Where's Concupiſcence, where's Concupiſcence? After all your Starching, Quilling, Turning, Seeking, Pinning; after your Jury of Pedlars, Tirewomen, Lacemakers and Semſters, ſtill where's Concupiſcence? Your Lady Fancie findes many greivous defects; there wants a Pin or two at leaſt. One of her ribband Fancies are looſe; a long haire hath un weav'd it ſelfe out of its curl'd Spheare, and paſſionatly broke forth out of Order. Fly, fly, ye Baggaſes.

(Ex. Conc.

Fug.

Baggaſes?

Hil.

As for my Siſter, ſhee's one I'm ſure: She colours for it; her willow gowne with …ay me forſaken wretch is a Challeng, a meer Challeng to all pittiful-minded Amoroſes: She's true touch, all the world can tell. Wu'd you were ſo too Lady for Sr. Tim's ſake. Stay Fuga, you muſt ſtay one minute; for I muſt ſhew on you how Sr. Tim. muſt wooe.

Fug.

I ſee every one's ready to be a Dunces Teacher.

Singing and Dancing he drives her to the drink of the Stage; She returns to eſcape. So twice or thrice.

Hil.

Thus Sr.

Tim.

This is Loves Trenchmore.

Fug.

Fie on you all.

(Ex. Fuga.

Hil.

A prity wench. Sr. Tim, but that ſhe's ſawe'd

With ſome of her Fathers Humour; this coyneſſe calls her

Ma'evolo's Daughter. But what of that?

Every coy laſſe is of Cockeril condition,

And muſt be woo'd as Cockerils fight, chaſe and retreate;

And then ſheel love you like your ſhadow;

Fly thou, ſheel follow; follow thou, ſheel fly,

For I ſay no, and for her no ſay I.

Thus when a long time ye have turn'd backs one to another,

Ye may at length turn faces.

Tim.

Sr. I ſhall ſometimes

Repaire to your wit for my direction.

Hil.

You may—and I ſhall readily afford it to your folly

(Ex. Tim.

For mine own merriment.

Enter Hilario's Boy.

Boy.

The Queen's at hand.

Hil.

And they not ready yet with their tedious Phantaſtticalia!

SCENA IIII.

Enter alſo Fancie, Concupiſcence going backward before, carrying an Ʋmbrella over her, Fuga and Memor following. After a while the Solemnity.

Mem.

Iuſt in that Poſture, Madam, as you walk'd,

Horacius kill'd three men.

Conc.

Three? what no more? Why, I have kill'd three hundred, would three thouſand.

Fan.

Where's that appearance which we have expected? And where's my glaſſe?

Fug.

You have one in your watch.

Fan.

That's not big enough. Run Fuga; come hither Concupiſcence, pin this handſomer.

Ir.

Au. Deſp. (within) Ile beare The Crown or nothing.

Mel.

(within) I the Crown or nothing.

Liv

(Enters and out again) Ile fit each Paſſion to his own content.

Hil.

Boy, fill up the Time with noiſe.

Boy.

(Sings)

Hail thou great Queen of varous Humours,

Some loving hearts, ſome raging tumours,

Some ſadder ſoules embracing Rumours;

Such a mixed crew

None yet ever knew

So ſteady and true

As theſe in heaping honours on you.

Enter in the midſt of the ſong Amorous uſhering the ſolemnity, Irato bearing the Sword, Malevolo the Scepter; then ſix others bearing ſix Crowns, two in a rank. Firſt Audax on the right hand bearing a Crown of Gold, and with him Poet Ovidian a Lawrel: then Deſperato a Turkiſh Turbant, and with him Timerous a Perſian Cydaris: Laſtly Livebyhope a Crown of all colour'd feathers circled at the bottome with Pearle, and with him Model her Tireman a Coronet of black beaugled wire ſet with black and Silver ſpangles. Having done obeyſance, they ſtand and preſent in Order.

Am.

Great goddeſſe, moſt ador'd of men, behold,

Amorous thy lovingſt Paſſion, brings the reſt

To offer at thy Feet Enſignes of State.

Ir.

I that unſheath'd my anger with my Sword

To make thee great, preſent this Sword of Juſtice.

Mal.

I that with Plots have wrung this awful Secpter

From other hands, will hold hold it faſt in thine.

Ile finde or make new matter of great ruine

To raiſe thy Throne,

Au.

This maſſy Crown of Gold,

The price of nightly danger, won by Audax,

Left by Prudentius, let it crown thy Temples,

Ovid.

Elſe let thy ſhining brow recrown this Lawrel,

Worn but by Caeſar Monarch of the world,

And thy Ovidii, makers made of thee.

Deſp.

Let Deſperato wrap thy ſemal head

With Imniu State, the Crown of that grand Seignior

Who worſhips moſt theſe two, Woman and Fate.

Tim.

But Timerous brings the Perſian Cydaris,

Which drop'd from Xerxes Temples in his flight.

Liv.

Liveby a Crown of Feathers here preſents

To repreſent the light and eaſiy yoak,

Which all the Paſſions hope.

Mod.

Model thy Tireman

Offers for company this Crown, not coſtly,

But yet of prety Fancie, new Invention.

Fan.

We thank the wit and paynes of all your ſervice.

We'l weare theſe Crownes in turn, and try them all. Liveby, reach hither.—Where's Recorder Memor?

Liv. reaches his feathered Crown. Au. reaches the Golden, Mal. the Scepter.

Mem.

Here.

Au.

Firſt take this, the chief true real Crown.

Mal.

Theſe were the honours which Prudentius wore.

Fan.

Were thoſe his honours? they ſhall ne're be mine.

Thoſe onelyonly I except.

Ir.

Wiſely excepted:

Am.

Great Lady, ſay not ſo: put on this Crown,

And with your Head crown it: then let your Hand

Give Life unto this Scepter, and to Us:

Fan.

Ile rather not be Empreſſe, then aſſume

Or that, or this.

Au.

Say ſo?

Hil.

Prettieſt of pretties;

We here would have a Queen, and ſhe'l not weare

The Badg and Enſigne that ſhould make her ſo.

Fan.

Is none a Prince, but ſhe whoſe head ſupports

The burden of a Crown?

Liv.

Indeed Authority

Lies not in this: then Kings could do no more

Without the leave of this Authentick toy

Then can a Conſtable without his ſtaff.

Fan.

A Crown would crooke my neck, which for a Realme

I would not marr.

Hil.

Nor marr that Ruff for three.

Fan.

If this condition needs muſt be inforc'd,

I willingly reſign what you conferr.

Mal.

Then ſome of us ſhall be a gainer by it.

Am.

Do not ſo ſlight the labour of your Servants,

Who ventur'd far to gain this wreath; in which

Lies the ſignificance of all the reſt.

Ir.

Let her refuſe once more.

Fan.

My Noble friends,

It ſignifies too much, too great a Care,

Too high Command. Should my free wandring thoughts

Be hoop'd and compaſs'd in with weight and care,

Or ſhould that ſtaff keep down your ſprightly humours, Fancie might then be ſtil'd Prudentia.

No; though I reign, provide your ſelves live free.

This onelyonly is my Law, that each man uſe

His proper humour, be it Vice or Vertue,

Inordinate or ſtay'd. Who mindes his pleaſure

Shall beſt deſerve; my ſelfe will teach him how;

And guide him in't. For your own ſakes and mine,

Offer no more that badg of Tyranny.

All but It. Mal. Au. & Deſp.

Fancie beyond all Fancie.

Ir.

Plague on Diſſemblers;

Firſt on her ſelfe; then on theſe raſcals here;

Who firſt perſwaded her to take the Crown,

And then admire her for refuſing it.

Liv.

Pleaſes your highneſſe with your radiant haire

To grace ſome other badg of Majeſty?

Fan.

To ſhew I do not quite reject your Favours,

Nor ſlight the proffered Rule, reach me the Lawrel,

And then the glaſs.**ſhe lookes

Liv. reaches the Crownes in turn.

Mem.

Ev'n thus did mighty Caeſar!

Fan.

Ti's too Imperious This.

Mem.

Wit beyond Caeſars!

Au.

Excellent Lady!

Fan.

Tis too Imperious

If rule it mean; if height of wit, too low:

Tis like a Tavern, Buſh and begs for ſale,

Which Fancy ſcornes. Small Poet, take it you.

What's next? the Turbant.—What a Turk am I now!

Had I with this a large Seraglio,

I'de lend them to Sr. Amorous.—The next.—

This Perſian Cydaris hath made ſome Sophies

That ſcarce were wiſe before: when I ſit next

In Solemn Counſel, Ile weare This.— But now;—

This feather'd Crown like a Mercurial hat

Shall lift me from the ground; herein Ile grace

The preſent Faſhion.—The Tiremans Coronet

May be in Faſhion too; and pitty 'tis not;

I like it well.—But Liveby, tis your Favour

That muſt take place, and give us Majeſty.

Set it on firm, and ſomewhat glancing.—So.

I, marry Sir; why, this befits us right.

Hil.

Wu'd I had brought my Fooles Cap to preſent her,

My fooles Cap would have gotten the ſtart of Favour

From Live by for ever.

Fan.

Thankes Liveby, and Ile ſtudy a Reward.

Liv.

Your humbleſt Creature.

Fan.

This fits the Quality

Of our intended Rule, which ſhall be light,

Light as your Liveby ſaid, and ſoft and ſweet,

And various, and pliable to every paſſion.

I'm bound to All, and much to Amo ous,

And moſt to Liveby For beſides this preſent,

You brought me tidings firſt of this advancement,

And Crown'd me in my Eare. Who likes the newes,

Muſt needs regard the teller.—One I miſſe

Amongſt the Paſſions, Melancholico.

Liv.

He ſullen grew becauſe he might not beare

The maſſy Crown.—

SCENA V.

Enter to them Melancholico bringing Fancies Picture Crown'd with Gold. Painter and Muſitian.

Conc.

—Now he hath brought himſelfe.

Fug.

And ſomewhat elſe.

Mel.

Although I wanted Grace

To plant the maſſy Crown upon your head

In the true ſubſtance, yet I found a way

To crown you in this Picture. Here's the Painter;

And here a try'd Muſitian; men of Arts,

Which Melancholy much affects.

Fan.

And I.

But mende your peice. That Crown delights not me.

Some ſudden buſineſſe calls me to conferr

With certain Femal Artiſts!—Liveby,

Take you the keeping of thoſe Ornaments.—

(She offers to go forth.

Mal.

What? have we made a ſhittlecock our Queen?

(She returns.)

Fan.

Stay, I had quite forgot to ſtrew mine honours

On theſe deſervers. You Malevolo

Be our chief Counſellour: be you Irato

The Lord Controwler: Livebyhope ſhall be

The Maſter of Requeſts: you Amorous

Shall be the Maſter of our Ceremonies;

For which here's Poet, Painter, man of Muſick,

And man of Properties: I give you leave

To uſe them for your ſelfe in wooing Morphe.

But you my Poet whom I well reſpect,

Shall be my Secretary, and you ſhall turn

The long-breath'd ſtile of Proclamation

To Lyrick Verſe.

Liv.

Moſt underſtanding Queen!

Ir.

A prety Curr! my hands now itch to try

Whether he be true Spaniel breed, or no;

O I could beate and kick him, and ſee whether

He'l fawn then to.—You were not beſt to flatter

Your ſelfe into an Earldom, one degree

Above mine Honour.

Tim.

Take heed my Lord: he's likely to be great;

A Favourite can hurt.

Ir.

What then? muſt I

Therefore take heed? bid me take heed again,

And it ſhall be the laſt, laſt Caution,

You ere ſhall give. What? give a Lord

good Counſel?

Fan.

The reſt, if they themſelves can finde a way

How I may pleaſure them, I'm crown'd their ſervant:

You know your Law; each man purſue his humour.

Ile rule by Fancie ſince I am Queen Fan;

And uſe as little wiſdom as I can.

Au.

And ſo it ſeemes.

Ex. Fan. with her women. Am. Liv. Mem. Poet, Mus.

Hil.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha—

How merry ſhall I live!—**Hil.—

(I'v eman. Ex.

Paint.

Sr. Shall I mend This peice?

Mel.

Mend! marr, or break it if you will.

Now ſhall I turn far more preciſe then ever,

And praiſe Prudenius dayes throw diſcontent.

Au.

Slighted? contemned? bafled? fooles preferd?

(Ex. Mel. and Paint.

I'm well rewarded.

Ir.

Hark Sr. Timerous,

You gave me Counſel.

Tim.

Out of Love indeed Sir.

Ir.

You gave Prudentius warning to eſcape.

Tim.

Not I, indeed not I, Sr. Amorous knowes

Ir.

How ere Ile kick thee now, cauſe tis my humour;

Ile take thee to be Liveby, tis my Humour.

Tim.

The Queen ſhall know how you

have kick'd my Knighthood.

Ir.

I kick'd thy breech, two foot above thy Knighthood.

I truſt I ſhall have cauſe to kill thee too.

Mean while, to ſtir my choler, Ile controwle Roughly, moſt roughly.

Deſp.

I to feed my humour,

(For little I ſhall have to feed my body)

Muſt run ſome deſperate courſe. The ſtream of Favour

(Ex Deſp.

Runs croſſe from me, to Hope and Amcrous.

Au.

Did we expoſe our ſelves to utmoſt danger

To gain a Crown for Her that more regards

A Cap and Feather?

Mal.

I her Counſellour

Who alters with each puff, more flickering

Then Flag or Streamer? Then Ile write on Sand,

Or print the Aire. But ſtill I wonder much,

How Liveby being abſent from our Counſels,

Carri'd the firſt Intelligence. His telling

In Her eſteem outweighs our Action.

Au.

This ſhewes what women love, the Tong and …atling.

Mal.

How ſayes this man of Fate? is Livebyhope,

That primroſe thing, that forward bud, long liv'd?

Ir.

Ha! I think no; unleſſe I may controule him

To be no Favourite.

Mal.

Men of that calling, If I might counſel them for their beſt ſafety,

Ought not to live too long. For we can hate.

Au.

Challeng.

Ir.

Or ſtab.

Au.

And call theſe things our Humours.

SCENA. VI.

Enter to them Intellectus Agens.

Int.

The ſafeſt Armour is un weapon'd boldneſſe.

Thus priviledg'd Ile truſt their ſavage hands.

All happineſſe, that is, true Liberty

Unto the Paſſions; how d'e like your choice?

Au.

Firſt tell us where Prudentius hides himſelfe.

Int.

Within a Sanctuary, where his thoughts

Are ſequeſtred from earthly cares to heaven.

Au.

Our choice we like beyond Prudentius,

Juſt ſo, as Fancie Livebys feather'd crown

Beyond my Golden.

Mal.

We like the power of chuſing.

Ir.

And ſome variety though join'd with looſing—

Ex. Paſſions.

Int.

Who ere Uſurps, conſiders not his task,

How he muſt ſooth the loweſt of his villaines,

Give higheſt place and all to every one,

Elſe all will be diſpleas'd. The King ſhall know,

What ſeeds of diſcontent and headlon folly

Appeare already in this warring ſtate.

Clos'd in too ſafe, they broke their hedg; what leſſe

Then wandring now through wretched wilderneſſe?

Ex. Int. Agens.

Finis Actus ſecun.

ACTVS III

SCENA I.

Enter Memor and Sr. Timerous.

Mem.

I think your cauſe exceeds the Cogniſance

Of common ſenſe. He like a Juryman

Can onelyonly ſinde and judge the outward fact:

As whether now your kicks look white or blew;

Whether his threatning words were high or low;

What favour follow'd, whether ſweet or ſowre;

Whether the kicks were Rough or gentle; (Rough

Your Grinkling ſayes) Theſe with ſome other notions

Thereto belonging, as the quantity,

The Figure, Number, the ſwift motion,

Or ceaſing of your kicks; theſe he can judge of.

But as for higher ſpeculations

Of Paſſions riſing out of meer conceit,

How it was rais'd, what puniſhment is

due,

This proper lbyelongs to Fancie's audience.

Was there no cauſe?

Tim.

None giv'n, but apprehended.

Mem.

The worſe for you; this ſhewes there was no malice,

But ſingle heat. Were the kicks thick and many?

Tim.

Six ſtrong ones in one inſtant.

Mem.

Still the worſe.

It ſhewes meer heat. What ſaid he, 'twas his humour?

Tim.

Ev'n ſo.

Mem.

Yet worſe. Tis Law, that ev'ry Paſſion

May follow his own humour. Anger's his.

Beſides he's writ a Lord: all things conſidered,

I give you counſel to be patient,

To ask if he be pleas'd to give you more;

To break a Tooth, pull Haire, ſtrik out an Eye.

Tim.

Accept my thankes: I ſee the Law it ſelfe

Is very Timerous againſt great Perſons.—

(Ex. Tim.

Mem.

I now can ſee no uſe of Law at all,

Law is caſheer'd: where all things are permitted

What need of plea? what can be call'd unjuſt?

And are not theſe the Popular dayes we look'd for,

When we expected Cunning ſhould be Soveraigne?

SCENA II.

Enter to him Malevolo.

Mal.

In miſcheif we muſt uſe the men we hate.

You are the man I ſeek. Have you conſider'd

Thoſe State-projections?

Mem.

Sr. we want ſome Lawes,

Such as were made for certain Lord Protectors.

Mal.

Indeed this lawful murder is an Art

Of Excellence, and yet as eaſie too

For Stateſmen Lawyers as Phyſitians.

Mem.

An Art familiar in the Roman State,

As ancient too as the firſt Monarchy.

O I could tell you Lawes worth millions to us,

By faire intrapping of the wealthy Clergy.

;Mal.

Have you no model to inſnare a Prince?

Mem.

Henry the third, though wiſe and valiant,

Was caught in a ſtrong line knit by himſelfe,

Here ith mad Parliament,

Mal.

As how?

Mem.

Twelve Peers

Under pretence of evil Officers

And grand abuſes, were ſelected out,

Strengthen'd with Lawes to prune Prerogatives,

To tutour and reform the State; to ſize

The Kings expence, and to appoint him Servants,

Both menial and forinſecal.

Mal

I'ſt poſſible The King ſhould ſeale to this?

Mem.

O Poverty,

She to Obedience is the Lay-mother.

As ſome ſay Ignorance is the Clarklike,

Betwixt Superiours and Inferiours,

Look either way, this rule is mutual,

The poorer muſt be ſervant to the richer.

Henry brought low with various Action

Could not ſubſiſt without their ſubſidies.

Keep thy Prince poor, then thou ſhalt rule thy Ruler,

And ſubject thy Commander.

Mal.

This we try'd To faſten on Prudentius: but he

Too wiſe, too frugal was. Now Fancie

Through giddineſſe of minde, and vaſt expence,

Will prove leſſe wary and more prodigal.

Mem.

Let ſome inſnareing Law be once propos'd, Fancie will yeild, not ponder.

Mal.

Well, think you;

Ile ſpeak and ſpeed. O 'tis the praiſe of hate

To practiſe ruine and pretend the State.

Mem.

But Sir, I truſt upon your furtherance

(Mal. about to go.

About impropriations.

Mal.

You Ile remember

Firſt, or my ſelfe I ever ſhall forget.

(Ex. Mal.

SCENA III.

Enter Fancie in a Cydaris, Concupiſcence, Fuga, Hilario before them.

Fan.

The Cydaris well fits me; now muſt I

… …er this Perſian Crown with mutual fitneſſe.

What thing was proper to the Perſian Kings,

Say Memor.

Mem.

Perſian Kings did wed their Siſters.

Fan.

Though in my Perſon thus I cannot wed,

Ile licence others. You Hilario

May, if you pleaſe, enjoy your lively Siſter

Concupiſcence.

Hil.

I thank your Majeſty

Both that I may, and may not; for to me

Nothing ſo pleaſing is as Liberty.

I would not be bound to that neither, though I love it beſt;

If I were, I ſhould long for the priſon.

Bind me to be rich, I ſhall play at Duckes and Drakes with peices;

Bind me to my good behaviour, I ſhall feele an itching deſire to beate the Juſtice.

O what a Prentiſe ſhould I make! I ſhould run away no oftner then I came in fight

Of the threſhold. And moſt of the Paſſions,

I think, have a ſpice of this humor.

Fan.

But can no bond pleaſe you like Liberty?

Hil.

Neither bond of Matrimony, nor bond of friendſhip,

Nor bond of Uſury, nor bond of iniquity;

I rejoyce in the preſent, I deſire nothing, and therefore would be tied to nothing.

Fan.

Concupiſcence your Siſter's of another minde.

Conc.

I could well indure to be bound, ſo I might be looſe too.

Fan.

The Theme which I propos'd was Royalty,

No leſſe then Perſian. Then Concupiſcence,

How iſt we are ſo thinly waited on,

By Femal Paſſions? are there no more women

Of Paſſion kind?

Conc.

Of Paſſionate enough.

But to ſay Truth, the Femal Paſſions

As ſoon as they are born, turn all to ſins

And they are all my Children.

Mem.

Then have you

More Daughters far then Danaus, or Margaret

Counteſſe of Henneberg: whereof one did equal

The weekes, and th' other the dayes of the year

With numerous iſſue.

Conc.

I have more by thouſands.

I'm as Fruitful and quick of Delivery

As any Uermin, ſpreading as Potatoes;

My race ruas o're the World.

Fan.

Or what age are they?

Conc.

As old as my ſelfe very neere.

Mem.

Then you

Continued a maide no longer then Quartilla.

Conc.

O never at all that I can remember.

Mem.

You beare your age exceeding well.

Conc.

I hope

I ſhall be young forever; I have the vertue

Of making old folkes young by touching them.

Fan.

Are none of thoſe your Children ripe and handſome

And fit for our attendance?

Conc.

Pride my Eldeſt

She is the likelieſt.

Fan.

Let her be admitted.

Conc.

She's now i'th Spaniſh Court; but when ſhe comes—

Hil.

Then the Court and her Mother will teach her to fall both wayes,

Forward and Backward.

Fan.

Till ſhe return, is't not in Fancie's power

To change a Sex, and make ſome Paſſion Female?

Mem.

The like hath been; I have heard of a Femal

By meer force of Fancy turn'd Male. So Iphis

A Maide, in love with a Maide, was tranſform'd

Juſt on the marriage Eve. Tireſias

Was Male and Femal annually by turns;

Some Hermaphrodites have been both at once.

Conc.

Wud I could live and turn Hermaphrodite.

Fug.

Wud I could live and be of neither Sex.

Fan.

What think ye of transforming Amorous?

Hil.

He's undone then: he cannot ſhew his legs, nor uſe his Poſtures

Nor enjoy his Idol Morphe.

No, change Sir Timerous,

He's as fearful as a Hare, and may be as changable:

He hath many Symbolical conditions of womanhood already:

He is Femal in every part but one, and half Femal in his cloathes

Give me but an Inch of Ribband from Fuga,

and I'le undertake to preſent him

The Lady Timida.

(Ex. Hil.

Fan.

Fuga

Give him one of your changable Fancie's,

Thus firſt our ſelves muſt whet our own Invention;

Elſe others will not ſtir. Men do not ſtrive

Methinkes to pleaſe me as they ought to do.

No other rarities theſe many Ages

But Powder, Printing, Seaman Card, and Watches?

So much vain dotage for the fond Elixir?

Why are not yet my Chriſtals malleable,

To make our Gold no Gold, and foile the Di'mond?

Why want I Inſtruments to meaſure out

The Year, the Day, the Houre, without the help

Of Sun, or turning of theſe tedious wheeles?

Nothing to carry me but Barges, Coaches?

Sedans, and Litters? through the Aire I'd paſſe

By ſome new waftage▪ I muſt have my houſe

Convey'd by wheeles and ſailes and plummers hung

In ſome deep pit, deep as the way is diſtant,

To hurry me, my Family, and it,

Whether I pleaſe. Ile travel like the Snaile,

With all my houſe; but ſwifter then the Faulcon.

Fug.

Rare Lady!

Conc.

Raviſhing Inventions!

Fan.

Why have not I not my Beds ſtuffd all with wind,

Baths fill'd with Maydew, Flowers preſerv'd till winter,

As well as Snow till Summer: choiſeſt Fruits

Growing and ripe in midſt of January?

Why have not I Ponds running through my Cellars,

For Bottles and for Fiſh call'd by their names?

Why not in drough an Artificial rain,

Scattered by ſpowtes, to cheer my Paradiſe?

Mem.

I wiſh you had theſe things; I nere ſaw ſuch.

Fan.

Cheape I can have Aeolian bellowes made

Within the Bowles of Andirons, where the water

Shall blow the fire by which 'tis rarified.

I will have Vaults which ſhall convey my whiſpers

In ſteed of Embaſies to forreign Nations;

Places for Ecchoes to pronounce a ſpeech,

Or give a Suffrage like a multitude:

Conſorts well play'd by water; Pictures taught

By ſecret Organs both to move and ſpeak:

We ſpend our ſelves too much upon the Taylour;

I rather would new mold new faſhion Nature.

SCENA IIII.

Enter Amorous and Liveby one way, Malevolo another way. After a while a Shew.

Am.

Pleaſes your Highneſſe to behold a Shew,

Wherein ſome Paſſions are diſplay'd by Dreams

How they affected are by Day.

Fan.

Ile ſee it.

What means that whiſper?

(Mal. & Mem. whiſper.

Mal.

Tis an honeſt project

Thought on by Memor, out of love to Churches,

To buy back ſaleable impropriations

With charitable money. Doth it pleaſe you?

Fan.

This task was fitter for Prudentius

Then Senſe or Paſſion. This although I grant,

Yet take it with condition. Memor knows

Conveyance old and new, the Right and Wrong.

In things not ſacred he may uſe his cunning,

In this he muſt be juſt. To you I ſay,

It was not ſeaſonable to move this buſineſs

When Shewes were comming.

Mal.

This your ſelfe did move

By asking.

Mem.

Now.

Mal.

Then make you here a Law,

That none theſe three dayes ſhall prefer a Sute

Or motion under forfeiture of life.

Me you ſhall finde content; I'm no Troubler.

Mem.

This trap is laid full right.

Liv.

Stay, ſtay great Queen.

This Law will ſeale my mouth, and tie your hands,

And ſtop the neceſſary ſpeed of buſineſſe,

Whereby your Crown may be diſſolv'd.

Fan.

Away,

Away Malevolo.

Mal.

My ſnare for Liveby

Is brok, but violence ſhall it ſupply.

You Memor have your wiſh.

(Ex. Mal. & Mems

Enter Amorous with the ſhew.

Morpheus in a Cloud-coloured Caſsock with a wreath of Poppies and a Caduceus from a black Cell. Then at his call, ſix ſleeping Perſons in their night caps half down their Faces, and in their waſtcoates, repreſenting in their clothes downwards Memor, Malevolo, Irato, Timerous, Hilario, Deſperato. Morpheus ſhakes his Caduceus over them ſeverally as they ſtand in Couples. Being mov'd they fall ſucceſſively into their proper geſtures, and laſtly all dance together in thoſe geſtures.

More.

I Morpheus King of Dreames, whoſe might

Can equal Fanci's in the night,

Have caus'd the night ſix dreames to ſend:

As I appointed they attend

They enter from a black Cave.

Now Memor turn thy Books and prate,

Plead with thy hands and fees then take.

Shrug, ſcratch, Malevolo, and grin,

Graſp thy foule heart and feel thy ſin.

Irato, bend thy fiſt and draw,

Offer to thruſt, keep fear in aw.

Shak Timerous, offer to fly,

Begin to ſink, offer to die.

Hilario clap thy hands and laugh,

Skip, leap, and turn, offer to quaff.

Deſpaire ſtart, ſtand, and cruſh thy throat,

Then ſtab thy breaſt and groan death's note.

The Dance.

(After the dance, Ex. Maſquers.

Fan.

Whoſe labour was this ſport?

Am.

Livebys invention and my contriving.

Fan.

For this I'le ſend you to your deareſt Morphe.

Goe at what hour you pleaſe, and ſay I want

Her company at Court. You, Hope, for this,

And for preventing that pernicious Law,

Ask what you will.

Liv.

Grant the Monopoly

Of Watches, or of Beavers. Fan take them both;

And ask again.

Liv.

When woodlands ſhall be turn'd

To other uſe, grant me a twelfth as forfeit.

Fan.

Be it confirm'd▪

Liv.

I was about to ask

The Patronage of Churches in Sea-towns;

Where popular choice maintains a Faction

Brought in with Merchandize from forreign parts.

But that were better taken to the Crown.

Fan.

Take what thou wilt. Thou

begſt to give us ſhare.

None can pleaſe all, the beſt the better fare.

(Ex. Omnes.

SCENA. V.

The Scene turns to feilds, walkes & ſcattered houſes. Enter Hilario, and then Sir Timerous with Fuga's ribband.

Hil.

By this way Sir Timerous ſhould come; whom I as ſent from his wrong'd Lady Fuga have engag'd in a quarrel againſt Audax. And yonder comes the pittiful Earthquake moſt lovingly trembling.

Tim.

What ſhould I do here? ſome deſperate knave or other, Deſperato himſelf (it may be) hath rob'd me of my beſt weapon. I thought not to have fought with ſteele, but with Gold; and to have brought this needy Captain to an honourable ſubmiſſion by dint of Caſh. What diſaſters have I? That unreaſonablly wicked, that divliſh two fac'd Cutter knew me too well: for when I drew this harmleſs blade, he look'd upon it as ſlightly as upon a riding wand; and bad me familiarly put up that, and draw my purſe. Certainly I have too much of the Mother; I am that which they call a Coward, and all the world knows it. Wherefore (O Ribband) I take it extream ſcurvily of Fuga, that ſhe being of the ſame temper her ſelfe, doth not conſider her temper in me.

Hil.

Now this Craven ſtands as tickliſh on the point of running as a Bowle on the top of a ridg.

Tim.

Two ſteps further I'le move. I have been coming a quarter of a mile theſe two houres at leaſt; and yet I ſweat till the very drops run a race; my ſhaking feaver is turn'd to a cold ſweat, and that's a true Prognoſtication of death.

Puts on his Cap.

Good night to all the world; for this is that fatal peice of ground which I ſhall anon-meaſure with my Carcaſſe. Never a Buſh nor Hole here? though it be call'd Champion ground I ſhall not fight: perhaps I ſhall make uſe of its plainneſſe, and give ground a mile or two; that ſhall be my way of fighting. For if I the Challenger ſtand ſtill on my guard, it will not ſtand with mine honour: And then while I keep my backſword point ſtill in his face (I have ſeen the play at cudgells) he will wheele about me, and falſifying a blow at the head will ſtrike me juſt on the legs where my heart lies. Then ſhall I be quite ſpoiled for running away; which I think I had beſt do preſently, for I hear him coming. O—

Hil.

Now I ſee Sir Tim, thou art a Lad of mettle.

Tim.

Mettle? I proteſt Sir I had rather drink this cold iron fil'd ſmall to duſt and be a Lad of mettle ſo, then to thruſt it whole into any mans fleſh whatſoever; much leſſe into my Enemies. You ſee then what power Love hath, and how Fuga is beholding to me.

Hil.

Moſt dreadfully.

Tim.

Is not the time yet paſt? I think I may retire with honour, and ſay he durſt not meet me.

Hil.

It wants yet halfe an hour. If you hold not out your time, then he'l aſſault you openly in Court, and make your ſhame publick, which otherwiſe will be but private. Ile ſtand ſecretly by you, and if need require will ſtep in and part you.

Tim.

Stand not far off I beſeech you for when I am kill'd I ſhall not be able to call.—O my heart!—the Gyant's coming—O—Hilario— Malevolo paſſes by.

Mal.

Saw you not here Irato?

Tim.

No believe me Sir; no I thank heaven. Hilario!—Now comes Audax. O—I have but a minute to live. Irato paſſes by.

Ir.

How now ſtinkerd, how does thy breech? ſawſt thou not here Malevolo?

Tim.

He paſt by in haſt; juſt now in haſt.—Well. Two Furies are paſt. Ile not wait for the third, go Love and Honour whither they will. Hilario!—I fear he hath left me. Ile raze my Fleſh with a ſlight cut, and ſweare I receiv'd that wound in fight. But now I think on't better, I have an iſſue under my left arme; Ile force that bigger till it bleed, and ſwear that into a wound. For ſure a freſh one would be far greater pain. Soft, I am loath to ſuffer ſo much, if I may chuſe Hilario?—

Hil.

What a Champion are you? not dare to look a man in the face?

Tim.

Sweet Hilario, I conſider thou haſt no Sword to help me: ſtretch thy wit, and invent ſome ſpeedy way, how I may eſcape with honour, and not fight?

Hil

You cannot poſſibly eſcape fighting.

Tim.

Sweet Hilario do not kill me before hand with ſaying ſo.

Hil.

Why then will you be rul'd by me?

Tim.

In any thing, any thing. Quickly for love of Life.

Hil.

I have promis'd to furniſh the Queen with a new Lady attendant.

Tim.

What then?

Hil.

Put on Womans apparel, you ſhall be ſhe; by name of Madam Timida.

Tim.

Ha! Say on.

Hil.

Then ſhall you be free, not onelyonly from this quarrel, but from all future beatings and challenges.

Tim.

Safe and ſound!

Hil.

Then ſhall you have perpetual acceſſe to Fuga, bully.

Tim.

Safe and delicious!

Hil.

Then to ſteale her affection you may habit your ſelfe like her.

Tim.

Safe and wiſe!

Hil.

Then as for you honour, who can upbraid you when you are no where to be ſound: twill be ſuppos'd by your ſweet friend, that you died in her quarrel, Audax if he himſelf talk will be dangerouſly queſtion'd.

Tim.

But will you be ſecret?

Hil.

For mine own ſake, mine own ſake, Sir Tim.

Tim.

Deareſt Hilario, thou art my preſerving Angel.

Hil.

Make haſt, before you can new caſt your ſelfe Ile come to preſent you.

(Ex. Tim

Poor ſnake, I delivered no Challeng; I onelyonly frighted him to a more willing Metamorphoſis.

SCENA VI.

Enter by him Concupiſcence in a Citizens habit.

Conc.

Hey ho for a husband; Two three, or more,

As many as I meet; 'tis fit, that we

Ladies Attendant ſhould be qualified

For three at leaſt.

Hil.

What ere the habit be, this is the Face

The Voice and language of Concupiſcence,

Why, how now Siſter, taking the Aire alone?

Conc.

A ſafe Conſcience never feares any man.

Hil.

I think thou fear'ſt not any, but lov'ſt all.

Such was thy wont; and haſt thou now a Conſcience?

Conc.

Be grave or ſilent, know I'm rectified.

Hil.

Pox on your train: by feigned honeſty

You ſeek to wooe me. I'le unvaile you ſtreight.

What think you of two husbands, three, or more,

As many as you meet?

Conc.

Why didſt thou hear me?

Hil.

Ladies Attendant ſhould be qualified

For three at leaſt.

Conc.

That I ſpoke merrily.

Hil.

If thou hadſt ten, thou ſtill wouldſt cry more Hymens.

Conc.

If ſo you think, think on, I think ſo too.

Hil.

But when will all thy maidenheads be ſpent?

Tell me ſincerely, truly, and bodily.

Conc.

They come again like Teeth, I'm breeding now.

Hil.

Then are thy maidenheads like Hydra's heads,

Not to be tam'd but by a Hercules.

Who has the next?

Conc.

I am reſolv'd to part it

Betwixt a Courtier and a Citizen:

The Courtier has the maide, the Citizen

Shall have the head.

Hil.

Siſter, I cannot wed you,

You have too much complexion for my uſe:

But Ile provide you one ſhall bear the name

Of Husband.

Conc.

Let him be honeſt, quiet.

Hil.

Of you own garb, ſay he be Melancolico.

And ſo Ile rid my ſelfe of Fanci's march.

Conc.

I care but for his ſhadow having Servants.

Hil.

Farewell Carnality.

(Ex. Hil.

Conc.

Hilario thinks

He took me, when alas twas my intent

The Boy ſhould overheare, and ſo become

If not a Husband, ſuch an Officer.

SCENA VII.

Enter to her Audax.

Au.

What's here? Concupiſcence?

Conc.

Nor ſtare, nor ſtartle;

As I hope to look ſaire, I'm nothing chang'd

In minde or body. No where, but in habit.

Au.

And why in This?

Conc.

O for Variety.

Fancy permits all change. This dreſſe ſometimes

Pleaſes the Courtier better then his Ladies.

Au.

Is it but ſo? come then my Paphian drum,

I'le brace the cloſe.

Conc.

Soft Sir, you march too feircely.

I have a task which firſt you muſt perform;

I fear you will not do't; you do not love

me;

Promiſe me firſt; the task I can aſſure you,

Befitts your Valour, and will pay it ſelfe.

Au.

Is it to kill the Queen, that thou mayſt reign?

Conc.

No, nor her maide; thou ſhalt but uſe her kindly.

Au.

Speak plain, be bold.

Conc.

Then thou ſhalt raviſh Fuga.

She twits me with my Servants, Favours, Lookes,

My Words, and ſcapes: in This you bear a ſhare.

If this to me bring ſhame, you are not free.

Au.

Is this your heavy task? no more but This?

OnelyOnly to raviſh? is not the work Reward?

Ile do't effectually; Her ſelfe ſhall thank me.

Conc.

But I'le outthank her far; Ile raviſh thee

With faſt embraces. Take this kiſſe in earneſt

Of future payment. Though I ſeeme a Veſtal,

To thee I'm Venus.

Au.

Venus, be ſecur'd.

(Ex. Au.

Conc.

Then, when her fruit ſhall ſwell, and I ſtand ſimpring,

Turn'd to a ſeeming Saint, O how Ile triumph

In grave reproofe and holy Admonition!

This 'tis to be too chaſt.—here come the Stagemen.

SCENA VIII.

Enter to her Malevolo, Irato, Memor.

Mal.

Sir you and we were acted at the Court.

We looſers are made laughing-ſtocks, and ſport

For open Stages.

Ir.

Tell my Sword the Author;

That it my write his doome upon his fleſh.

Mal.

This Creature can informe us.

Who I pray

Were your late witwrights in the Maſque?

Conc.

Hope pend it,

My Father Amorous (without Offence)

(Ex. Conc.

Contriv'd the Shew.

Mem.

This trick Malevolo

Was chiefly meant to you, becauſe your pen

Hath ſcourg'd the Stage.

Ir.

However Lord Irato

Shall act a red Cataſtrophe on Liveby:

(Ex. Ir. and Mem.

Mal.

Ile watch his haunt and hunt

him to his fall;

You Amorous too. This mirth of theirs at laſt

Shall cloſe their ſweetneſſe with an Aloed taſt.

Theſe once remov'd, who can be great but I;

Whoſe word ſhall ſway but mine? Then power is ſweet

When Rubs are made the ſtaires to mount our feet.

(Ex. Mal.

Finis Actus 3.

ACTVS IIII

SCENA I.

Enter Deſperato in a Phyſitians habit.

Deſp.

Whatever chang ſucceed, ſtill wretchedneſſe

My old inſeparable mate hangs on.

Therefore I ſeem ridiculous; my grief

Is others mirth; Malevolo ſayes I'm acted▪

Henceforth Ile finde new Company: ſince Fate

Barrs me from others happineſſe, Ile ſpread

My miſery to others; and Ile thrive

Meerely in ſpite, to make men miſerable.

This is my humour; 'tis begun already.

The Gold I took from Timerous, if queſtion'd,

I can defend; I took it in my humour;

And that's good law; I took it in a humour

Moſt deſperatly bent; and it hath made me

Such as men ſee, an able man for miſcheif;

Clad me in th' outſide of a myſtery,

Furniſh'd my ſhelves with Pots, with Boxes, Names,

Slight Medicines, and ſtrong Poyſons. Time hath been,

When I in War ſerv'd Death a Prentiſhip;

There learn'd to open Veynes, to lance and kill;

Now I am free o'th Trade; a Soldier then,

Phyſitian now; Ile do the ſelfe ſame work,

But now more Artificially.—

SCENA II.

Enter to him Melancholico.

Mel.

—The godly

… in diſtreſſe; the wicked, that uſurp

The Childrens right, do here grow fat and proſper:

Wherefore I thought of drowning. Verily

…uleſſe that Conſcientious Lawyer,

Good Memor, from rebought Impropriations,

Had thus deducted and diſtributed

The better part to us oppreſſed Brethren,

Affliction ſome, and ſome Devotion

Had brought me to deſpaire. Now Ile not ſee him.

Deſp.

Methinkes dejected Melancholico

Should prove fit Timber for my fatal work.

What, Melancholico? not know your friend,

Whoſe medci'nal skill cures Body, Minde, and State?

Truſt thou art not over lucky; art?

Do'ſt feel no miſery?

I thought ere this ſhould have had thy cuſtome.

Mel.

Verily

My ſickneſſe could but little cure your purſe.

Deſp.

It might have brought me practiſe howſoever,

And that's the onelyonly Fee of new profeſſours.

Mel.

But are you then indeed a true profeſſour,

And one of Us? Sooth I profeſſe ſincerity,

Deſp.

Hath not the ſame which caus'd ſincerity,

Caus'd a foule ſpleen? no Hypocondrick Vapours?

Mel.

For that a godly Lawyer gave me phyſick:

Deſp.

Then take it next from a Divine.

Mel.

That Lawyer

Firſt took it from Divines, then gave it me.

And I can give you counſel to your phyſick:

You have a faire advantage in mens ſickneſſe

To prick the Conſcience, and to let them know,

Their onelyonly way is to releive the Breren,

And … their ſtock of holy uſury

For new Plantations. You ſhall have a ſhare.

Deſp.

This is a verier rogue then I my ſelfe.

Mel.

And what I pray mov'd you to turn Phyſitian?

Deſp.

Want ſet me on, a booty ſet me up.

Now let me know of mutual curteſie,

What was your Dos?

Mel.

'Twill buy all yours; 'twas Gold.

Deſp.

Why then, thou'ſt run unto preſumption,

Not to deſpaire. I heare you are to marry;

Which if thou doſt, then thou wilt come to me,

For Ratsbane, Hensbane, ſome ſuch wholſome banes,

To cure thy bands of Matrimony.

Mel.

Hence.

(Ex. Deſp.

SCENA III.

Enter to him Hilario and Concupiſcence.

Hil.

Friend Melancholico,

How is't? Siſter, ſtand by a while. Methinks

Upon a ſudden you are grown brisk and cheereful,

Fit company for me, nay for a wife.

Mel.

You'l never leave your waggery and jeaſting.

" You call'd Peculiars rags of Popery.

Hil.

Sometimes you are too ſad and ſolitary:

Is this jeaſting? and ſolitarineſſe

Requires due Recreation; Is this jeaſting?

And Recreation much conſiſteth in

The yoak of a meet helper; you may call

This jeaſting too; but is't not ſport in earneſt?

Mel.

The Saints allow no ſport.

Hil.

Then love in earneſt.

You know you cannot well converſe with men;

Your lookes are indiſpos'd, your language ſparing,

Your manners different. But to a woman

A long Parentheſis of buſi'd ſilence

Does paſſing well. Then in her company

You have a world, and none to contradict.

And in her Ear you may reform the Church,

Or purg the State, as ſafe, as if you ſpake

Ʋnto the Aire or whiſper'd to your ſelfe,

For ſo ſhe is. Think on a wife.

Mel.

No wife.

Hil.

Then on a ſpouſe.

Mel.

Now you ſay ſomewhat.

Hil.

Now.

He'l marry words not ſubſtance. The word whore

Would have ſpoil'd all. This blockhead ſuites with me

As froſt with fire. But for your ſake Ile thaw him.

Mel.

Have you not injur'd that fair promiſing Siſter

By leaving her alone?

Hil.

She meditates.

Mel.

She walketh gravely, turns her eye devoutly.

Hil.

The white's pure, the black as full of Adultery

As thou art of Hypocriſie; ſhe harbours

A good conceit of you. Shall ſhe concive Further?

Mel.

If that her name be right.

Hil.

She was Concupiſcence, now call'd Temperance Siſter

This is your Husband whom I ſo commended.

Conc.

I chuſe not for my ſelfe.

Mel.

Siſter and Spouſe,

If ſo you pleaſe, our hands ſha'l us unite

Marches are made in Heaven; few words ſuffice

The Night conſummates. As for other rites

I hold them ſuperſtitious Ceremonies.

I had forgot her Portion.

Hil.

She's a widow,

He ſhew you her Eſtate.

Mel.

He firſt retire

And claſp her hand in zeale.

Conc.

my Lord and Bridegroome.

Hil.

The Divel and his Dam you are. Come Brother.

Mel.

Once more. I like your meditation,

But do not ſpend your ſelfe therewith too much.

(Ex. Hil. and Mel.

Conc.

Now I am double ſhelter'd in my hear,

With name of Husband, and this formal guiſe.

SCENA IIII.

Enter to her Audax.

Conc.

Now welcome Servant; have you won the Fort?

Au.

Hell take her, ſhe's a man.

Conc.

A man?

Au.

Juſt ſo I found, ſcarce left him ſo.

Conc.

O you miſtooke. Sir Timerous is transform'd to wait at Court:

Twas Phanci's own device. O I could laugh.

Au.

I made him ſo much woman as to cry;

" Elſe I had made him woman with my Sword.

Conc.

Alas poor Timida.

Au.

The thing ſo trembled,

No leafe nor ague like him.

Conc.

Ha ha ha.

Au.

Did you intend to put this trick upon me?

Conc.

No by the kiſſes which ſhall ſatisfie

Thy height forthwith, and pay thy errour full.

Beſides I'm ſatisfied with this miſtake

As well as with the right. Aſperſion

Shall blot the name of Fuga full as much.

SCENA V.

Enter to them Sir Tim. as Timida. After a while Fuga, alike dreſs'd.

Au.

What's this? the He or She?

Conc.

No matter which.

Au.

If it be ſhe, I'le raviſh her; if he,

Then thou ſhalt do't.

Conc.

Neither▪ tis done enough.

Au.

Tim hath a fine time on't.

Conc.

Come, you have a better.—

Tim.

Is this to be a woman? O I could teare,

(Ex. Conc. & Au.

As timerous as I am, my lawnes to rags,

And ſcratch my face, and ſtick my heart with pins,

Or ſtreight turn valiant. Wud my Fuga knew,

What ſhe hath ſcap'd through me.

And here ſhe comes.

(Enter Fuga.

O Fuga, female habit and ſtrang ſufferings

Have lent me tongue enough. Now I can ſpeake;

And boldly ſay I have deſerved your love.

Fug.

Wherein Sir Lady?

I Tim.

Now in this your habit ſav'd you from a hideous raviſhing. Audax with whom I ſhould have fought, came on me

With love more rude then rage, blaſted my face

With breath like brimſtone, turn'd my limbs like twigs;

I live by miracle.

Fug.

You came too neere

Uuto a Sex from which you ſhould keep further.

Tim.

Shall I not then be neer and dear unto you?

Fug.

Experience tells you what a boyſtrous thing

Tis to be ruffled by a man.

Tim.

Still ſo? Why I have been a woman for thy ſake;

I hear within theſe weedes a minde as tender,

White skin, blew veines, and armes as ſoft as thine.

Fug.

But ſtill you are a man, and I ſtill Fuga.

Tim.

Nothing can merit love from peviſhneſſe.

What ſhall I do? I'le ſtreight turn man again,

And ſuffer for my ſelfe. Farewel coy woman,

Ungrateful, and unwiſe. My raviſhment

Is fairely paſt, but yours may be the next.

How ere when I appear my ſelfe, the noiſe

Of what is paſt will light upon your name.

I bore the loathſome ſuffering for thee,

Now ſhalt thou bear the foule reproach for me.

(Ex. Tim.

Fug.

Much I was overſeen, too much extreamely;

I could run after him; but if he turn

I ſhall run back again. O I am loſt;

My Honour, Safety, and perhaps ſome liking,

All theſe are loſt, with theſe I'm loſt, loſt Fuga.

SCENA VI.

Enter to her Amorous.

Am.

This change of State gaines me ſmall perfect pleaſure.

Meer meditation on Morphe's beauty

Will not ſuffice. Come Fuga, ſince thy Ocean

Cannot be miniſh'd by ſome drops, give freely

What Audax forc'd.

Fug.

That I am miſerable

Is't not enough, unleſſe I bear more burdens

Of common ſcorn, or (which is worſe) true ſtayning?

Good Sir, of all the Paſſions you are gentleſt;

Though you eſteem me light, which I am not,

Yet take ſome weight unto your ſelfe. Conſider

That after this you cannot worthy be

Of Morphe, never woe with confidence.

Am.

Thus ſtill a Female Sermon puts me by,

And I gain nothing by my Liberty.

Once more I ask.

Fug.

Once was too much before.

Am.

Once more.

Fug.

Firſt kill me.

Am.

Then to make you quick

Is paſt my cunning.

(Ex. Amorous.

SCENA VII.

Enter Hilario, Concupiſcence, after a while Melancholico.

Hil.

Joy to you Madam Fuga, you know why.

(Ex. Hil.

Conc.

If I could give you Joy of what I loath,

And you delight in, this if I could do

Without a ſin, I would.

Fug.

Is falſe report

Worſe then true guilt? how i'ſt this filthy Strumpet

Lookes like a Saint, and I as foule as hell?

Conc.

Lady, an Eye refin'd ſees more then dull ones,

And Holineſſe far clearer then Uncleaneſs.

I wonder what looſe words and actions

Have paſs'd from you, to give incouragment

To the kind raviſher; for I have heard

None can be raviſh'd without ſome conſent.

Be humbled, know you fault, live chaſter Lady.

(Enter Mel.

Fug.

Sure I ſhould think I'm guilty.

Mel.

Out upon thee.

Fie Temperance, what here? wilt thou have Eggs

And rotten Oranges flung at thee too?

What can you chuſe no other company

But this lewde, crack'd abominable peice?

Conc.

You ſee your company is ſcandalous,

I muſt take leave.

(Ex. Mel. & Conc.

Fug.

If there be any power

To ſee and judge, I challeng his aſſiſtance.

What have I done, unleſſe too ſtedfaſt coyneſſe

Be now accounted looſeneſſe? what's my Crime,

That ſuch a general ſtorme of loude diſgrace

Conſpires to bear down Innocence? Hold heart,

Hold my weake ſpirits: for if this continue

I ſhall grow deſperate.—

SCENA VIII.

Enter to her Malevolo.

Fug.

—Pitty me Father,

My name is ſtain'd beyond all patience.

Sir Timerous having fooliſhly put on

My ſhape; in ſtead of me was rudely raviſh'd

By bluſtring Audax. The reproach is mine.

You know a darkſome cloud can much obſcure

The face of water though as pure as Chriſtal.

Mal.

Audax ſhall rue this baſe attempt, whoſe ſhadow

Blots your opinion, and portends more danger

Unto your Perſon. Caſt your cares on me.

Fug.

I may communicate, not caſt them off.

(Ex Fug.

Mal.

I thought to uſe him in a bold deſign

Gainſt Liveby, and I will; 'tis dangerous

Unto himſelfe. If combat raine one,

Vengeance perſues the other: thus Ile make

The vanquiſh'd and the victor both my prey,

And whilſt they fight, my ſelfe ſhall win the day.

SCENA IX.

Enter by him Irato and Audax quarreling.

Ir.

What, you that Office? know your turn; give place

Firſt to your betters. You be General?

Au.

Yes I. And know, that whilſt I hold a Sword

To prove my worth, the Sun beholds none better.

Neither your Lordſhip nor Controwlerſhip

Can daſtard me.

Ir.

But I ſhall teach you diſtance.

Au.

Make me draw back one inch, and gain this place,

Then thou gain'ſt That. Be calmer good Irato.

Ir.

Unwing the Lightning, ſtop Araxes floods,

Then mayeſt thou ſtop my wrath, and guard thy ſelfe

Againſt my ſtroke.

Mal.

Hold, hold; what means this Fury?

May I be Umpire in your difference?

Au.

Know it you may; this feirce and haughty Lord

Croſſes my aime, and ſtands Competitour

For what he underſtands not, to be General.

Ir.

Not underſtand? give way Malevolo.

Au.

You may be fit to quarrel in a Tavern,

But not to lead an Army.

Ir.

Give me ſcope;

Unleſſe thou wouldſt be broach'd on the ſame blade,

And coupled plung in Styx; open the way.

Mal.

Why would you ſeek this Office?

Ir.

Cauſe I ſcorn

That any man ſhould be prefer'd before me.

Mal.

And why would you?

Au.

Becauſe I can do ſervice;

And would gain honour, equal unto His.

Mal.

There's yet no Army levi'd, there's no cauſe,

But doubtful Rumour.

Au.

When there is, Ile lead it.

Mal.

Yes, both alike; while you contend for ſhadows, Liveby will bear the ſubſtance from you both.

Rid him, then you may talk.

Au.

What ſayes Irato?

Ir.

Agreed.

Mal.

Then you ſhall take him now in th' Evening,

Comming from Intellectus: there's his haunt,—

(Ex. Ir. & Au.

Now try your fury on a third; for I

Stanch'd not this combat out of love, but hate,

To turn them hot, and mad, on Liveby's blood;

That done, meet ſeas again; I'le be no Iſthmus;

But ſpur their heat, and clap them on the ſhoulder.

For I my ſelfe firſt rais'd this bruite of war,

For fuel of ſome new commotion;

Which luckily takes fire betwixt theſe two.

SCENA X.

Enter by him Amorous and Muſitian. Then Morphe.

Mal.

Now Amorous; you ſit in Fortunes lap,

Your Miſtreſſe ſits in yours; you ſpend your dayes

In Honour, and Delight.

Am.

I ſhall the more,

If with your liking.

Mal.

Mine? I am your Theme

For mirth at Court; one of your Hobby-horſes: And glad of ſuch perferment; but I'le daſh

And poyſon your ſweet delicates.

Am.

Your hate (Ex. Mal. Shall not break off my Scene of Love.

Stand there,

And ſend thy notes like ſhafts through Morphe's Eare.

Muſitian Sings.

Sweet Morphe lend a feeling eare

To the ſoft ſtraines wherein I bear

My ſoul, and ſigh it out to thee

Compos'd of ſweeter harmony;

With one kind word or ſmile

Reprive the man a while,

Who life doth crave

Thy print to ſave,

And feares to make his breaſt, thy Pictures grave.

Mor.

(Above) Why do you trouble both your ſelfe and me,

With ſuch fond circumſtance of open wooing?

Am.

I'm glad at any rate to hear your voice,

Though ſent in chiding. But my deareſt Morphe,

I have a buſineſſe to you from the Queen,

Beſides mine own.

Mor.

This you pretend to wrong me.

Though I be loyal, yet my loyalty

Ought not to make me Traytor to my ſelfe.

Am.

If I be falſe or any way immodeſt,

Accuſe and ſhun me.

Mor.

Shall I then believe you?

Am.

Adde to that curſe a greater if you can,

And may it fall upon me.

Mor.

Well, I come.

(Mor. deſcends.

Am.

Now having liberty to act my will,

No Law but this vain curſe to hold me in,

How ſhall I bear my ſelf?

Mor.

What wills the Queen?

Am.

She calls you to her company at Court.

She wants your privacy; you likewiſe want

Her publick preſence: O you wrong your beauty

By ſhutting ſuch a Jewel from the gaze

Of ſolemne adoration.

Mor.

Pray excuſe me;

If I have beauty, let me keep it well.

The various Faſhions, and new Fancies there,

In the opinion of us plainer beauties,

Do but Sophiſticate the Elements

Of native Colour, and diſtort the lines

Of proper figure. What ſhould I do there?

Say I am ſickly, as this newes hath made me.

Farewell Sir Amorous.

Am.

Nay, tis not modeſty

But blunt ſtupidity to part ſo ſoon.

May I not walk and take you by the arme,

And paſſe a faire diſcourſe? what hurt in This?

May I not feed my ſpirits with the aire

That fans your cheekes? lighten mine eye from yours?

Is this immodeſt?

Mor.

Hark.

Am.

'Tis the claſh of weapons.

SCENA. XI.

Enter Live by hope perſued by Audax and Irato They ſpeed him and paſs along.

Liv.

Help Amorous, help.—O—it comes too late.

Am.

Ignoble Swords, and bloody butcherers!

Who would believe that two ſuch Hercules

Should joyn againſt a ſingle Hylas thus.

It was not manly.—Morphe—O my life!

(Mor. Sownes.

This hideous ſight hath ſtruck her gentle ſpirits

With frighted numneſſe. Water, ſpirits, help.—

Enter Mus. and out again

Out ſtrip the wind, fly for a Phyſitian.—

I'le rub her Temples, rouze her by the name

Which ſhe beſt knows: Morphe.

Liv.

O!

Am.

Life there appears;

Is there none here? how ſhould I ſave them both?

Help there, 'tis but a Sowne. I feele ſome breath.

I'le bear her hence.—O that my armes might claſp

(Ex. Am

Her living thus, and willing.—

SCENA XII.

Enter Intellectus Agens.

Int.

—Hence did thrill

That peircing noiſe. What's here? ſee falſe mine eyes!

Poor Liveby ſlaine? then for thy Soveraignes favour

Thou diedſt a Martyr.

Liv.

O, Intellectus help.

Int.

He ſpeaks; ther's hope of life. If Art can ſave

A thrid ſo mangled, thus Ile bear thee to't.

Although my breaſt have us'd to bear it's burden

(Ex. Int. bearing Liv.)

Within, and not without.—

Am.

(above)—Looke carefully

Unto your Lady. Let the Phyſitan

Firſt ſpeak with me.—Now to my ſecond loade.—

(He deſcends.)

What? vaniſh'd? I have heard of walking ghoſts,

Never of walking carcaſſes. Then ſurely

The Murderers have drag'd him hence. His blood

Will riſe upon their cheekes; and it ſhall ſpeak

Lowd on my Tongue.—

SCENA XIII.

Enter by him Fancie in a Turbant, Fuga, after a while Muſitian, Deſperato.

Fan.

—Now in my Turkiſh Turbant

I walk to find Sir Amorous in his heaven.

Be not ſo deeply diſcontented Fuga.

Fug.

Unleſſe you cleare me openly, I die.

Fan.

I finde you Amorous ſomewhat neare your Center.

Your Morphe fitteſt is to be a Queen.

I go to waite on her, and fetch her home

With me.

Am.

Sweet Soul (that's all ſhe is by this)

I cannot tell you in what world ſhe is,

Nor where I am my ſelfe.

Fan.

And why?

Am.

She's dying,

Frighted with ſuch a diſmal accident,

That when I tell it, I much fear your highneſſe

Will be as weak as ſhe.

Fan.

Speak, I am arm'd.

Where's Livebyhope?

Am.

The ſame I faine would know:

Laſt when I ſaw him, he was laid for dead.

Fan.

How dead?

Am.

Tis ſo. Juſt now: not far from hence,

Two bloody Villaines, Audax and Irato,

Perſued and ſped him with two mortal wounds.

I ran to help; Morphe fell in a Sownd;

I bore her hence; mean while his Corps were gone.

Fan.

I am perplext beyond my power of bearing.

My arme is lopt, my Kingdom is all tumult▪

The Paſſions taking vantage of my Law,

Follow their humours to their mutual ruine;

Enter Mus. with Deſp. Am. ſeems to talk with him.

And run like Veſſels till they quite run out.

Am.

Mix ſome ingredient to excite her Love.

Doctor, thou ſhalt be rich,

Deſp.

I'le fit you all.

Morphe for phyſick ſends, Malevolo

Hath purchas'd me long ſince to give her poyſon;

Sir Amorous buyes a Love-pill: I my ſelfe,

Ev'n I, that will be Maſter in concluſion,

Intend to mix them all: then fight confuſion.

(Ex. Deſp.

SCENA XIIII.

Enter to them Audax and Irato, at length Malevolo ſecretly.

Au.

Pleaſes your highneſſe to decide by choice,

Or leave it to our Swords, who ſhall be General?

Fan.

Then I am bound to honour one of them

For their good ſervice. Bloodhounds, have ye murder'd

One worth you both? and dare to ask reward

Of me? of me ſo wrong'd? So both will joine

In mutual revenge, and fall together,

Fight for't.

Ir.

Fond Queen, what if our rage proceed,

To hew Sir Amorous for telling this,

You for diſtaſting? all will be but humour.

Au.

Then give us not occaſion to proceed.

Fan.

Proceed, I pray you, do. Lo, here's my breaſt.

Tent it; to finde the greife which I conceive

For Livebys Death, and your more horrid Lives.

What, have ye ſurfeited with blood? good Amorous,

Do't thou, do't ſtreight: what theſe refuſe as Rebels,

Do as a Friend. Kill me, but kill me gently,

With ſome ſad ſtraine under this ſpreading Oake.

Am.

I hope 'twill eaſe not kill you.

Sing of Venus.

(Muſitian Sings.

Once Venus cheekes that ſham'd the morn

Their hue let fall;

Her lipps, that Winter had out born,

In June look'd pale:

Her heat grew cold, her nectar dry.

No juyce ſhe had but in her eye,

The wonted fire and flames to mortifie.

When was this ſo diſmal ſight?

When Adonis bad good night.

(Ex. Muſ.

Fan.

The ſame which turn'd her beauty, turns my Fancy,

Alas poor Liveby.—What dee mean to thruſt?

Fie what a preſſe is here? ſtand off; for I

Am but a Cloud: your Elbowes peirce me through;

Your hot and angry breaths will ſtreight diſſolve me.

(Enter Malevolo ſecretly.

And I ſhall crack into a ſhowre of Teares.

Am.

Alas ſhe's crak'd indeed, the

Queen's diſtemper'd.

Fan.

Do you not ſee, and hear a Lamb there bleating?

Pray kill him not, he bears the head of Liveby.

Au.

In a mad world what uſe of place? what buſineſſe?

Ir.

Now had I any anger left, I'd ſhred

That Fidler into Atomes.

Au.

O, I'm ſtruck

(Plague on Malevolo that fets us on!)

I'm ſtruck at heart with leaden heavineſſe!

Ir.

I feele my veines now curdled; what ſucceſſe

But Horror of this Fact?

Mal.

I ſee and hear

(Ex. Ir. & Au.

Enough to grate me. O that plotts well laid

(Ex. Mal.

Should thus be daſh'd and foyld.—

SCENA XV.

Enter Melancholico with a Petition, after him Sir Timerous in mans habit.

Mel.

—That naughty Boy Hilario hath match'd me to the Divel.

Hell flames are in her; ſhe hath ſtuck a brand

" Into my bones; I ſue for juſt divorcement.

Am.

Did not you ſnuffle till you match'd my Daughter?

Peace, or you'l ſhame your ſelfe.

Fan.

A pretty Picture, Here's Day and Night united in one peice;

Look here a Swan, look there a foule black Raven.

Tim.

Juſtice great Queen againſt a multitude.

Am.

That's hard to be obtain'd.

Tim.

Againſt Irato, Tilario, Deſperato, Audax:

Some beat, ſome cheate, ſome rob, ſome raviſh me.

Fan.

What ſaiſt? Go on and ſtill that howling kennel.

I know you well, for all you are a Torteſſe,

And have liv'd like a frog in diverſe Elements.

Of what Gender are you? Go learn of Protens

How to do tricks. If you be dull and blockiſh,

You muſt be beaten. Come to me for Juſtice?

Judge one another, or get you all to Liveby.

Tim.

He's in his grave.

Fan.

And therefore get ye to him.

Tim.

No doing's here: I'm gone.

Mel.

And I: but whither?

Ex. Tim. & Mel.

Fan.

No Amorous, Liveby ſleeps, but Morphe's dead.

Am.

Heaven help you Lady.

Fan.

But I can ſoon reſtore her.

" Take you the ſent of a Travellers toes,

" The ſneeze of a Sleeper freſh from his noſe;

" The fat of a Frier well fed with faſting,

" The lean of a Drunkard conſum'd with taſting;

" The juyce of a Lemmon tha's civil at ſeaſons,

" Twelve dancing Capers, ten lunatick Reaſons;

" Two dying notes of an ancient Swan,

" Three Sighes a thouſand years kept if you can:

" Some ſcrapings of Giges his Ring may paſſe,

" With the skin of a Shadow caught in a glaſſe;

" Six peny worth of Thoughts untold,

" The jelly of a Star before it be cold;

" One ounce of Courtſhip from a country-Daughter,

" A grain of Wit, and a quart of Laughter.

" Boyle theſe on the Fire of Zeal or of Luſt,

" With ſome beech Coales, leaſt the Veſſel buſt.

" If you can get theſe Ingredients, I'e compound them for you.

" Then when ſhe is perfectly recovered, ſhe ſhall be married

In rich cloth of Rainbow lac'd with Sun-beames.

Am.

I hope Deſperato hath given her other Phyſick.

Fan.

Deſperato? is he her Phyſitian?

Since hope is dead, we all muſt to deſpair.

SCENA XVI.

Enter Model bringing a meſſage.

Mod.

Pardon the meſſenger if he relate

What he could wiſh were falſe. Morphe once was:

But after phyſick brought by Deſperato,

Raging and crying Amorous, She died.

Fan.

Lo now, believe your Cybill next.

Ex. Fan. Fug. Mod.—

Am.

—If madneſs

Be now ſo near allied to prophecy,

I ſhall grow Prophet too. What angry Star

Thus frownes on all the Paſſions, moſt on me?

Ere ſince Prudentius dayes, we onelyonly toil'd

In wretched mazes of confuſion,

Miſcheif, and diſcontent. I have not paſs'd

One hour in thoſe delights whereof I dream't;

And now the object of my happineſſe

Is clean extinct. But how? O there's the torment!

My torment's doubled through my ſelfe the cauſe.

Curs'd be my heedleſſe Love, which not content

With likely hopes, with honeſt wayes of wooing,

The wayes to long injoyning, headlong ran

To arts forbid. She had ſuch Innocence

Ev'n in her body, Temper ſo unforc'd,

That violent mixtures tending but to Love

To her were poyſons. Yet methinks, ſometimes,

There's Death in Deſperato's looks; perchance

He's divel in his dumps, as I in luſt.

Where ſhall we finde the bottom of our woe,

Who but on Paſſion have no ground to go!

Ex. Am.

Finis Actus IIII.

ACTVS V

SCENA I.

The Scene turnes to the houſe of Deſpair. A Table there laid.

Enter Deſperato.

Deſp.

Grow blacker yet my thoughts, grow blacker yet:

Your Plummets have not fadom'd the full depth

Of Paſſions miſery. I have invited them;

But I muſt chang their Cheere; and make it ſtronger

Then food and bare diſcourſe. I onelyonly live

For others-death, and then I'le fill the heap

With mine own ruine: rather with mine eaſe:

For now the Paſſions flow like ſhoales of Fiſh

Into my net; they ſue to me for Counſel;

Ev'n to me; whoſe joy is in their death.

Juſt ſo the fearful Deere perſu'd with dogs,

Flies to the keepers lodg, a ſurer Fate.

To poyſon is dull art; my ſelfe am ſorry

For doing ill ſo poorly; my deſign

Is now more glorious; for I'le make them act

Their death upon themſelves, aud thank me for't

Amidſt their groanings. There have been with me

Fancie herſelfe, diſtracted for her Liveby;

Irato, Audax for maſſacring him;

Sir Timerous and Fuga for impatience

Of their abuſe. Unleſſe Recorder Memor

Skil'd in the Law, have wayes to ſcape my Nooſe,

I doubt of none. I've bid them to a Feaſt;

But ſuch a one, as Tantalus would ſhun;

Where I ſhall feed on all the gueſts that come.

SCENA II.

Enter Sir Amorous.

Am.

Black Deſperato, did I lay two thrids

Upon thy ſpindle? haſt thou cut them both,

Morphe's and mine?

Deſp.

Why Sir, I mix'd your Philtre.

Am.

She lives not me to love nor to be lov'd.

Didſt thou mix nothing elſe?

Deſp.

You know ſometimes

That Death and Cupid do miſtake their ſh…es:

Had I mix'd Poyſon too and ſerv'd two humours,

Both mine and yours, it might be well digeſted.—

Am.

If I had not a dear requeſt unto thee,

To give me of the ſame, I would exact

Thy life for hers, however it was ſpilt.

Deſp.

If I had not deſign'd to kill ſome others

Out of meer kindneſſe, thou ſhoulſt try my skill

Of letting blood as well as giving phyſick.

But ſince I owe thee kindneſſe out of hate,

Come to my Banquet, thou ſhalt have thy ſawce.

There thou ſhalt meet thy friend Malevolo,

Who ſhar'd in this, and gave as much for Poyſon

As you did for your Philtre. I dealt honeſtly,

And pleaſur'd Both. Come, thou ſhalt have thy ſawce.

Am.

Divel, I thank thee.—

(Ex. Am.

SCENA III.

Enter Malevolo.

Deſp.

—Now▪ Malevolo.

Mal.

To hate was ſtill my hony. But this gall

Of being hated totally of all,

I cannot bear: for now I cannot hurt,

Having no Credit. Give me from thy ſtore

A dram of Poyſon. I have been thy friend,

Let it be ſtrong.

Deſp.

Firſt ſhake hands you muſt

With all the Paſſions, or at leaſt make ſhew

Of formal reconcilement: ſtay a while,

My Gueſts and Cheer are coming.—

SCENA IIII.

Enter to them Irato, Audax.

Ir.

—Have we found

This monſter here? we'l ſend thy ugly ſoul

Unto her fellow Feinds for tempting us.

Mal.

I prompted you to kill. Were not you ready

To do as bad as I could ſay? Meane while

I turn'd you from deſtroying one another.

Au.

Twas for thine one black Ends.

Mal.

And ſay it was:

Might not I hate, as well as you might kill?

My humour was as lawful.

Au.

Hadſt thou kept it

Home to thy ſelfe.

Mal.

I labour not excuſe,

But accuſation of your equal Crimes.

Deſp.

He ſayes the right; and hoſpitality

Doth now require, ye ſhould deferr your Broyles.

(Ex. Deſp.

SCENA V.

Enter to them Fancie in the Tiremans Coronet, hair disſheveld, in black and Silver habit. Fuga, Amorous, Timerous.

Fan.

Sir, here's a Crown, (and tis the worſt of mine)

Not to be match'd in all the globe of heaven

Now ſhall I feed upon Ambroſia?

Moſt diveliſhly. What gods are theſe two Mars-es?

Am.

Hell is broke looſe; here are more Feinds then two.

Fug.

It ſhames me to look up; through griefe I cannot.

Tim.

Wud I could die a ſleep in ſome darke hole

Unknown unto my ſelfe and all the world.

Am.

Malevolo, th' art damn'd.

Mal.

How know you that?

Am.

And thou muſt ſinke to hell now inſtantly

For killing Morphe. Thou ſhalt drink the ſame

That very Poyſon.

Mal.

Wel, ſo you'l begin.

SCENA VI.

Enter Hilario before Melancholico and Concupiſcence, brought in a Sedan.

Hil.

Now Siſter you are right: now you can ſnuffle

' As well a Melancolico. Care of fiction

" With help of ſomewhat elſe hath brought perfection.

" None come in Pomp but you: weakeneſſe is ſtately.

" Twere brave if theſe two beaſts that draw without

" And theſe two rotten carcaſſes within

' Made it not look ſo Cart-like. My clean couple,

If you would be divorc'd, there's none can do't

Like Deſperato; he can ſeperate

At a worlds diſtance; that ye ner'e ſhall meet

To clamour me or others, or your ſelves.

Fan.

A pretty kinde of Coach; one horſe before

And one behinde!

Am.

Horſes? why, theſe are Men.

Fan.

I ſee it now; it is the glaſſmans pack.

Have you good choice of Glaſſes, made in Figure

Of Guns and Trumpets, or of Rats and Owles?

Laſt time I ſaw the like, I bid a Gallant

Begin a health, and after break his glaſſe:

So did the reſt; but do not do ſo now,

Leaſt for a Glaſſe ſome ſhould miſtake a Lady.

Hil.

Femals are Venice mettle.

Am.

Theſe ſad men

Uſe to be ſumptuous in their Feaſts.

Hil.

And witty.

Tim.

I fear 'twill be too great.

Ir.

Too tedious.

Au.

Wellcome and bold I'le be.—

SCENA VII.

Enter Deſperato before his banquet ſerv'd in cover'd diſhes,

Deſp.

—Aerious Queen,

Here are no Phoenix eggs; had nature any,

You ſhould have ſome: and eggs ſublim'd with Amber

I thought too mean. I have not now ſelected

Rare filling meats, but rarely phyſical,

And ſwiftly curing all the maladies

Which time can throw upon the face of man.

Each diſh containes a general remedy,

Beyond th' Elixir, or the golden Liquour,

Though it were drunk in th' Antimonial Cup.

Open and try.

Am.

What's here? Knives, Bodkins, Daggers?

Mal.

Ropes, ſilken, hairy, hempen?

Tim.

Little papers,

Of witty, loving, raging, ſleeping poyſons?

Deſp.

There's Wine to temper them.

Hil.

So, where's the Wine?

I ſtill come ſomewhat merry to a Feaſt,

And ſtill go merrier back. This is my meſſe:

All this to all.

Fan.

Is this our entertainment?

Deſp.

Could Art invent, or Wealth procure you better?

The Greateſt, Wiſeſt, Stouteſt, and the faireſt

Have choſe theſe Cates to reliſh their laſt palats:

Have you not heard of Mithridates, Cato,

Of Hannibal, and Cleopatra? Theſe?

Theſe gods on earth have travl'd to their home

With ſuch proviſion. Taſt. One taſt of theſe

Forever frees from Hunger, Thirſt, Want, Griefe:

Theſe are receites for immortality.

Tim.

But through a mortal way.

Deſp.

That ſleeping Dos

Will ſteal thy fearful ſoul inſenſibly.

Tim.

Then that ſhall bear me hoodwink'd unto Lethe;

There I'le forget my wrongs.

Hil.

Manners however;

Firſt let the Queen begin. I broke that Rule

My ſelfe, and therefore m…m.—Well danc'd youd Scaffold.

He falls into a Chaire.

Deſp.

Theſe things the moſt of you deſir'd; All want,

Y'are wellcome all.

Hil.

No, no more I thank you.

Deſp.

Death to the wretched ſoul as needful is,

As ſleep unto the weary. Why ſhould men

Condemnd to miſery thus toile to mend

Their Fates which cannot alter?

Hil.

This Deſperate

What a gift he has! he never was at th' Univerſity;

Never took Orders, and yet lectures as good Divinity

As commonly we finde in moſt Dutch Syſtems

Or City-conventicles.

Deſp.

Pleaſes your Highneſſe

To chuſe and give the ſignal, that we all

May waite upon your dying.

Fan.

Reach me then

The witty poyſon.

Am.

Me the loving mixt;

That when I die, embracing her Idea,

My Soul may keep that print, and bear from hence

A heaven within me. He that ſtript of fleſh

And luſt ſtill loves, will ſhew true love indeed.

But you Malevolo ſhall take my part.

Mel.

My place in heaven is ſure; what need I haſt?

Yes, 'cauſe I live in hell.

Deſp.

Then take theſe banes

Mentioned before.

Hil.

Do; as good he poyſon thee

As thou elſe drown thy ſelfe.

Mel.

Poyſon I have too much,

Already, and in vain. Reach me your halter.

Hil.

Hoh hoh hoh; a halter? a dagger, he's ſo rotten,

He'l ne're hold hanging. Now for my part, ſleep

Kills me ſufficiently; Ile die before hand.

Conc.

In luſt I liv'd with man; to kill that ſin

Lend me that ponyard, ſo I'le manly die.

Fug.

This Bodkin is my husband; this alone

Shall know my fleſh, and finde I was a Virgin.

Au.

Come joyn Irato, as we liv'd lets hang,

Two nooſes and one rope will ſerve us both.

Ir.

Tis a dogs death, and therefore not unfit.

Hil.

Hoh hoh hoh.

Mal.

Choice I neglect whatever can diſpatch

Loath'd life is ſweet. My hate would faine turn home,

But cannot: Still me thinks I feele content

In ſeeing ſuch a fruitful race of miſcheife,

Becauſe it ſprung from me. If Fancies madneſſe

Had not unhing'd the courſe of my deſign,

And brought remedileſſe confuſion

On all the Paſſions here at once; unſeen

Beloved and honor'd, I with Art and Pleaſure

Had done what Deſperato does by chance.

He onelyonly held the Net; I hunted in

The ſtore of game: The praiſe is mine. And now

I die not with remorſe of hate, but want

Of objects to be hated. Thus the worme

Having conſum'd the Orb wherein it liv'd,

Doth laſtly turn its hunger on it ſelfe.

Should I ſurvive I could not finde more work,

Unleſſe I learn,d to pitty what is done.

That's worſe then death.

Deſp.

When I have rid you all,

If I ſlink off let all the world beſides

Fling ſtones. In ſuch good company to fall,

Muſt needs be lightſome. And before out death

A Hymne is neceſſary. Then ſing good Fellow.

An Attendant ſings in a baſe.

Come heavy ſouls oppreſſed with the weight

Of Crimes, or Pangs, or want of your delight,

Come down in Lethe's, ſleepy lake

Whatever makes you ake.

Drink health from poyſon'd bowles

Breathe out your cares together with your ſouls.

Cool Death's a ſalve

Which all may have

There's no diſtinction in the grave;

Lay down your loads before deaths iron dore,

Sigh, and ſigh out, groan once, and groan no more.

SCENA VIII.

Enter towards the end of the ſong Intellectus Agens with a book. Livebyhope and Morphe.

Au.

Ha! thou com'ſt to challeng: but thou art ſpirit,

I cannot wound thee. Stay ſome few ſhort minutes,

Till I have quite undreſs'd me of my fleſh;

And ſtand on equal termes, then I will fight.

Elſe if thou canſt, kill me; and take my fleſh;

Then I'le kill thee again. Thus o're and o're

Wel'l kill each other and be ghoſts by turnes.

Ir.

My anger is not high: I onelyonly gueſſ

He comes to ſhew the way to following ghoſts.

Fan.

I gave him once a houſe, my moſt remote,

Perchance 'tis in Elyſium, he invites me.

Am.

But Morphe ſtands as if ſhe bid me come

Like a clear ſpirit fitly to ſalute her.

Mal.

Why ſhould that ſight fling Ice into this heart?

Tim.

and Fug. O horrid!

Deſp.

Come what will, I can but die.

Mal.

Hath this ſhrewd Scholer conjur'd up theſe ghoſts?

Int.

I ſee you are amazd; the ſnares of death

Are tangled on your hands: you think theſe ſights

A pair of ghoſts; feel, and when you feel them

True fleſh, alive and warme, next you muſt know

They are a token ſent from Prudentius.

Am.

How? from Prudentius? hath he rais'd the dead

And wretched both at once? and ſent me Morphe?

Fan.

And giv'n me hope again? a dainty ſhow,

Who'ere contriv'd it.

Am.

Be thou ſhade or ſubſtance,

Since thou appear'ſt in ſuch a lovely ſhap,

My ſoul I'e mingle with thine airy hand,

And ſtrive to ſuck from thence the hated poyſon.

But ſoft, I may do raſhly.

Int.

Know once more,

Theſe are not ghoſts, nor ever were; but live

Preſerv'd with care, and ſent with love from him,

Whom ye refus'd, your King Prudentius.

Am.

By heav'n, true fleſh and warme.

Fan.

Why ſpeaks not Hope If he have breath?

Ir.

Speak: free us from thy blood,

For which we have been angry with our ſelves.

Au.

Speak, if thou canſt, thou muſt.

Liv.

I fear'd to ſtartle

Unſettled heads with unexpected ſpeech.

High Miſtreſſe, your diſtracted griefe for me

Had almoſt kill'd me when I was recover'd.

Fan.

I am recover'd by this voice.

Then tell me

Thy preſervation.

Liv.

Audax and Irato

Know how they left me.

Au.

Kill us for amends:

Liv.

Alas your death's would profit me no more

Then mine could you: but gracious Intellectus

Found and releiv'd me, while Sir Amorous

Carri'd in Morphe.

Int.

Him I took up gaſping

Temper'd like Ice before it thaw and crack,

In ſuch a glimmering ſtate of doubtful life.

As Candles have before they blaze and vaniſh.

Mal.

Theſe ropes will all be mine.

Int.

And her I ſav'd.

By looking on her mixt and poyſnous phyſick.

The ſimples I extracted, and gave out

The ſame effect which likely would have follow'd.

Am.

Pardon my fault, I nothing mixt but love,

Thoſe villaines added poiſon.

Mor.

Heav'n forgive

As I forgive you all.

Am.

Give me ſome poyſon, (Int. Liv. and Mor. ſtay him. You ſtay me too?

Mor.

Although I love thee not

Beyond an honeſt man, I cannot ſee

Thee die neglected.

Hil.

What a coile is here

With ghoſts? I cannot take my reſt for ghoſts.

People, y'ar wellcome to this world. How fare

My fellow ſleepers, ghoſts, your Countrymen.

Int.

Thank not my care for this, but thank Prudentius;

Ask not what Genius ſent me to releive

Expiring Hope, it was Prudentius:

Ask not what ſtar compell'd my timely viſit

Of Morphe poyſon-trap'd, it was Prudentius.

From him proceeds their preſervation;

And yours in them. Snatch'd from the jawes of death

As lights blown in again you live through him.

This is your caſt-away, your droſſe, Prudentius.

Ir.

I think we wrong'd him in our heedleſſe anger.

Au.

And yet his love ſeems payment for deſert.

Fan.

How ſhall I rule this craz'd and tottring State?

Mal.

I ſmell in what half point the wind is turning.

One breath will carry all the Paſſions

Back to Prudentius ſailes. Now for a fetch.

Well, I'le prevent them all. Call back Prudentius,

(alowde)

Let's ſue to him for grace.

Au.

Call back Prudentius.

(alowde)

Mal.

Tis quickly done. If this way lead to peace

I opend it; but ſtill I would ſtand ſafer.

Audax, you have a Drum. Now do not you

And Lord Irato end your buſineſſe ſneaking.

Fan.

Liveby you kept the Crownes: go with him Amorous,

Carry his own: I ne're eſteem'd the Golden.

I can be Queen alone, and govern ſubjects.

Of mine own making; more, then Kings can muſter

Or Earth bring forth.

Am.

I'le take Recorder Memor

To lay our ſute in form. Then on our knees

We'l beg to ſerve him ſo, ev'n ſo forever.

Hil.

Come, to our old new Sun.

Int.

He's in his Court;

And now me thinks his preſence guilds the walls.

(Ex. Int. Liv. Am.

Mel.

Though weak we'l go along.

Conc.

Weake legs can kneel.

Deſp.

This peice of mine own banquet le aſſume

And walk in penance of a ſolemn halter.

(Ex. Om. preter. Mal.

Mal.

Ile go ſome neerer way, and recompence

My forward breach with much more forward duty.

For this Event ſpun out by Intellectus

Makes me think honeſty may weigh with cunning.

Some ſheep, ſome Fox will make a perfect man.

Howe're, me thinkes, theſe Sword-men might compound

Our Peace in Armes, and plead with violence.

SCENA. IX.

The Scene returns to Prudentius his Court.

Enter one way Prudentius, Memor with the Crown, Intellectus, Livebyhope, Amorous with the Sword. By another way Malevolo ſoon after.

Mem.

Without a Seizin no poſſeſſion.

Your Crown is undefil'd, untouch'd.

Pru.

Place thou

The world in my ballance, place in theirs

All Levity, then weigh them both. Next tell me

How ended thoſe commotions which aroſe

Betwixt the third King Henry and his Rebells?

Mem.

He ſentenc'd his Metropolis to flames

Their goods to his Exchequer, and their lives—

Pru.

No more. Should I do ſo? do not I know

What doomes have paſs'd upon untruſty

Lawyers?—

Mem.

I Sink before your mercy, be't like Henries.

Mal.

Kneeling is but a Subjects Complement. I ſink.

Am.

And I.

(a Drum.)

Mal.

we might have ſtay'd to hear What means this Drum.

SCENA X.

Enter Irato, Audax.

Au.

—We have deſcri'd a Fleet;

And therefore call'd to armes.

Ir.

Submiſſively

We proſtrate our repentance with a ſute,

That I and Audax may decide in Duel

Who ſhall be ſacrific'd for both to juſtice,

And the Surviver may be General.

Pru.

The Fleet which you ſuſpect, is your defence;

Unknown to you I ſent it forth to guard

This Iſland from the dangers you have call'd,

By Tumult, Luſt, Debate, and Diſcontent.

As for your Duel, 'tis a Savadg fury

By us forbid. But you have lately tri'd

A new found Duel, (was it honourable?)

Two upon one. Or was it Captain like

To kill a friend? In any likely way

Hope would have further'd Audax: but when boldneſſe

Growes impudent it turns a foe to Hope.

SCENA XI.

Enter Fancie, Fuga, Hilario, Timerous, Melancholico and Concupiſcence. Soon after Deſperato.

Fan.

King of Affections:—

Pru:

Queen of Inventions.—

Fan.

Unleſſe you think your ſelfe beholding to me

You are not fit to be my King. The

Paſſions

I have ſo ſuffer'd in abſurdity,

That now they beg your reign which they ſhook off.

Hil.

I ſee there is ſome mirth in miſery.

Fan.

I kneel unto your grace to uſe me ſo,

As one that hath been Queen, and yet no Queeen,

Rather a ſhew then Soveraign. I walk'd

But in mock-majeſty. Say it were true,

I ſought it not, and what is worth a taking

If not a Kingdom?

Hil.

Down my frolick joynts,

Kneeling is now in faſhion. Down, down Fuga;

Concupiſcence and Melancholico

Favour your ſelves with kneeling.

Mel.

I kneel not

To thee, but to thy power; I kneel to thee

But not adore thee.

Conc.

Pardon.

Enter Deſperato.

Deſp.

—Thus attir'd

I wear my ſentence. Sir, I can but offer

That power of doome which I my ſelfe might take.

Pru.

If you ask pardon, ask it of your

Prince;

For I nor am, nor will be.

Au.

Royal Sir,

Why have you giv'n us lives, if not to take

Or to preſerve them?

Am.

Hope, ſpeak for us Hope.

Liv.

Be pleas'd thou god on earth.

Int.

I likewiſe joyn

In this requeſt.

Pru.

Ile ſend them Epimetheus

My Brother Afterwit; and he ſhall rule them.

Thoſe fooles whom Prudence cannot prereſtrain,

The laſh of Afterwit brings home again.

Au.

We'l die upon this place.

Mal.

And each man turn

To his own grave.

Pru.

Do, and do not burden

Me with new cares for new Rebellion.

Au.

We grone unto you?

Pru.

Why? for here are many

That would be Kings, Amorous, this gay thing,

He offers about his Crown.

Which overlookes a

Kingdom, may command

All Choice of pleaſure: take it for that uſe:

No? then Malevolo to devour your flock,

T' ingroſſe the Elements, and let none breath

That may reſiſt, and onelyonly ſpare a few

That may for fear do ſervice, i'ſt not glorious?

Work with this Engine. No? are you grown modeſt?

Then Deſperato, what a life it is

To have the power of hanging, or of cauſing

Some to prevent the gallowes in their priſon.

What, hang your head ſo dully at a Crown.

Hil.

This is to offer Sallets unto dogs.

Pru.

Irato, anger is a Kings perfection

As roaring is the Lions. When his eye

Darts lightning, when he ſnaps his dagger hard

Cries hah and ſtarts, doth he not then ſeem god like,

And well deſerve the name of Thunderer?

Be thou that Jove. Not you? Then Captain Audax.

You took great pains to win, now weare this Crown.

Au.

Any but yours I would.

Pru.

Could ye get Crownes

Abroad as ſoon as pull off one at home,

Ye ſhould be Kings or Deputies all over.

Now there can be but one: would that be Memor.

Mem.

In all records I finde no Lawyer Crown'd.

Hil.

A Lawyer needs it not: to pen the Law,

And then interpret it as much as making.

Pru.

Fancie you muſt be troubled once again

With this bright loade.

Fan.

I loath'd it at the firſt.

Grant me the Soveraignty of changing faſhions,

Promotion of new Projects, leave to weare

Such Coronets at theſe, I ask no more.

Pru.

When I am King, be this thy Royalty.

Poor Diadem, ſince here thou canſt not get

A Maſter, lye thou there for the next commer,

Or ſink into thy Oare.—None ſtoop

to take thee?

What all refuſe, I once refus'd of all

Am fit to wear.

Au.

Long live Prudentius.

(Int. & Liv. Crown him.)

Pru.

Then once more chain'd in Gold, Ile bear your burden.

Henchforth to awe your folly, be aſſur'd,

None of your crooked actions words or lookes

Hath ſcap'd my notice. They camefreſh unto me

With tongues of ſpirits: But Ile leave the chiding

To your own Conſcience. Now, thus reconcil'd,

I'le pardon your deſerts, cannot reward them.

If you expect in ſign of peaceſome matches

You are deceiv'd. Amorous ſhall not wed

Morphe, without a faire probation.

And Timerous I forbid; ſuch muſt not marry

As have no mettle, leaſt they ſpoile their race.

But Melancolico and Concupiſcence

Shall keep their ſtate; i'th ſuburbs, or new-England.

Now riſe. For ſhew of future correſpondence,

Rank your ſelves friendly with your oppoſites.—

Am.

I live not by my line of life, but yours.

Mal.

Love is a willing Paſſion, full of ſweetneſſe,

But not ſo ſerviceable as loyal hate;

This loves with zeal and with compariſon,

Works againſt all for one. to ſerve your State

Let others love, whilſt I for you ſhall hate;

My ſelfe, if that you pleaſe; and others ſo,

That hate with vertue hand in hand ſhall go.

Pru.

Tis well, tis very well. Live as you look,

Irato beare the Sword: I'le view them all.

Thus betwixt love of good, and hate of ill.

With ſlight of this; and chaſt deſire of that,

With ſadneſſe to be wiſe, joy for good ends

Boldneſſe for juſt attemps, Feare of unfit;

Hope for true peace, deſpair of nothing leſſe

Then meer Impoſſibilities, we'l walk

To Immortality upon thoſe lines

Which a wiſe Princes breaſt nought elſe defines.

Exeunt Omnes.

A Scheme of Poſture.

Prudentius

Fancie

Amorous

Concupiſcence

Hilario

Audax

Livebyhope

Irato

Intellectus

Memor

Malevolo

Fuga

Melancolico

Timerous

Deſperato

After the muſick ended, the Iſland appearing Setled. Enter the Epiloge. To His Majeſty.

BY this ſhort Model of ſelf-policy,

We find what uſe of Outward Soveraignty.

The Iſle is ſetled, rage of Paſſion, laid,

And Phancy ſtoopes to Prudence. Things ſo ſtaid,

Our Scene which was but Fiction now is true;

No King ſo much Prudentius as you:

Whoſe Rule is Reaſon, Throne the heart; And now

No ſouls ſo Paſſionate as we; that bow

Both with the weight of Duty and of Debt.

Henceforth our hearts all motion ſhall forget

But yours. Your Rule alone is fit to ſway;

Yet we no leſſe your benefits obey.

Twixt both, our loyalty will nameleſs prove;

That makes it Vertue, theſe will have it Love.

To the Univerſity.

THe Iſle is ſetled, Rage of Paſſions laid

Phancy to Prudence bowes. Let all be ſtaid

In your Acceptance too, and then each breaſt

Will ceaſe its Floating, and as firmly reſt

As doth our Scene. One Paſſion ſtill would prove

An Actor when the Scene is ſhut, Our Love.

FINIS.

End of the text · William Strode, The Floating Island (1655)