composition offered and the Fort entrred there 's no interruption the Duke will be at home to morrow gentle Animal what d' ee resolue Fior. To stirre vp Tragedies as blacke as braue And sending the Lecher panting to his graue Exeunt Enter Biancha her haire about her eares in her night mantle she drawes a Curtaine where Fernando is discouered in bed sleeping she sets downe the Candle before the Bed and goes to the Bed side Bian. Resolue and doe 't is done What are those eyes Which lately were so ouerdrown'd in teares So easie to take rest Oh happy man How sweetly sleepe hath seal'd vp sorrowes here But I will call him What My Lord my Lord My Lord Fernando Fer. Who cals me Bian. My Lord Sleeping or waking Fer. Ha! who is 't Bian. 'T is I Haue you forgot my voyce or is your eare But vsefull to your eye Fer. Madam the Dutchesse Bian. Shee 't is she sit vp Sit vp and wonder whiles my sorrowes swell The nights are short and I haue much to say Fer. Is 't possible 't is you Bian. 'T is possible Why doe you thinke I come Fer. Why to crowne ioyes And make me master of my best desires Bian. 'T is true you guesse aright sit vp and listen With shame and passion now I must confesse Since first mine eyes beheld you in my heart You haue beene onely King if there can be A violence in loue then I haue felt That tyranny be record to my soule The Iustice which I for this folly feare Fernando in short words how e're my tongue Did often chide thy loue each word thou spak'st Was musicke to my eare was neuer poore Poore wretched woman liu'd that lou'd like me So truly so vnfainedly Fer. Oh Madam Bian. To witnesse that I speake is truth looke here Thus singly I aduenture to thy bed And doe confesse my weaknesse if thou tempt'st My bosome to thy pleasures I will yeeld Fer. Perpetuall happinesse Bian. Now heare me out When first Caraffa Pauy's Duke my Lord Saw me he lou'd me and without respect Of dower tooke me to his bed and bosome Aduanc'd me to the titles I possesse Not mou'd by Counsell or remou'd by greatnesse Which to requite betwixt my soule and heauen I vow'd a vow to liue a constant wife I haue done so nor was there in the world A man created could haue broke that truth For all the glories of the earth but thou But thou Fernando Doe I loue thee now Fer. Beyond imagination Bian. True I doe Beyond imagination if no pledge Of loue can instance what I speake is true But losse of my best ioyes here here Fernando Be satisfied and ruine me Fer. What d' ee meane Bian. To giue my body vp to thy embraces A pleasure that I neuer wish'd to thriue in Before this fatall minute marke me now If thou dost spoyle me of this robe of shame By my best comforts here I vow agen To thee to heauen to the world to time E're yet the morning shall new christen day I 'le kill my selfe Fer. How madam how Bian. I will Doe what thou wilt 't is in thy choyce what say yee Fer. Pish doe you come to try me tell me first Will you but grant a kisse Bian. Yes take it that Or what thy heart can wish I am all thine Kisses her Fer. Oh me Come come how many women pray Were euer heard or read of granted loue And did as you protest you will Bian. Fernando Iest not at my calamity I kneele She kneels By these disheauel'd hayres these wretched teares By all that 's good if what I speake my heart Vowes not eternally then thinke my Lord Was neuer man su'd to me I deny'd Thinke me a common and most cunning whore And let my sinnes be written on my graue My name rest in reproofe Doe as you list Fer. I must beleeue ye yet I hope anon When you are parted from me you will say I was a good cold easie-spirited man Nay laugh at my simplicity say will ye Bian. No by the faith I owe my Bridall vowes But euer hold thee much much dearer farre Then all my ioyes on earth by this chast kisse Fer. You haue preuail'd and heauen forbid that I Should by a want on appetite prophane This sacred Temple 't is enough for me You 'll please to call me seruant Bian. Nay be thine Command my power my bosome and I 'le write This loue within the tables of my heart Fer. Enough I 'le master passion and triumph In being conquer'd adding to it this In you my loue as it begun shall end Bian. The latter I new vow but day comes on What now we leaue vnfinish'd of content Each houre shall perfect vp Sweet let 's part Fer. This kisse best life good rest Kisse Bian All mine to thee Remember this and thinke I speake thy words When I am dead rip vp my heart and read With constant eyes what now my tongue defines Fernando's name caru'd out in bloody lines Once more good rest Sweet Fer. Your most faithfull seruant Exeunt Actus Tertius Enter Nibrassa chasing after him Iulia weeping Nib. GEt from me strumpet in famous whore leprosie of my blood make thy moane to Ballad singers and Rimers they 'll Iigge out thy wretchednesse and abominations to new tunes as for me I renounce thee th' art no daughter of mine I disclayme the legitimation of thy birth and Curse the houre of thy Natiuity Iul. Pray Sir vouchsafe me hearing Nib. With child I shame to my graue Oh whoore wretched beyond vtterance or reformation What would'st say Iul. Sir by the honor of my mothers hearse He has protested marriage pledg'd his faith If vowes haue any force I am his wife Nib. His faith Why thou foole thou wickedly credulous foole Canst thou imagine Luxury is obseruant of Religion No no it is with a frequent Lecher as vsuall to for sweare as to sweare their piety is in making idolatry a worship their harts and their tongues are as different as thou thou whorel and a Virgin Iul. You are too violent his truth will proue His constancy and so excuse my fault Nibr. Shamelesse woman this beleefe will damne thee how will thy Lady Marquesse iustly reproue me for preferring to her seruice a monster of so lewd and impudent a life Looke too 't if thy smooth diuell leaue thee to thy infamy I will neuer pitty thy mortall pangs neuer lodge thee vnder my roofe neuer owne thee for my childe mercy bee my witnesse Enter Petruchio leading Colona Petr. Hide not thy folly by vnwise excuse Thou art vndone Colona no entreaties No warning no perswasion could put off The habit of thy dotage on that man Of much deceit Ferentes would thine eyes Had seene me in my graue e're I had knowne The staine of this thine honour Col. Good my Lord Reclaime your incredulitie my fault Proceeds from lawfull composition Of Wedlocke he hath seal'd his oath to mine To be my husband Nibr. Husband
Biancha No counsaile from our cruell wils can win vs But ils once done we beare our guilt within vs Exeunt omnes manet D'ouolos R. D. God boyee Arch-arch-diuell why I am paid Here 's bounty for good seruice beshrew my heart it is a right princely reward now must I say my prayers that I haue liu'd to so ripe an age to haue my head stricken off I cannot tell 't may be my Lady Fiormonda will stand on my behalfe to the Duke that 's but a single hope a disgrac'd Courtier oftner findes enemies to sinke him when hee is falling then friends to releeue him I must resolue to stand to the hazard of all brunts now Come what may I will not dye like a Cow and the world shall know it Exit Enter Fiormonda and Roseilli discouered Ros. Wonder not Madam here behold the man Whom your disdaine hath metamorphosed Thus long haue I bin clouded in this shape Led on by Loue and in that loue despaire If not the sight of our distracted Court Nor pitty of my bondage can reclayme The greatnesse of your scorne yet let me know My latest doome from you Fior. Strange miracle Roseilli I must honour thee thy truth Like a transparent mirror represents My reason with my errors Noble Lord That better dost deserue a better fate Forgiue me if my heart can entertaine Another thought of loue it shall be thine Ros. Blessed for euer blessed be the words In death you haue reuiu'd me Enter D'auoles R. D. Whom haue we here Roseilli the supposed foole 'T is he nay then helpe me a brazen face My honourable Lord Ros. Beare off blood-thirsty man come not neere me R. D. Madam I trust the seruice Fior. Fellow learne to new liue the way to thrift For thee in grace is a repentant shrift Ros. Ill has thy life beene worse will be thy end Men flesht in blood know seldome to amend Enter Seruant Ser. His Highnesse commends his loue to you and expects your presence he is ready to passe to the Church only staying for my Lord Abbot to associate him Withall his pleasure is that you D'auolos forbeare to ranke in this solemnity in the place of Secretary else to be there as a priuate man pleaseth you to goe Exeunt manet D'auolos R. D. As a priuate man what remedy This way they must come and here I will stand to fall amongst 'em in the reere A sad sound of soft musicke The Tombe is discouered Enter foure with Torches after them two Fryars after the Duke in mourning manner after him the Abbot Fiormonda monda Colona Iulia Roseilli Petruchio Nibrassa and a guard D'auolos following behinde Comming neere the Tombe they all kneele making shew of Ceremony The Duke goes to the Tombe layes his hand on it Musicke cease Duke Peace and sweet rest sleep here let not the touch Of this my impious hand prophane the shrine Of fairest purity which houers yet About those blessed bones inhearst within If in the bosome of this sacred Tombe Biancha thy disturbed ghost doth range Behold I offer vp the sacrifice Of bleeding teares shed from a faithfull spring Roaring oblations of a mourning heart To thee offended spirit I confesse I am Caraffa hee that wretched man That Butcher who in my enraged spleene Slaughtered the life of Innocence and Beauty Now come I to pay tribute to those wounds Which I digg'd vp and reconcile the wrongs My fury wrought and my Contrition mournes So chast so deare a wife was neuer man But I enioy'd yet in the bloome and pride Of all her yeares vntimely tooke her life Enough set ope the Tombe that I may take My last farewell and bury griefes with her One goes to open the Tombe out of which ariseth Fernando in his winding sheet onely his face discouered as Caraffa is going in he puts him backe Fer. Forbeare what art thou that dost rudely presse Into the confines of forsaken-graues Has death no priuilege Com'st thou Caraffa To practise yet a rape vpon the dead Inhumane Tyrant Whats'euer thou intend'st know this place Is poynted out for my inheritance Here lyes the monument of all my hopes Had eager Lust intrunk'd my conquered soule I had not buried liuing ioyes in death Goe Reuell in thy pallace and be proud To boast thy famous murthers let thy smooth Low-fawning parasites renowne thy Act Thou com'st not here Duke Fernando man of darknesse Neuer till now before these dreadfull fights Did I abhorre thy friendship thou hast rob'd My resolution of a glorious name Come out or by the thunder of my rage Thou dy'st a death more fearefull then the scourge Of death can whip thee with Fer. Of death poore Duke Why that 's the ayme I shoot at 't is not threats Mauger thy power of the spight of hell Shall rent that honour let life-hugging slaues Whose hands imbrued in Butcheries like thine Shake terror to their soules be loath to dye See I am cloath'd in robes that fit the graue I pitty thy defyance Duke Guard lay hands And drag him out Fer. Yes let 'em here 's my shield As théy goe to fetch him him out he drinkes off a Violl of poyson Here 's health to Victory Now doe thy worst Ferewell Duke once I haue out-stript thy plots Not all the cunning Antidotes of Art Can warrant me twelue minutes of my life It workes it workes already brauely brauely Now now I feele it teare each seuerall ioynt O royall poyson trusty friend split split Both heart and gall asunder excellent bane Roseilli loue my memory well search'd out Swift nimble venome torture euery veyne I come Biancha cruell torment feast Feast on doe Duke farewell Thus I hot flames Conclude my Loue and seale it in my bosome oh dies Abbot Most desperate end Duke None stirre Who steps a foot steps to his vtter ruine And art thou gone Fernando art thou gone Thou wert a friend vnmatch'd rest in thy fame Sister when I haue finisht my last dayes Lodge me my wife and this vnequall'd friend All in one monument Now to my vowes Neuer henceforth let any passionate tongue Mention Biancha's and Caraffa's name But let each letter in that tragicke sound Beget a sigh and euery sigh a teare Children vnborne and widowes whose leane cheeks Are furrowed vp by age shall weepe whole nights Repeating but the story of our fates Whiles in the period closing vp their tale They must conclude how for Biancha's loue Caraffa in reuenge of wrongs to her Thus on her Altar sacrific'd his life stabs himselfe Abbot Oh hold the Dukes hand Fior. Saue my brother saue him Duke Doe doe I was too willing to strike home To be preuented Fooles why could you dreame I would out-liue my out-rage sprightfull flood Run out in Riuers oh that these thicke streames Could gather head and make a standing poole That jealous husbands here might bathe in blood So I grow sweetly empty all the pipes Of life vn-vessell life now heauens wipe out The writing of my sinne Biancha thus I creepe to thee to thee to thee Bi an cha dies Ros. He 's dead already Madam R. D. Aboue hope here 's labour sau'd I could blesse the Destinies Abbot Would I had neuer seene it Fior. Since 't is thus My Lord Roseilli in the true requitall Of your continued loue I here possesse You of the Dukedome and with it of me In presence of this holy Abbot Abbot Lady then From my hand take your husband long enioy hee ioynes their hands Each to each others comfort and content Omnes Long liue Roseilli Ros. First thanke to heauen next Lady to your loue Lastly my Lords to all and that the entrance Into this principality may giue Faire hopes of being worthy of our place Our first worke shall be justice D'auolos Stand forth R. D. My gracious Lord Ros. No gracelesse villaine I am no Lord of thine Guard take him hence Conuey him to the prisons top in chaines Hang him aliue whosoeuer lends a bit Of bread to feed him dyes speake not against it I will be deafe to mercy Beare him hence R. D. Mercy new Duke here 's my comfort I make but one in the number of the Tragedy of Princes exit Ros. Madam a second charge is to performe Your brother's Testament wee 'll reare a Tombe To those vnhappy Louers which shall tell Their fatall Loues to all posterity Thus then for you henceforth I here dismisse The mutuall comforts of our marriage-bed Learne to new liue my vowes vnmou'd shall stand And since your life hath beene so much vn-euen Bethinke in time to make your peace with heauen Fior. Oh me is this your loue Ros. 'T is your desert Which no perswasion shall remoue Abbot 'T is fit Purge frailty with repentance Fior. I embrace it Happy too late since lust hath made me foule Henceforth I 'le dresse my Bride-bed in my soule Ros. Please you to walke Lord Abbot Abbot Yes set on No age hath heard nor Chronicle can say That euer here befell a sadder day Exeunt FINIS
LOUES Sacrifice A TRAGEDIE RECEIUED Generally WELL Acted by the QVEENES Majesties Seruants at the Phoenix in Drury-lane LONDON Printed by I. B. for HVGH BEESTON dwelling next the Castle in Cornhill 1633 To my truest friend my worthiest Kinsman IOHN FORD of Grayes-Inne Esquire THE Title of this little worke may good Cozen is in sence but the argument of a Dedication which being in most writers a Custome in many a complement I question not but your cleere knowledg of my intents will in me read as the earnest of affection My ambition herein aimes at a faire flight borne vp on the double wings of gratitude for a receiued and acknowledgement for a continued loue It is not so frequent to number many kinsmen amongst them some friends as to presume on some friends and amongst them little friendship But in euery fulnesse of these particulars I doe not more partake through you my Cozen the delight then enioy the benefit of them This Inscription to your name is onely a faithfull deliuerance to Memory of the truth of my respects to vertue and to the equall in honour with vertue Desert The contempt throwne on studies of this kinde by such as dote on their owne singularity hath almost so out-fac'd Inuention and prescrib'd Iudgement that it is more safe more wise to be suspectedly silent then modestly confident of opinion herein Let me be bold to tell the seuerity of censurers how willingly I neglect their practise so long as I digresse from no becomming thankfulnesse Accept then my Cozen this witnesse to Posteritie of my constancy to your Merits for no Ties of blood no ingagements of Friendship shall more justly liue a President then the sincerity of Both in the Heart of IOHN FORD To my friend Mr. IOHN FORD VNto this Altar rich with thy owne spice I bring one graine to thy Loves Sacrifice And boast to see thy flames ascending while Perfumes enrich our Ayre from thy sweet Pile Looke here THOV that hast malice to the Stage And Impudence enough for the whole Age Voluminously-Ignorant be vext To read this Tragedy and thy owne be next James Shirley The Sceane PAVYE The Speakers in this TRAGEDY PHillippo Caraffa Duke of Pavy Paulo Baglione Vnckle to the Dutchesse Fernando Favorite to the Duke Ferentes A wanton Courtier Roseilli A young Nobleman Petruchio Two Counsellors of State Nibrassa D'auolos Secretary to the Duke Maurucio An old Antike Giacopo Servant to Maurucio  Attendants Women BIancha The Dutchesse Fiormonda The Dukes Sister Colona Daughter to Petruchio Iulia Daughter to Nibrassa Morona an old Lady Loues Sacrifice Actus Primus Enter Roseilli and Roderico D'auolos Ros. DEpart the Court R. D. Such was the Dukes command Ros. You' ar Secretary to the State and him Great in his counsels wise I think honest Haue you in turning ouer old Records Read but one name descended of the house Of Lelus in his loyalty remisse R. D. Neuer my Lord Ros. Why then should I now now when glorious peace Triumphs in change of pleasures be wip'd off Like to a vselesse moth from Courtly ease And whither must I goe R. D. You haue the open world before you Ros. Why then t is like I 'me banisht R. D. Not so My warrant is onely to command you from the Court Within fiue houres to depart after notice taken And not to liue within thirty miles of it Vntill it be thought meet by his Excellence To call you backe now I haue warn'd you my Lord At your perill be it if you disobey I shall Informe the Duke of your discontent Exit R. D. Ros. Doe Politician doe I scent the plot of this disgrace 't is Fiormonda shee That glorious Widow whose commanding checke Ruines my Loue like foolish beasts thus they Finde danger that prey too neere the Lions denne Enter Fernando and Petruchio Fer. My Noble Lord Roseilli Ros. Sir the joy I should haue welcom'd you with is wrap'd vp In Clouds of my disgrace yet honoured Sir Howsoeuer frownes of great ones cast me downe My seruice shall pay tribute in my lownesse To your vprising vertues Fer. Sir I know You are so well acquainted with your owne You need not flatter mine trust me my Lord He be a sutor for you Petr. And I 'le second My Nephewes suit with importunity Ros. You are my Lord Fernando late return'd From trauels pray instruct me since the voyce Of most supreme Authority commands My absence I determine to bestow Some time in learning Languages abroad Perhaps the change of ayre may change in me Remembrance of my wrongs at home Good Sir Informe me say I meant to liue in Spaine What benefit of knowledge might I treasure Fer. Troth Sir I 'le freely speake as I haue found In Spaine you lose experience 't is a Clymate To hot to nourish Arts the Nation proud And in their pride vnsociable the Court More plyable to glorifie it selfe Then doe a stranger grace if you intend To trafficke like a Merchant 't were a place Might better much your Trade but as for me I soone tooke surfeit on it Ros. What for France Fer. France I more praise and loue you are my Lord Your selfe for horsemanship much fam'd and there You shall haue many proofes to shew your skill The French are passing Courtly ripe of wit Kind but extreme dissemblers you shall haue A French-man ducking lower than your knee At th' instant mocking euen your very shoo-tyes To giue the Countrey due it is on earth A Paradise and if you can neglect Your owne appropriaments but praysing that In others wherein you excell yourselfe You shall be much belou'd there Ros. Yet me thought I heard you and the Dutchesse two nights since Discoursing of an Iland thereabouts Call'd let me thinke 't was Fer. England Ros. That pray Sir You haue beene there me thought I heard you praise it Fer. I 'le tell you what I found there men as neat As Courtly as the French but in Condition Quite opposite Put case that you my Lord Could be more rare on horse-backe than you are If there as there are many one excell'd You in your Art as much as you doe others Yet will the English thinke their owne is nothing Compar'd with you a stranger in their habits They are not more fantasticke than vncertaine In short their fare abundance manhood beauty No Nation can disparage but it selfe Ros. My Lord you haue much cas'd me I resolue Fer. And whither are you bent Ros. My Lord for trauell To speed for England Fer. No my Lord you must not I haue yet some priuate Conference To impart vnto you for your good at night I 'le meet you at my Lord Petruchio's house Till then be secret Ros. Dares my Cozen trust me Petr. Dare I my Lord yes 'lesse your fact were greater Than a bold womans spleene Ros. The Duke 's at hand And I must hence my seruice to your Lordships Exit Petr. Now Nephew as I told you since the Duke Hath held
a sadder subiect who hath plac'd All happinesse in your diuiner eyes Bian. My Lord the time Fer. The time yet heare me speake For I must speake or burst I haue a soule So anchor'd downe with cares in seas of woe That passion and the vowes I owe to you Haue chang'd me to a leane Anatomy Sweet Princesse of my life Bian. Forbeare or I shall Fer. Yet as you honour vertue doe not freeze My hopes to more discomfort then as yet My feares suggest no beauty so adornes The composition of a well-built mind As pitty heare me out Bian. No more I spare To tell you what you are and must confesse Doe almost hate my judgement that it once Thought goodnesse dwelt in you remember now It is the third time since your treacherous tongue Hath pleaded treason to my care and fame Yet for the friendship 'twixt my Lord and you I haue not voye'd your follies if you dare To speake a fourth time you shall rue your lust T is all no better learne and loue your selfe Exit Fer. Gon oh my sorrowes how am I vndone Not speake againe no no in her chast brest Vertue and resolution haue discharg'd All female weaknesse I haue su'd and su'd Kneel'd wept and begg'd but teares and vowes and words Moue her no more then summer-winds a rocke I must resolue to checke this rage of blood And will she is all ycie to my fires Yet euen that yee inflames in me desires Exit Enter Petruchio and Roseilli Ros. Is 't possible the Duke should be so mou'd Petr. 'T is true you haue no enemy at Court But her for whom you pine so much in loue Then master your affections I am sory you hug your ruine so What say you to the proiect I propos'd Ros. I entertaine it with a greater ioy Then shame can checke Enter Fernando Petr. You are come as I could wish my Cozen is resolu'd Fer. Without delay Prepare your selfe and meet at Court anon Some halfe houre hence and Cupid blesse your ioy Ros. Is euer man was bounden to a friend Fer. No more away loues rage is yet vnknown Exeunt In his aye me too well I feele my owne So now I am alone now let me thinke Shee is the Dutchesse say she be A Creature Sow'd vp in painted cloth might so be styl'd That 's but a name shee 's married too she is And therefore better might distinguish loue She 's young and faire why Madam that 's the bait Inuites me more to hope she 's the Dukes wife Who knowes not this she 's bosom'd to my friend There there I am quite lost will not be won Still worse and worse abhorres to heare me speake Eternall mischiefe I must vrge no more For were I not beleapred in my soule Here were enough to quench the flames of hell What then pish I must not speake I 'le write Come then sad Secretary to my plaints Plead thou my faith for words are turn'd to sighs he draws a letter What sayes this paper he reads to himselfe Enter D'aurlos with two Pictures R. D. Now is the time alone reading a letter good how now striking his brest what in the name of policy should this meane tearing his haire passion by all the hopes of my life plaine passion now I perceiue it if this bee not a fit of some violent affection I am an asse in vnderstanding why 't is plaine plainer and plainer Loue in the extreamest oh for the party who now the greatnesse of his spirits is to high cherish'd to be caught with some ordinary stuffe and if it bee my Lady Fiormonda I am strangely mistooke well that I haue fit occasion soone to vnderstand I haue here two pictures newly drawne to bee sent for a present to the Abbot of Monacho the Dutchesse Vncle her owne and my Ladies I 'le obserue which of these may perhaps bewray him a turnes about my noble Lord Fer. Y' are welcome Sir I thanke you R. D. Me my Lord for what my Lord Fer. Who 's there I cry you mercy D'auolos I tooke you for another pray excuse me What is 't you beare there R. D. No secret my Lord but may be imparted to you A couple of Pictures my good Lord please you see them Fer. I care not much for pictures but whose are they R. D. Th' one is for my Lords sister the other is the Dutchesse Fer. Ha D'auolos the Dutchesses R. D. Yes my Lord sure the word startled him Obserue that Fer. You told me master Secretary once You ow'd me loue R. D. Seruice my honour'd Lord howsoeuer you please to terme it Fer. 'T were rudenesse to be sutor for a sight Yet trust me Sir I 'le be all secret R. D. I beseech your Lordship They are as I am constant to your pleasure This my Lord is the widow Marquesses as it now newly came from the Picture-drawers the oyle yet greene a sweet Picture and in my iudgement Art hath not bin a niggard in striuing to equall the life Michael Angelo himselfe needed not blush to owne the workmanship Fer. A very pretty Picture But kind Signior to whose vse is it R. D. For the Dukes my Lord who determines to send it with all speed as a present to Paul Baglione Vnckle to the Dutchesse that he may see the riches of two such lustres as shine in the Court of Pauy Fer. Pray Sir the other R. D. This my Lord is for the Dutchesse Biancha a wondrous sweet Picture if you well obserue with what singularity the Arts-man hath stroue to set forth each limbe in exquisitest proportion not missing a haire Fer. A haire R. D. She cannot more formally Or if it may be lawfull to vse the word more really behold her owne Symetry in her glasse then in taking a sensible view of this counterfeit when I first saw it I verily almost was of a mind that this was her very lip Fer. Lip R. D. How constantly he dwels vpon this portrayture Nay I 'le assure your Lordship there is no defect of cunning His eye is fixt as if it were incorporated there Were not the party her selfe aliue to witnesse that there is a Creature compos'd of flesh and blood as naturally inriched with such harmony of admirall beauty as is here artificially counterfeited a very curious eye might repute it as an imaginary rapture of some transported conceit to ayme at an impossibility whose very first gaze is of force almost to perswade a substantiall loue in a setled heart Fer. Loue heart R D. My honor'd Lord Fer. Oh heauens R. D. I am confirm'd What ayles your Lordship Fer. You need not praise it Sir it selfe is praise How neere had I forgot my selfe I thanke you 'T is such a picture as might well become The shrine of some fain'd Venus I am dazeld With looking on 't pray Sir conuey it hence R. D. I am all your seruant blessed blessed discouery Please you to command me Fer. No gentle Sir I 'me lost beyond my
e e goe will goe Fior. Come D'auolos obserue to night 't is late Or I will win my choyce or curse my fate Exit Fior. Ros. D'auolos Feren. This was wisely done now S'foot you purchase A fauour from a Creature my Lord the greatest King of the earth wud be proud of Mau. Giacopo Gia. My Lord Mau. Come behind me Giacopo I am big with conceit and must be deliuered of poetry in the eternall commendation of this gracious Tooth-picker but first I hold it a most healthy policy to make a flight supper For meat 's the food that must preserue our liues And now 's the time when mortals whet their kniues on thresholds shoo-soles Cart-wheeles c. Away Giacopo Exeunt Enter Colona with lights Biancha Fiormonda Iulia Fernando and D'auolos Colona placeth the lights on a Table and sets downe a Chesse-board Bian. 'T is yet but early night too soone to sleepe Sister shall 's haue a mate at Chesse Fior, A mate No Madam you are growne too hard for me My Lord Fernando is a fitter match Bian. He 's a well practiz'd gamester Well I care not how cunning so er'e he be To passe an houre I 'le try your skill my Lord Reach here the Chesse-board R. D. Are you so apt to try his skill Madam Dutchesse Very good Fer. I shall bewray too much my ignorance In striuing with your Highnesse 't is a game I lose at still by ouersight Bian. Well well I feare you not let 's too 't Fior. You need not Madam R. D. Marry needs she not how gladly will shee too 't 't is a Rooke to a Queene she heaues a pawne to a Knights place by'rlady if all be truly noted to a Dukes place and that 's beside the play I can tell ye Fernando and Dutchesse play Fior. Madam I must entreat excuse I feele The temper of my body not in case To iudge the strife Bian. Lights for our sister sirs Good rest t' ee I 'le but end my game and follow Fiormrnda takes her leaue attended by D'auolos and Iulia as she goes out she speakes to D'auolos Fior. Let 'em haue time enough and as thou canst Be neare to heare their Courtship D'auolos R D. Madam I shall obserue 'em with all cunning secrecy Bian. Colona attend our sister to her chamber Col. I shall Madam Exit Fior. Col. Iul. R. D. Bian. Play Fer. I must not lose th' aduantage of the game Madam your Queene is lost Bian. My Clergy helpe me My Queene and nothing for it but a pawne Why then the game 's lost too but play Fer. What Madam Fernando often lookes about Bian. You must needs play well You are so studious Fie vpon 't you study past patience What d' ee dreame on here 's demurring Would weary out a statue Good now play Fer. Forgiue me let my knees for euer stick he kneels Nayl'd to the ground as earthy as my feares E're I arise to part away so curst In my vnbounded anguish as the rage Of flame 's beyond all Vtterance of words Deuoure me lightned by your sacred eyes Bian. What meanes the man Fer. To lay before your feet In lowest vassalage the bleeding heart That sighes the tender of a suit disdain'd Great Lady pitty me my youth my wounds And doe not thinke that I haue cull'd this time From motions swiftest measure to vnclaspe The booke of lust if purity of loue Haue residence in vertues quest loe here Bent lower in my heart than on my knee I beg compassion to a loue as chast As softnesse of desire can intimate Enter D'auolos ieering and listening R. D. At it already admirable hast Bian. Am I againe betray'd bad man Fer. Keepe in Bright Angell that seuerer breath to coole That heat of cruelty which swayes the Temple Of your too stony breast you cannot vrge One reason to rebuke my trembling plea Which I haue not with many nights expence Examin'd but O Madam still I find No Physicke strong to cure a tortur'd mind But freedome from the torture it sustaines R. D. Not kissing yet still on your knees O for a plump Bed and cleane sheets to comfort the aking of his shinnes We shall haue 'em clip anon and lispe kisses here 's ceremony with a vengeance Bian. Rise vp we charge you rise looke on our face he riseth What see you there that may perswade a hope Of lawlesse loue Know most vnworthy man So much we hate the basenesse of thy lust As were none liuing of thy sexe but thee We had much rather prostitute our blood To some inuenom'd Serpent then admit Thy bestiall dalliance couldst thou dare to speake Againe when we forbad no wretched thing Take this for answer If thou henceforth ope Thy leprous mouth to tempt our eare againe We shall not onely certifie our Lord Of thy disease in friendship but reuenge Thy boldnesse with the forfeit of thy life Thinke on 't R. D. Now now now the game is a foot your gray Iennet with the white face is curried forsooth please your Lordship leape vp into the saddle forsooth poore Duke how does thy head ake now Fer. Stay goe not hence in choller blessed woman Y'haue school'd me lend me hearing though the float Of infinite desires swell to a tide Too high so soone to ebbe yet by this hand kisses her hand This glorious gracious hand of yours R D. I marry the match is made clap hands and too 't ho Fer. I sweare Henceforth I neuer will asmuch in word In letter or in sillable presume To make a repetition of my griefe Good night t' ee if when I am dead you rip This Coffin of my heart there shall you read With constant eyes what now my tongue defines Biancha's name caru'd out in bloody lines For euer Lady now good night Enter with lights Bian. Good night Rest in your goodnesse lights there Sir good night Exeunt sundry wayes R. D. So via to be cuckold mercy and prouidence is as natural to a married man as to eat sleep or weare a night-cap Friends I will rather trust mine arme in the throat of a Lion my purse with a Curtezan my necke with the chance on a Dye or my Religion in a Synagogue of Iewes then my wife with a friend wherein doe Princes exceed the poorest peasant that euer was yoak'd to a sixpenny strumpet but that the hornes of the one are mounted some two inches higher by a Choppine then the other oh Acteon the goodliest headed beast of the Forrest amongst wild cattle is a Stag and the goodliest beast amongst tame fooles in a Corporation is a Cuckold Enter Fiormonda Fior. Speake D'auolos how thriues intelligence R. D. Aboue the preuention of Fate Madam I saw him kneele make pittifull faces kisse hands and forefingers rise and by this time he is vp vp Madam dobtlesse the youth aymes to be Duke for hee is gotten into the Dukes seat an hower agoe Fior. Is 't true R. D. Oracle oracle siege was laid parley admitted
before most kindly still Bian. Must ioyne Duke What must Bian. My Lord Duke Must ioyne you say Bian. That you will please to set Maurucio At liberty this Gentle woman here Hath by agreement made betwixt them two Obtain'd him for her husband good my Lord Let me intreat I dare ingage mine honour He 's innocent in any wilfull fault Duke Your honour Madam now beshrew you for 't T' ingage your honour on so slight a ground Honour 's a precious Iewell I can tell you Nay 't is Biancha Goe too D'auolos Bring vs Maurucio hither R. D. I shall my Lord Exit D'auolos Mor. I humbly thanke your grace Fer. And Royall Sir since Iulia and Colona Chiefe Actors in Ferentes tragicke end Were through their Ladies mediation Freed by your gracious pardon I in pitty Tendered this widowes friendlesse misery For whose reprieue I shall in humblest duty Be euer thankfull Enter D'auolos Maurucio in poore rags and Giacopo weeping Mau. Come you my learned Counsell doe not rore If I must hang why then lament therefore You may reioyce and both no doubt be great To serue your Prince when I am turn'd wormes meat I feare my lands and all I haue is begg'd Else woe is me why should I be so ragg'd R. D. Come on Sir the Duke stayes for you Mau. O how my stomacke doth begin to puke When I doe heare that onely word the Duke Duke You Sir looke on that woman are you pleas'd If we remit your body from the jayle To take her for your wife Man, On that condition Prince with all my heart Mor. Yes I warrant your grace he is content Duke Why foolish man hast thou so soone forgot The publike shame of her abus'd wombe Her being mother to a Bastards birth Or caust thou but imagine she will be True to thy bed who to her selfe was false Gia. Phew Sir doe not stand vpon that that 's a matter of nothing you know Mau. Nay and shall please your good grace and it come to that I care not as good men as I haue lyen in foule sheets I am sure the linnen has not beene much the worse for the wearing a little I will haue her with all my-heart Duke And shalt Fernando thou shalt haue the grace To ioyne their hands put 'em together friend Bian. Yes doe my Lord bring you the Bridegroom hither I 'le giue the Bride my selfe R. D. Here 's argument to jealousie as good as drinke to the dropsie shee will share any disgrace with him I could not wish it better Duke Euen so well doe it Fer. Here Maurucio long liue a happy couple ioyne their bands Duke 'T is enough now know our pleasure henceforth 'T is our will if euer thou Maurucio or thy wife Be seene within a dozen miles at Court We will recall our mercy no intreat Shall warrant thee a minute of thy life Wee 'll haue no seruile slauery of lust Shall breath neere vs dispatch and get ye hence Biancha come with me oh my cleft soule Exit Duke et Biancha Mau. How 's that must I come no more neere the Court Gia. O pittifull not neere the Court Sir R. D. Not by a dozen miles indeed Sir your only course I can aduise you is to passe to Naples and set vp a house of Carnality there are very faire and frequent suburbs and you need not feare the contagion of any pestilent disease for the worst is very proper to the place Fer. 'T is a strange sentence Fior. 'T is and sudden too And not without some mysterie R. D. Will you goe Sir Mau. Not neere the Court Mor. What matter is it Sweet-heart feare nothing Loue you shall haue new change of apparell good diet wholesome attendance and wee will liue like pigeons my Lord Mau. Wilt thou forsake me Giacopo Gia. I forsake yee no not as long as I haue a whole eare on my head come what will come Fior. Maurucio you did once proffer true loue To me but since you are more thriftier sped For old affections sake here take this gold Spend it for my sake Fer. Madam you doe nobly And that 's for me Maurucio R. D. Will ye goe Sir Mau. Yes I will goe and I humbly thank your Lordship and Ladiship Pauy sweet Pauy farwel come wife come Gia Now is the time that we away must lag copo And march in pompe with baggage and with bag O poore Maurucio what hast thou mis-doue To end thy life when life was new begun Adew to all for Lords and Ladies see My wofull plight and Squires of low degree R. D. Away away sirs Exeunt manent Fior. et Fer Fior. My Lord Fernando Fer. Madam Fior. Doe you note my brothers odde distractions You were wont to bosome in his Counsailes I am sure you know the ground on 't Fer. Not I in troth Fior. Is 't possible what would you say my Lord If he out of some melancholly spleene Edg'd on by some thank picking Parasite Should now proue iealous I mistrust it shrewdly Fer. What Madam iealous Fior. Yes for but obserue A Prince whose eye is chooser to his heart Is seldome steddy in the lists of loue Vnlesse the party he affects doe match His ranke in equall portion or in friends I neuer yet out of report or else By warranted description haue obseru'd The nature of phantasticke Iealousie If not in him yet on my conscience now He has no cause Fer. Cause Madam by this light I 'le pledge my soule against a vse-lesse rush Fior. I neuer thought her lesse yet trust me Sir No merit can be greater than your praise Whereat I strangely wonder how a man Vow'd as you told me to a single life Should so much Deifie the Saints from whom You haue disclaym'd deuotion Fer. Madam 't is true From them I haue but from their vertues neuer Fior. You are too wise Fernando to be plaine You are in loue nay shrinke not man you are Biancha is your ayme why doe you blush She is I know she is Fer. My ayme Fior. Yes yours I hope I talke no newes Fernando know Thou runst to thy confusion if in time Thou dost not wisely shun that Circe's charme Vnkindest man I haue too long conceal'd My hidden flames when still in silent signes I Courted thee for loue without respect To youth or state and yet thou art vnkind Fernando leaue that Sorceresse if not For loue of me for pitty of thy selfe Fer. Injurious woman I defie thy lust 'T is not your subtile sifting shall creepe Into the secrets of a heart vnsoyl'd You are my Princes sister else your malice Had rayl'd it selfe to death but as for me Be record all my fate I doe detest Your fury or affection Iudge the rest Exit Fer. Fior. What gone well goe thy wayes I see the more I humble my firme loue the more he shuns Both it and me so plaine then 't is too late To hope change peeuish passion to contempt What euer rages in my blood
I feele Foole he shall know I was not borne to kneele Exit Enter D'auolos and Iulia R. D. Iulia mine owne speake softly What hast thou learn'd out any thing of this pale widgeon Speake soft what does she say Iul. Fo more then all there 's not an houre shall passe But I shall haue intelligence she sweares Whole nights you know my mind I hope you 'll giue The gowne you promis'd me R. D. Honest Iulia peace th' art a woman worth a kingdome let me neuer be beleeued now but I thinke it will bee my destiny to be thy husband at last what tho thou haue a child or perhaps two Iul. Neuer but one I sweare R. D. Well one is that such a matter I like thee the better for 't it shewes thou hast a good tenant-able and fertile wombe worth twenty of your barren dry bloodlesse deuourers of youth but come I will talke with thee more priuately the Duke has a iourney in hand and will not be long absent see 'a is come already let 's passe away easily Exeunt Enter Duke and Biancha Duke Troubled yes I haue cause O Biancha Here was my fate engrauen in thy brow This smooth faire polisht table in thy cheeks Nature summ'd vp thy dower 't was not wealth The Mysers god nor Royalty of blood Aduanc'd thee to my bed but loue and hope Of Vertue that might equall those sweet lookes If then thou shouldst betray my trust thy faith To the pollution of a base desire Thou wert a wretched woman Bian. Speakes your loue Or feare my Lord Duke Both both Biancha know The nightly languish of my dull vnrest Hath stampt a strong opinion for me thought Marke what I say as I in glorious pompe Was sitting on my Throne whiles I had hemm'd My best belou'd Biancha in mine armes She reacht my cap of State and cast it downe Beneath her foot and spurn'd it in the dust Whiles I oh 't was a dreame too full of fate Was stooping downe to reach it on my head Fernando like a Traytor to his vowes Clapt in disgrace a Coronet of hornes But by the honour of anoynted kings Were both of you hid in a rocke of fire Guarded by ministers of flaming hell I haue a sword 't is here should make my way Through fire through darknesse death and all To hew your lust ingendred flesh to shreds Pound you to morter cut your throats and mince Your flesh to mites I will start not I will Bian. Mercy protect me will ye murder me Duke Yes Oh! I cry thee mercy how the rage Of my vndreamt of wrongs made me forget All sense of sufferance blame me not Biancha One such another dreame would quite distract Reason and selfe humanity yet tell me Was 't not an ominous vision Bian. 'T was my Lord Yet but a vision for did such a guilt Hang on mine honour 't were no blame in you If you did stab me to the heart Duke The heart Nay strumpet to the soule and teare it off From life to damne it in immortall death Bian. Alas what doe you meane Sir Duke I am mad Forgiue me good Biancha still me thinkes I dreame and dreame anew now prethe chide me Sicknesse and these diuisions so distract My senses that I take things possible As if they were which to remoue I meane To speed me streight to Luca where perhaps Absence and bathing in those healthfull springs May soone recouer me meane time deare sweet Pitty my troubled heart griefes are extreame Yet Sweet when I am gone thinke on my dreame Who waits without ho is prouision ready To passe to Luca Enter Petr. Nibr. Fior. D'auolos Ros. Fernando Petr. It attends your Highnesse Duke Friend hold take here from me this Iewel this Giues him Biancha Be she your care till my returne from Luca Honest Fernando wife respect my friend Let 's goe but heare ye wife thinke on my dreame Exeunt omnes but Ros. et Petr. Petr. Couzen one word with you doth not this Cloud Acquaint you with strange nouelties The Duke Is lately much distemper'd what he meanes By journeying now to Luca is to me A riddle can you cleare my doubt Ros. O Sir My feares exceed my knowledge yet I note No lesse then you inferre all is not well Would 't were whosoeuer thriue I shall be sure Neuer to rise to my vn-hop'd desires But Couzen I shall tell you more anon Meane time pray send my Lord Fernando to me I couet much to speake with him Enter Fernando Petr. And see He comes himselfe I 'le leaue you both together Exit Fer. The Duke is horst for Luca how now Cooze How prosper you in loue Ros. As still I hop'd My Lord you are vndone Fer. Vndone I in what Ros. Lost and I feare your life is bought and sold I 'le tell you how late in my Ladies chamber As I by chance lay slumbering on the mats In comes the Lady Marquesse and with her Iulia and D'auolos where sitting downe Not doubting me Madam quoth D'auolas We haue discouer'd now the neast of shame In short my Lord for you already know As much as they reported there was told The circumstance of all your priuate loue And meetings with the Dutchesse when at last False D'auolos concluded with an oath Wee 'll make quoth he his hart-strings crack for this Fer. Speaking of me Ros. Of you I quoth the Marquesse Were not the Duke a baby he would seeke Swift vengeance for he knew it long agoe Fer. Let him know it yet I vow Shee is as loyall in her plighted faith As is the Sunne in heauen but put case She were not and the Duke did know she were not This Sword lift vp and guided by this Arme Shall guard her from an armed troupe of Fiends And all the earth beside Ros. You are too safe In your destruction Fer. Dambe him hee shall feele But peace who comes Enter Colona Col. My Lord the Dutchesse craues a word with you Fer. Where is shee Col. In her chamber Ros. Here haue a plum for Ie'ee Col. Come foole I 'le giue thee plums enow come foole Fer. Let slaues in mind be seruile to their feares Our heart is high in-starr'd in brighter Spheres Exit Fer. et Colo Ros, I see him lost already If all preuaile not we shall know too late No toyle can shun the violence of Fate Exit Actus Quintus Enter aboue Fernando Fior. NOW fly reuenge and wound the lower earth That I en-sphear'd aboue may crosse the race Of Loue despis'd and triumph o're their graues Who scorne the low-bent thraldome of my heart A Curtaine drawne below are discouered Biancha in her night attire leaning on a Cushion at a Table holding Fernando by the hand Bia. Why shouldst thou not be mine why should the laws The Iron lawes of Ceremony barre Mutuall embraces what 's a vow a vow Can there be sinne in vnity Could I As well dispense with Conscience as renounce The out-side of my titles the poore