The broken heart A tragedy. Acted by the Kings Majesties Seruants at the priuate House in the Black-Friers.

Actus Secundus:

Scaena prima.

Enter Bassanes and Phulas.

Bass.

I'le haue that window next the street dam'd vp; It giues too full a prospect to temptation, And courts a Gazers glances: there's a lust Committed by the eye, that sweats, and t••a••els, Plots, wakes, contriues, till the deformed bear-whelpe Adultery be lick'd into the act, The very act; that light shall be dam'd vp; D'ee heare Sir?

Phul.

I doe heare my Lord; a Mason Shall be prouided suddenly.

Bass.

Some Rogue, Some Rogue of your confederacy, (factor For slaues and strumpets) to conuey close packets From this spruce springall, and the tother youngster; That gawdy Eare-wrig, or my Lord, your Patron, Whose p••usioner you are.— I'le teare thy throat out

Sonne of a Cat, ill-looking Hounds-head; tip vp Thy vlterous maw, if I but scont a paper, A scroll, but halfe as big as what can couer A wart vpon thy nose, a spot, a pimple, Directed to my Lady: it may proue A mysticall preparatiue to lewdnesse.

Phul.

Care shall be had. — I will turne euery thread About me to an eye. — here's a sweet life.

Bass.

The City houswiues, cunning in the traffique Of Chamber-merchandise, set all at price By whole-sale, yet they wipe their mouthes, and simper, Cull, kisse, and cry Sweet-hart, and stro••ke the head Which they haue branch'd, and all is well againe: Dull clods of dirt, who dare not feele the rubs Stucke on the fore-heads?

Phul.

'Tis a villanous world, One cannot hold his owne in't.

Bass.

Dames at Court Who flaunt in riots, runne another by as•• Their pleasure heaues the patient Asse that suffers Vp on the stil••d of Office, titles, Incomes; Promotion iustifies the shame, and ••ues for't: Poore Honour! thou art stab'd, and bleed'st to death By such vnlawfull hire. The Count••y mistresse Is yet more wary, and in blushes hides What euer trespasse drawes her tro••h to guilt; But all are false. On this truth I am bold, No woman but can fall, and doth, or would — Now for the newest newes about the Citie; What blab the voyces sirrha?

Phul.

O my Lord, The rarest, quaintest, strangest, tickling newes That euer —

Bass.

Hey da, vp and ride me Rascall, What is't?

Phul.

Forsooth (they say) the King has mew'd All his gray beard, in stead of which is budded Another of a pure Carnation colour, Speckled with Greene and Russet.

Bass.

Ignorant blocke.

Phul.

Yes truly, and 'tis talkt about the streets, That since Lord Ithocles c••me home, the Lyons Neuer left roaring, at which noyse the ••eares

Haue danc'd their very hearts out.

Bass.

Dance out thine too.

Phul.

Besides, Lord Orgilus is fled to Athens Vpon a fiery Dragon, and 'tis thought A' neuer can returne.

Bass.

Grant it Apollo.

Phul.

Moreouer, please your Lordship, 'tis reported For certaine, that who euer is found iealous Without apparant proofe that's wife is wanton, Shall be diuorc'd: but this is but she-newes, I had it from a midwife. I haue more yet.

Bass.

Anticke, no more; Ideots and stupid fooles Grate my calamities. Why to be faire Should yeeld presumption of a faulty soule? Looke to the doores.

Phul.

The horne of plenty crest him.

Exit Phul.

Bass.

Swormes of confusion huddle in my thoughts In rare distemper. Beauty? ô it is An vnmatcht blessing, or a horrid curse.

Enter Penthea, and Gransis an old Lady.

Shee comes, she comes, so shoots the morning forth, Spangled with pearles of transparent dew, The way to pouerty is to be rich; As I in her am wealthy, but for her In all contents a Bankrupt. — Lou'd Penthea, How fares my hearts best ioy?

Gran.

In sooth not well, She is so ouer-sad.

Bass.

Leaue chattering Mag-pye.— Thy brother is return'd (sweet) safe, and honour'd With a Triumphant victory: thou shalt visit him: We will to Court, where, if it be thy pleasure, Thou shalt appeare in such a rauishing lustre Of Iewels aboue value, that the Dames Who braue it there, in rage to be out-shin'd, Shall hide them in their Closets, and unseene Fret in their teares; whiles euery wondring eye Shall craue none other brightnesse but thy presence. Choose thine owne recreations, be a Queene Of what delights thou fa••ciest best, what company, What place, what times, doe any thing, doe all things

Youth can command; so thou wilt 〈…〉〈…〉 From the pure firmament of thy fai••e lookes••

Gran.

Now 'tis well said my Lord, what Lady? laugh, Be merry, time is precious.

Bass.

Furies whip thee.

Pen.

Alas my Lord, this language to your Hand-maid Sounds as would musicke to the deafe: I need No braueries nor cost of Art, to draw The whitenesse of my name into offence; Let such (if any such there are) who couet A curiosity of admiration, By laying out their plenty to full view, Appeare in gawdy out-sides; my attires Shall suit the inward fashion of my minde; From which, if your opinion nobly plac'd, Change not the Liuory your words bestow, My Fortunes with my hopes are at the highest.

Bass.

This house me thinkes stands somewhat too much inward•• It is too melancholy, wee'll remoue Nearer the Court; or what thinks my Penthea Of the delightfull Island we command? Rule me as thou canst wish.

Pen.

I am no Mistresse; Whither you please, I must attend; all wayes Are alike pleasant to me.

Gran.

Island? prison: A prison is as gaysome: wee'll no Islands: Marry out vpon 'em, whom shall we see there? Sea-guls, and Porpiseis, and water-rats, And Crabs, and Mewes, and Dogfish? goodly geere For a young Ladies dealing, or an old ones. On no termes Islands, I'le be stew'd first.

Bass.

Gransis, You are a Iugling Bawd. — This sadnesse (sweetest) Becomes not youthfull blood, — (I'le haue you pounded) For my sake put on a more chearefull mirth, Thou't marre thy cheekes, and make me old in griefes. —(Damnable Bitch-foxe.)

Gran.

I am thicke of hearing Still when the wind blowes Southerly. What thinke 'e••, If your fresh Lady bre••d young bones (my Lord?) Wood not a chopping boy d'ee good at heart?

But as you said,

Bass.

〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 Or chop thee into collo••••

Gran.

Pray speake louder•• Sure, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the wind blowes South still,

Pen.

Thou prai'st madly.

Bass.

'Tis very hot, I sweat extreamely•• — Now.

Enter Phula••.

Phul.

A heard of Lords, Sir.

Bass.

Ha?

Phul.

A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Indies.

Bass.

Where?

Phul.

Shoalds of horses.

Bass.

Peasant, how?

Phul.

Caroches In drifts—th'one enter, th'other stand without, sir. And now I vanish.

Exit Phulas.

Enter Prophilus, Hemophil, Groneas, Christalla and Philena.

Proph.

Noble Bassanes.

Bass.

Most welcome Prophilus, Ladies, Gentlem••n, To all, my heart is open, you all honour me. (A tympany swe••s in my head a••r••ady) Honour me bountifully. — (How they flutter, W•••• ••ailes and ••ayes together?)

Proph.

From your brother, By virtue of your loue to him, I require Your instant presence faire••h

Pen.

He is woll Sir.

Proph.

The gods preserue him euer: yet (deare beauty) I finde some alteration in him lately, Since his returne to Sparta. My good Lord, I pray vse no delay.

Bass.

We had not needed An inuitation, if his sisters health Had not fallen into question. — Hast Penthea, Slacke not a minute: lead the way good Prophilus, I'le follow step by step••

Proph.

Your arme faire Madam.

Exeunt omnes sed Bass. & Gran.

Bass.

One word with your old Bawdship: th' hadst bin better Raild at the sinnes thou worshipst, thou haue thwarted My will. I'le vse thee cursedly.

Gran.

You dote. You are beside your selfe. A Politician In iealousie? No, y'are too grosse, too vulgar. Pish, teach not me my trade, I know my ••ue: My crossing you, sinks me into her trust, By which I shall know all: my ••rade's a sure one.

B••ss.

Forgiue me, Gransis, twas consideration

I rellisht not, but haue a care now.

Gran.

Feare not, I am no new-come-too't.

Bass.

Thy life's vpon it, And so is mine. My Agonies are infinite.

Exeunt omnes:

Scaene 2.

Enter Ithocles alone.

Itho.

Ambition? 'tis of vipers breed, it knawes A passage through the wombe that gaue it motion. Ambition? like a seeled Doue, mounts vpward, Higher and higher still to pearch on clouds, But tumbles headlong downe with heauier ruine. So squibs and crackers flye into the ayre, Then onely breaking with a noyse, they vanish In stench and smoke: Morality appli'd To timely practice, keeps the soule in tune, At whose sweet musicke all our actions dance; But this is forme of books, and schoole-tradition, I•• physicks not the sicknesse of a minde Broken with grief••••: strong Fe••••ers are not eas'd With counsell, but with be•••• receipts, and meane••: Meanes, speedy meanes, and certaine; that's the cure.

Enter Armoster and Crotolon.

Armo.

You sticke (Lord Crotolon) vpon a point Too nice, and too vnnecessary. Prophi••us Is euery way desertfull. I am confident Your wisdome is too 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to need instruction From your 〈…〉〈…〉

Crot••

••et not so ripe (My Lord Armoster) th••t ••t dares to do••e Vpon the painte•• 〈…〉〈…〉 smooth perswasion, Which tempts me to breach of faith.

Itho.

Not yet Resolu'd (my Lo••••••) 〈…〉〈…〉 consent Be so auaileable, wee'll wri•••• to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 For his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Will ioyne with our d••••••res, he ••as beene ••••••'d too••.

Armo.

Yes, and the King himselfe ••mportun'd Crotol•••• For a dispatch.

C••o••••

〈…〉〈…〉 command, their wil••

Are Lawes not to be questioned.

Itho.

By this marriage You k••it an union so denout, so hearty, Betweene your loues to me, and mine to yours, As if mine owne blood had an interest in it; For Prop••ilus is mine, and I am his.

Crot.

My Lord, my Lord.

Ith.

What, good Sir? speak your thoght.

Crot.

Had this sincerity beene reall once, My Orgilus had not beene now vn-wi••'d, Nor •• our lost Sister buried in a Bride bed. Your Vnckle here, Armoster knowes this truth, For had your father Thrasus liu'd, but peace Dwell in his graue: I haue done.

Armo.

Y'are bold and bitter.

Itho.

'A presses home the iniury, it smarts; No reprehensions Vncle, I deserue 'em. Yet gentle Sir, consider what the heat Of an vnsteady youth a giddy bra••••e, Greene indiscretion, flattery of greatnesse, Rawnesse of iudgement, wilfulnesse in folly, Thoughts vagrant as the wind, and as vncertaine Might lead a boy in yeeres too; 'twas a fault, A Capitall fault, for then I could not diue Into the secrets of commanding Loue: Since when, experience by the extremities (in others) Hath forc'd me to collect. And trust me Crotolon, I will redeeme those wrongs with any seruice Your satisfaction can require for currant.

Armo.

Thy acknowledgement is satisfaction. What would you more?

Crot.

I'me conquer'd: if E••phra•••••• Her selfe admit the motion, let it be so. I doubt not my sonnes liking.

Itho.

Vse my fortunes, Life, power, sword, and heart, all are your owne.

Enter Bassa••es, Prophilus, Cala••••, Pe••th••a, E••phrane••, Chrystalla, Ph••l••ma, and Gra••si••.

Armo.

The Princesse with your sister.

Calan.

I present 'e•• A stranger here in Court (my Lord,) for did not Desire of seeing you, draw her abroad, We had not beene made happy in her company.

Ith.

You are a gracious Princesse.— Sister, wedlocke Holds too seuere a passion in your nature, Which can engrosse all duty to your husband, Without attendance on so dea•• a mistresse. 'Tis not my brothers pleasure, I presume, T' immure her in a chamber.

Bass.

'Tis her will, Shee gouernes her owne houres; (noble Ithocles) We thanke the gods for your successe, and welfare. Our Lady has of ••ate beene indispos'd, Else we had waited on you with the first.

Itho.

How does Penthea now?

Pen.

You best know brother, From whom my health and comfort•• are deriu'd.

Bass.

I like the answer well; 'tis sad, and modest; There may be tricks, yet, tricks.— Haue an eye Gransis.

Calan.

Now Crotolon, the suit we ioyn'd in must not Fall by too long demurre.

Crot.

'Tis granted, Princesse, For my part.

Armo.

With condition, that his sonne Fauour the Contract.

Calan.

Such delay is easie. The ioyes of marriage make thee, Prophilus, A proud deseruer of Euphrama's loue, And her of thy desert.

Proph.

Most sweetly gracious.

Bass.

The ioyes of marriage are the heauen on earth, Life's paradise (great Princesse) the soules quiet, Sinewes of concord, earthly immortality, Eternity of pleasures; no restoratiues Like to a constant woman. — (but where i•• she? 'Twould puzzle all the gods, but to create Such a new monster.) — I can speake by proofe, For I rest in Elizium, 'tis my happinesse.

Crot.

Euphrania how are you resolu'd, (speake freely) In your affections to this Gentlem••n?

Euphr:

Nor more, nor lesse th••n a•• his loue assures me, Which (if your li••ing with my ••••••••hers warrants) I cannot but approue in all point•• worthy.

Crot.

So, so, I know your answer.

Ith.

'T had bin pitty To sunder hearts so equally consented.

Enter He••••phill.

Hem.

The King (Lord Ithocles) commands your presence; And (fairest Princesse) yours.

Calan.

We will attend him.

Enter Groneas.

Gron.

Where are the Lords? all must vnto the King Without delay: the Prince of Argos—

Calan.

Well Sir.

Gron.

Is comming to the Court, sweet Lady.

C••lan.

How! The Prince of Argos?

Gron.

'Twas my fortune, Madam, T' enioy the honour of these happy tidings.

Ith.

Penthe••!

Pen.

Brother!

Ith.

Let me an howre hence Meet you alone, within the Palace groue, I haue some secret with you — Prethe friend Conduct her thither, and haue speciall care The walks be clear'd of any to disturbe vs.

Proph.

I shall.

Bass.

How's that?

Ith.

Alone, pray be alone. I am your creature, princesse.— on my Lords.

Exeunt.

Bassanes.

Bass.

Alone, alone? what meanes that word alone? Why might not I be there? — hum! — hee's her brother; Brothers and sisters are but flesh and blood, And this same whorson Court ease is temp••••tion To a rebellion in the veines •• — Besides, His fine friend Prophilu•• mus•• be her guardian. Why may not he dispatch a businesse nimbly Before the other come? — or — pa••••ring, pandring, For one another? bee't to sister, mother, Wife, Couzen, any thing, 'mongst youths of met••all, Is in request: It is so — stubborne Fate: But if I be a Cuckold, and can know it, I will be fell, and fell.

Enter Gro••e••s.

Gron.

My Lord, y'are call'd for.

Bass.

Most hartily I thanke y••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my wi••e pray?

Gron.

Retir'd amongst the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Bass.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 thanke ••ee•• There's an old waiter with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••w you 〈◊〉〈◊〉?

Gron.

She 〈…〉〈…〉 p••esence Lobby fast a••••e••pe ••ir.

Bass.

Asleepe? sleepe Sir••

Gron,

Is your Lordship troubled•• You will not to the King?

Bass.

Your humblest Vassaile.

Gron.

Your seruant my good Lord.

Bass••

I wait your foot st••ps.

Exeunt.

Scaene the third.

P••ophilus, Penthea.

Proph.

In this walke (Lady) will your brother find you: And with your fauour, giue me le••••e a little To worke a preparation, in his fashion I haue obseru'd of late, some kind of slacknesse To such alacrity as Nature And custome tooke delight in: Sadnesse growes Vpon his recreations, which he he h••••rds In such a willing silence, that to question The grounds will argue skill in friendship, And lesse good manners.

Pen.

Sir, I'me not inquisitiue Of secrecies without an inuitation.

Phoph.

With pardon, Lady, not a sillable Of mine implyes so rude a sense; the drift.—

Enter Orgilus.

Proph.

Doe thy best To make this Lady me••ry for an hour••.

Exit.

Org.

Your will shall be a law, Sir.

P••n.

Prethe leaue me, I haue some priuate thoughts I would account with: Vse thou thine owne.

Org.

Speake on, faire nimph, our soules Can dance as well to musick•• of the Spheares As any's who haue feasted with the gods.

Pen.

Your Schoole terms are too troublesome.

Org.

What heauen Refines mortality from drosse of earth, But such as vncompounded beauty hallowes With glorified perfection.

Pen.

Set thy wits In a lesse wild proportion.

Org.

Time can neuer On the white table of vnguilty faith Write counterfeit dishonour; turne those eyes (The arrowes of pure loue) vpon that fire Which once rose to a flame, perfum'd with vowes As sweetly scented as the L••cense smoking like The holiest A••tars, Virgin teares

On Vesta's odours) sprinkled dewes to feed 'em, And to increase their feruour.

Pen.

Be not franticke.

Org.

All pleasures are but meere imagination, Feeding the hungry appetite with steame, And sight of banquet, whilst the body pines, Not relishing the reall tast of food, Such is the le••nnesse of a heart diuided From entercourse of troth-contracted lones; No horror should deface that precious figure Seal'd with the liuely stampe of equall soules.

Pen.

Away, some fury hath bewitch'd thy tongue: The breath of ignorance that flyes from thence, Ripens a knowledge in me of afflictions, Aboue all suffrance. — Thing of talke be gone, Be gone without reply.

Org.

Be iust, Penthea, In thy commands: when thou send'st forth a doome Of banishment, know first on whom it lights; Thus I take off the shrowd, in which my cares Are folded vp from view of common eyes; What is thy sentence next?

Pen.

Rash man, thou layest A blemish on mine honour with the hazard Of thy too desperate life: yet I professe, By all the Lawes of ceremonious wedlocke, I haue not giuen admittance to one thought Of female change, since cruelty enforc'd Diuorce betwixt my body and my heart: Why would you fall from goodnesse thus?

Org.

O rather Examine me how I could liue to say I haue bin much, much wrong'd; 'tis for thy sake I put on this Imposture; deare Penthea, If thy soft bosome be not turn'd to marble, Thou't pitty our calamities; my Interest Confirmes me thou art mine still.

Pe••.

Lend your hand: With both of mine I claspe it thus, thus kisse it, Thus kneele before ye.

Org.

You instruct my duty.

Pen.

We may stand vp: Haue you ought else to vrge Of new demand? as for the old forget it,

'Tis buried in an everlasting silence, And shall be, shall be euer; what more would ye?

Org.

I would possesse my wife, the equity Of very reason bids me.

Pen.

Is that all?

Org.

Why 'tis the all of me my selfe.

Pen.

Remo••e Your steps some distance from me; at this space A few words I dare change; but first put on Your borrowed shape.

Org.

You are obey'd, 'tis done••

Pen.

How (Orgilus) by promise I was thine, The heauens doe witnesse; they can witnesse too A rape done on my truth: how I doe loue the•• Yet Orgilus, and yet, must best appeare In tendering thy freedome; for I find The constant preseruation of thy merit, By thy not daring to attempt my fame With iniury of any loose conceit, Which might giue deeper wounds to discontents: Continue this faire race, then though I cannot Adde to thy comfort, yet I shall more often Remember from what fortune I am fallen, And pitty mine owne ruine. — Liue, li••e happy. Happy in thy next choyce, that thou maist people This barren age with vertues in thy issue: And ô, when thou art married, thinke on me With mercy, not contempt: I hope thy wife, Hearing my story, will not scorne my fall: Now let vs part.

Org.

Part! yet aduise thee better: Penthea is the wife to Orgilus, And euer shall be.

Pen.

Neuer shall nor will.

Org.

How!

Pen.

Heare me, in a word I'le tell thee why•• The Virgin dowry which my birth bestow'd, Is rauish'd by another: my true loue Abhorres to thinke, that Orgilus deseru'd No better fauours then a second bed.

Org.

I must not take this reason.

Pen.

To confirme it, Should I outliue my bondage, let me meet Another worse then this, and lesse desir'd,

If of all the men aliue thou shouldst but touch My lip, or hand againe.

Org.

Penthea, now I tell 'ee you grow wanton in my sufferance; Come sweet, th'art mine.

Pen.

Vnciuill Sir, forbeare, Or I can turne affection into vengeance; Your reputation (if you value any) Lyes bleeding at my feet. Vnworthy man, If euer henceforth thou appeare in language, Message, or letter to betray my frailty, I'le call thy former protestations lust, And curse my Starres for forfeit of my iudgement. Goe thou, sit onely for disguise and walkes, To hide thy shame: this once I spare thy life; I laugh at mine owne confidence; my sorrowes By thee are made inferiour to my fortunes. If euer thou didst harbour worthy loue, Dare not to answer. My good Genius guide me, That I may neuer see thee more. — Goe from me.

Org.

I'e teare my vaile of politicke French off, And stand vp like a man resolu'd to doe Action, not words shall shew me. O Penthea.

Exit Orgilus.

Pen.

'A sigh'd my name sure as he parted from me, I feare I was too rough: Alas poore Gentleman, 'A look'd not like the ruines of his youth, But like the ruines of those ruines: Honour, How much we fight with weaknesse to preserue thee.

Enter Bassanes and Gransis.

Bass.

Fye on thee, damb thee, rotten magot, damb thee, Sleepe? sleepe at Court? and now? Aches, convulsions, Impostumes, themes, gouts, palsies clog thy bones A dozen yeeres more yet.

Gran.

Now y'are in humors.

Bass.

Shee's by her selfe, there's hope of that; shee's sad too, Shee's in strong contemplation: yes, and ••ixt. The signes are wholesome.

Gran.

Very wholsome truly.

Bass.

Hold your chops night mare.— Lady, come your brother Is carried to his closet; you must thither.

Pen.

Not well, my Lord?

Bass.

A sudden ••it, 'twill off;

Some surfeit or disorder. — How doest d••erest?

Pen.

Your newes is none o'th best.

Enter Prophilus.

Proph.

The chiefe of men, The excellentest Ithocles, desires Your presence Madam.

Bass.

We are hasting to him.

Pen.

In vaine we labour in this course of life To piece our iourney out at length, or craue Respite of breath, our home is in the graue.

Bass.

Perfect Philosophy: then let vs care To liue so that our reckonings may fall euen When w' are to make account.

Proph.

He cannot feare Who builds on noble grounds: sicknesse or paine Is the deseruers exercise, and such Your vertuous brother to the world is knowne. Speake comfort to him Lady, be all gentle; Starres fall but in the grossenesse of our sight, A good man dying, th' Earth doth lose a ligh••.

Exeunt omnes.