The comicall historie of Alphonsus, King of Aragon As it hath bene sundrie times acted. Made by R.G.

Act. 3. (Book 3)

Enter Venus.

THus haue you seene, how Amuracke himselfe, Fausta his wife, and euery other King,

Which holds their seepters at the Turke his hands, Are now in armes, entending to destroy And bring to nought, the Prince of Aragon. Charmes haue bene vsde by wise Medeas art, To know before what afterward shall hap, And King Belinus with high Claramount, Ioynd to Alphonsus, which with Princely pompe, Doth rule and gouerne all the warlike Moores, Are sent as Legats to god Mahomet, To know his counsell in these high affaires. Mahound proupk•…•… by Amurackes discourse, Which as you heard, he in his dreame did vse, Denies to play the Prophet any more, But by the long in•…•…atie of his Priests, He prophesies in such a craftie sort, As that the hearers needs must laugh for sport. Yet poore Belinus with his fellow Kings, Did giue such credence to that forged tale, As that they lost their dearest liues thereby, And Amuracke became a prisoner Vnto Alphonsus, as straight shall appeare.

Exit Venus.

Let there be a brazen Head set in the middle of the place behind the Stage, out of the which, cast flames of fire, drums rumble within, Enter two Priests.

1. Pr.

My fellow Priests of Mahounds holy house, What can you iudge of these strange miracles, Which daily happen in this sacred seate?

Drums rumble within.

Harke what a rumbling ratleth in our cares.

Cast flames of fire forth of the brazen Head.

See flakes of fire proceeding from the mouth

Of Mahomet that God of peereles power. Nor can I tell with all the wit I haue, What Mahomet by these his signes doth craue.

2. Pr.

Thrise ten times Phoebus with his golden beames, Hath compassed the circle of the skie, Thrise ten times Ceres, hath her workemen hir'd, And fild her barnes with frutefull crops of corne, Since first in Priesthood I did lead my life: Yet in this time I neuer heard before, Such feareful sounds, nor saw such wondrous sights, Nor can I tell, with all the wit I haue, What Mahomet by these his signes doth craue.

Speake out of the brazen Head.

Ma.

You cannot tell, nor will you seeke to know, Oh peruerse Priest, how carelesse are you waxt? As when my foes approach vnto my gates, You stand still talking of I cannot tell: Go packe you hence, and meete the Turkish kings, Which now are drawing to my Temple ward: Tell them from me, God Mahomet is dispos'd To prophesie no more to Amuracke, Since that his tongue is waxen now so free, As that it needs-must chat and raile at me.

Kneele downe both.

1. Pr.

Oh Mahomet, if all the solemne prayers Which from our childhood we haue offered th•…•…, Can make thee call this sentence backe againe, Bring not thy Priest into this dangerous state: For when the Turke doth heare of this repulse, We shall be sure to die the death therefore.

Ma.

Thou sayest truth, go call the Princes in, Ile prophesie vnto them for this once, But in such wise, as they shall neither boast, Nor you be hurt in any kinde of wise.

Enter Belinus, Claramont, Arcastus, go both the Priests to meet him: the first say.

1. Pr.

You Kings of Turkie, Mahomet our God, By sacred science, hauing notice that You were sent Legats from high Amuracke, Vnto this place, commaunded vs his Priests, That we should cause you make as mickle speed, As well you might, to heare for certaintie, Of that shall happen to your King and ye.

Beli.

For that intent we came into this place, And sithens that, the mightie Mahomet Is now at leisure for to tell the same, Let vs make haste and take time while we may: For mickle daunger hapneth through delay.

2. Pri.

Truth worthy king, and therfore you your selfe, With your companions, kneele before this place, And listen well what Mahomet doth say.

Kneele all downe before the brasen Head.

Beli.

As you do will, we •…•…oyntly will obey.

Ma.

Princes of Turkie, and Embassadors Of Amuracke, to mightie Mahomet, I needs must muse, that you which e•…•…st haue bene The readiest souldiers of the triple world, Are now become so slacke in your affaires, As when you should with bloudie blade in hand, Be hacking he mes in thickest of your foes, You stand still loytering in the Turkish soyle. What know you not, how that it is decreed, By all the gods, and chiefly by my selfe•…•… That you with triumph should all Crowned bee: Make haste Kings, least when the fates do see, How carlesly you do neglect their words,

They call a Counsell, and force Mahomet Against his will some other thing to set. Send Fabius backe to Amuracke againe, To haste him forwards in his enterprise: And march you on with all the troupes you haue, To Naples ward, to conquer Aragon. For if you stay, both you and all your men, Must needs be sent downe straight to Lymbo den.

2. Pri.

Muse not braue kings at Mahomets discourse, For marke what he forth of that mouth doth say, Assure your selfe it needs must happen so. Therefore make hast, go mount you on your steeds, And set vpon Alphonsus presently. So shall you reape great honor for your paine: And scape the scourge, which els the Fates ordaine.

Rise allvp.

Beli.

Then proud Alphonsus, looke thou to thy Crowne, Belinus comes in glittring armor clad, All readie prest for to reuenge the wrong Which not long since, you offred vnto him. And since we haue God Mahound on our side: The victorie must needs to vs betide.

Cla.

Worthie Belinus, set such threats away, And let vs haste as fast as horse can trot, To set vpon presumptuous Aragon. You Fabius, hast as Mahound did commaund, To Amuracke, with all the speed you may.

Fabi.

With willing mind I hasten on my way.

Exit Fabius.

Beli.

And thinking long till that we be in fight, Belinus hastes to quaile Alphonsus might.

Exeunt omnes.

Strike vp alarum a while. Enter Carinus.

Cari.

No sooner had God P•…•…bus brightsome beames

Both Millaine land, and all the parts thereof.

Cari.

Why then I doubt not but you can resolue Me of a question that I shall demaund.

Duke.

I that I can, what euer that it be.

Cari.

Then to be briefe, not twentie winters past When these my lims which withered are with age, Were in the prime and spring of all their youth, I still desirous as voong gallants be, To see the fashions of Arabia, My natiue soyle, and in this pilgrims weed, Began to trauell through vnkenned lands, Much ground I past, and many soyles I saw, But when my feete in Millain land I set, Such sumptuous triumphs daily there I saw, As neuer in my life I found the like. I pray good sir, what might the occasion bee: That made the Millains make such mirth and glee?

Duk.

This solemne ioy wherof you now do speak, Was not solemnized my friend in vaine. For at that time there came into the land, The happiest tidings that they ere did heare. For newes was brought vpon that solemne day, Vnto our Court, that Ferdinandus proud Was slaine himselfe, Carinus and his sonne Were banisht both for euer from Aragon: And for these happie newes that ioy was made.

Cari.

But what I pray did afterward become, Of old Carinus with his banisht sonne? What heare you nothing of them all this while?

Du.

Yes too too much, the Millain Duke may say. Alphonsus first by secret meanes did get To be a souldier in Belinus warres: Wherein he did behaue himselfe so well, As that he got the Crowne of Aragon. Which being got, he dispossest also,

The King Belinus which had fostered him: As for Carinus he is dead and gone, I would his sonne were his companion.

Cari.

A blister build vpon that traytors tongue, But for thy friendship which thou shewedst me, Take that of me, I frankly giue it thee.

Stab him.

Now will I haste to Naples with all speed, To see if Fortune will so fauour me, To view Alphonsus in his happie state.

Exit Carinus.

Enter Amuracke, Crocon King of Arabia, Faustus, King of Ba∣bilon, Fabius, with the Turkes Ganesaries.

Amu.

Fabius come hither, what is that thou sayest? What did god Mahound prophecie to vs? Why do our Viceroyes wend vnto the warres, Before their king had notice of the same? What do they thinke to play bob foole with me? Or are they waxt so frolicke now of late, Since that they had the leading of our bands, As that they thinke that mightie Amuracke Dares do no other then to soothe them vp? Why speakest thou not? what fond or franticke fit Did make those carelesse Kings to venture it?

Fa.

Pardon deare Lord, no franticke fit at all, No frolicke vaine, nor no presumptuous mind, Did make your Viceroies take these wars in hand. But forst they were by Mahounds prophecie, To do the same, or else resolue to die.

Amu.

So sir, I heare you, but can scare beleeue That Mahomet would charge them go before Against Alphonsus with so small a troupe, Whose number farre exceeds king Xerxe•…•… troupe,

Fa.

Yes Noble Lord, and more then that hee said,

That ere that you with these your warlike men, Should come to bring your succour to the field: Belinus, Claramount, and Arcastus too, Should al be crownd with crownes of beaten gold, And bo•…•…ne with triumphes round about their tēts.

Amu.

With triumph man, did Mahound tell them so•…•… Prouost go carrie Fabius presently, Vnto the Marshalsie, there let him rest, Clapt sure and safe in fetters all of steele, Till Amuracke discharge him from the same. For be he sure, vnles it happen so As he did say, Mahound did prophesie, By this my hand, forthwith the slaue shall die.

Lay hold of Fabius, and make as though you carrie him out, Enter a souldier and say.

Mess.

Stay Prouost stay, let Fabius alone, More fitteth now, that euery lustie lad Be buckling on his helmet, then to stand In carrying souldiers to the Marshalsie.

Amu.

Why what art thou, That darest once presume, For to gainsay that Amuracke did bid?

Messen.

I am my Lord, The wretcheds man aliue: Borne vnderneath the Planet of mishap: Erewhile, a souldier of Belinus band But now.

Amu.

What now?

Mess.

The mirror of mishap:

Whose Captaine is slaine, and all his armie dead: Onely excepted me vnhappie wretch.

Amu.

What newes is this, and is Belinus Slaine? Is this the Crowne which Mahomet did say, He should with triumph weare vpon his head? Is this the honour which that cursed god Did prophesie, should hapen to them all? Oh Dadalus, and wert thou now aliue, To fasten wings vpon high Amuracke, Mahound should know, and that for certaintie, That turkish Kings can brooke no iniurie.

Fabi.

Tush tush my Lord, I wonder what you meane, Thus to exclaime against high Mahomet: Ile lay my life, that ere this day be past, You shall perceiue, his tidings all be waste.

Amu.

We shall perceiue, accursed Fabius, Suffice it not that thou hast bene the man, That first didst beate those bables in my braine, But that to helpe me forward in my greefe, Thou seekest to confirme so fowle a lie.

Stab him.

Go get thee hence, and tell thy trayterous King What gift you had, which did such tidings bring. And now my Lords, since nothing else will serue, Buckle your helmes, clap on your steeled coates, Mount on your steeds, take Launces in your hands, For Amuracke doth meane this very day, Proude Mahomet with weapons to assay.

Messen.

Mercie high Monarch, tis no time now To spend the day in such vaine threatnings, Against our god, the mightie Mahomet:

More fitteth thee to place thy men at armes In battle ray, for to withstand your foes, Which now are drawing towards you with speed.

Sound drummes within.

Hark how their drummes with dub a dub do come, To armes high Lord, and set these trifles by: That you may set vpon them valiantly.

Amu.

And do they come you kings of Turkie? Now is the time, in which your warlike armes Must raise your names aboue the starrie skies: Call to your minde your predecessors acts, Whose martiall might, this many a hundred yeare, Did keepe those fearefull dogs in dread and awe, And let your weapons shew Alphonsus plaine, That though that they be clapped vp in clay, Yet there be branches sprung vp from those trees, In Turkish land, which brooke no iniuries. Besides the same, remember with your selues, What foes we haue, not mightie Tamberlaine, Nor souldiers trained vp amongst the warres, But fearefull bodies, pickt from their rurall flocke, Which till this time were wholy ignorant What weapons ment, or bloudie Mars doth craue. More would I say, but horses that be free, Do need no spur•…•… and souldiers which themselues Long and desire to buckle with the foe, Do need no words to egge them to the same.

Enter Alphonsus, with a Canapie carried ouer him by three Lords, hauing ouer each corner a Kings head, crowned with him, Albinius, Laelius, Miles, with Crownes on their heads, and their souldiers.

Besides the same, behold whereas our foes Are marching towards vs most speedilie.

Courage my Lords, ours is the victorie.

Alph.

Thou Pagan dog how darst thou be so bold To set thy foote within Alphonsus land? What art thou come to view thy wretched kings, Whose traiterous heads bedeckt my tents so well? Or else thou hearing that on top thereof, There is a place left vacant, art thou come To haue thy head possesse the highest seate? If it be so, lie downe, and this my sword Shall presently that honor thee affoord. If not, pack hence, or by the heauens I vow, Both thou and thine shall verie soone perceiue, That he that seekes to moue my patience, Must yeeld his life to thee for recompence.

Amu.

Why proud Alphonsus, thinkst thou Amurack Whose mightie force doth terrefie the Gods, Can ere be found to turne his heeles and flie Away for feare, from such a boy as thou? No no, although that Mars this mickle while Hath fortified thy weake and feeble arme, And Fortune oft hath viewd with friendly face, Thy armies marching victors from the field, Yet at the presence of high Amuracke, Fortune shall change, and Mars that God of might Shall succour me, and leaue Alphonsus quight.

Alphon.

Pagan I say, thou greatly art deceiu'd, I clap vp Fortune in a cage of gold, To make her turne her wheele as I thinke best. And as for Mars whom you do say will change, He moping sits behind the kitchin doore, Prest at commaund of euery Skullians mouth•…•… Who dares not stir, nor once to moue a whit For feare Alphonsus then should stomack it.

Amu.

Blasphemous dog, I wonder that the earth Doth cease from renting vnderneath thy feete,

What froward fortune hapned on your side: I hope your king in safetie doth abide?

Cro.

I noble madam, Amurack doth liue: And long I hope he shall enioy his life. But yet I feare, vnles more succour come, We shall both loose our king and soueraigne.

Fau.

How so king Crocon, dost thou speak in iest? To proue if Fausta would lament his death? Or else hath any thing hapt him amis? Speake quickly Crocon what the cause might be, That thou dost vtter forth these words to me?

Cro.

Then worthie Fausta know, that Amuracke Our mightie king, and your approued spowse, Prickt with desire of euerlasting fame, As he was pressing in the thickest rankes Of Aragonians, was with much adoo At length tooke prisoner, by Alphonsus hands. So that vnles you succour soone do bring, You loose your spowse, and we shall want our king.

Iphi.

Oh haples hap, oh dire and cruell fate! What iniurie hath Amuracke my sire Done to the Gods, which now I know are wrath? Although vniustly and without a cause. For well I wot, not any other king Which now doth liue, or since the world begun Did sway a scepter, had a greater care To please the Gods, then mightie Amuracke. And for to quite our fathers great good will, Seeke they thu•…•… basely all his fame to spill.

Fau.

Iphigina, leaue off these wofull tunes, It is not words can cure and ease this wound: But warlike swords, not teares, but sturdie speares: High Amuracke is prisoner to our foes. What then? thinke you that our Amazones Ioynd with the forces of the Turkish troupe,

Are not sufficient for to set him free? Yes daughter yes, I meane not for to sleepe, Vntill he is free, or we him company keepe. March on my mates.

Exeunt omnes.

Strike vp alarum, flie Alphonsus, follow Iphigina and say.

Iphi.

How now Alphonsus, you which neuer yet Could meete your equall in the feates of armes, How haps it now that in such sudden sort You flie the presence of a sillie maide? What haue you found mine arme of such a force, As that you thinke your bodie ouerweake For to withstand the furie of my blowes? Or do you else disdaine to fight with me: For staining of your high nobilitie?

Alp.

No daintie dame, I wold not haue thee think That euer thou or any other wight, Shall liue to see Alphnosus flie the field From any king or Keisar who some ere, First will I die in thickest of my fo, Before I will disbase mine honour so. Nor do I scorne thou goddes for to staine My prowes with thee, although it be a shame For knights to combat with the female sect. But loue sweete mouse hath so benumbd my wit, That though I would, I must refraine from it.

Iphi.

I thought as much when first I came to wars, Your noble acts were fitter to be writ Within the Tables of dame Venus sun, Then in God Mars his warlike registers. When as your Lords are hacking helm es abroad, And make their speares to shiuer in the aire, Your mind is busied in fond Cupids toyes.

Come on I faith, ile teach you for to know We came to fight, and not to loue I trow.

Alph.

Nay virgin stay, and if thou wilt vouchsafe To entertaine Alphonsus simple sute, Thou shalt ere long be Monarch of the world: All christned kings, with all your Pagan dogs Shall bend their knees vnto Iphigina. The Indian soyle shalbe thine at command, Where euery step thou settest on the ground, Shall be receiued on the golden mines. Rich Pactolus that riuer of account, Which doth descend from top of Tiuole mount, Shall be thine owne, and all the world beside: If you will graunt to be Alphonsus bride.

Iphi.

Alphonsus bride? nay villain do not thinke That fame or riches can so rule my thoughts, As for to make me loue and fancie him Whom I do hate, and in such sort despise, As if my death could bring to passe his baine: I would not long from Plutoes port remaine.

Alph.

Nay then proud pecock since thou art so stou•…•…, As that intreatie will not moue thy minde For to consent to be my wedded spowse, Thou shalt in spite of Gods and Fortune too, Serue high. Alphonsus as a concubine.

Iphi.

Ile rather die then euer that shall hap.

Alphon.

And thou shalt die vnles it come to pas.

Alphonsus and Iphigina fight, Iphigina flie, follow Alphon∣sus. Strike vp alarum. Enter Alphonsus with his rapier, Albinius, Laelius, Miles with their souldiers. Amurack, Fausta, Iphigina, Crocon and Faustus all bounde with their •…•…ands behind them, Amuracke looke angerly on Fau∣sta.

Enter Medea, and say.

Med.

Nay Amurack this is no time to iarre, Although thy wife did in her franticke moode Vse speeches which might better haue bene sparde, Yet do thou not iudge the same time to be A season to requite that iniurie: More fitteth thee with all the wit thou hast, To call to mind which way thou maist release Thy selfe, thy wife, and faire Iphigina, Forth of the power of stout Alphonsus hands. For well I wot, since first you breathed breath, You neuer were so nie the snares of death. Now Amurack, •…•…our high and kingly seate, Your ro•…•…all scepter, and your stately Crowne, Your mightie Countrey, and your men at armes, Be conquered all, and can no succour bring. Put then no trust in these same paltrie toyes: But call to mind that thou a prisoner art: Clapt vp in chaines, whose life and deaths depends Vpon the hands of thy most mortall foe. Then take thou heed that what some ere he say, Thou doest not once presume for to gainsay.

Amu.

Away you foole, thinke you your cursed-charmes Can bridle so the mind of Amuracke, As that he will stand croaching to his foe? No no, be sure that if that beggers brat Do dare but once to contrary my will, Ile make him soone in heart for to repent, That ere such words gainst Amuracke he spent.

Med.

Then since thou dost disdaine my good aduise, Looke to thy selfe, and if you fare amis

Remember that Medea counsell gaue, Which might you safe from all those perils saue. But Fausta you, as well you haue begun, Beware you follow still your friends aduise. If that Alphonsus do desire of thee To haue your daughter for his wedded spowse, Beware you do not once the same gainsay: Vnles with death he do your rashnes pay.

Fau.

No worthie wight, first Fausta means to die, Before Alphonsus she will contrarie.

Med.

Why then farwell, but you Iphigina, Beware you do not ouersqueamish wax, When as your mother giueth her consent.

Iphi.

The Gods forbid that ere I should gainsay That which Medea bids me to obay.

Exit Medea.

Rise vp Alphonsus out of his chaire, who all this while hath bene talking to Albinius, and say.

Al.

Now Amurack the proud blasphemous dogs (For so •…•…ou termed vs) which did brall and raile Against God Mars, and fickle Fortunes wheele, Haue got the gole for all your solemne praiers: Your selfe are prisoner, which as then did thinke That all the forces of the triple world, Were insufficient to fulfill the same. How like you this? is Fortune of such might, Or hath God Mars such force or power diuine, As that he can with all the power he hath, Set thee and thine forth of Alphonsus hands? I do not thinke but that your hopes so small, As that you would with verie willing mind, Yeeld for my spowse the faire Iphigina, On that condition, that without delay, Fausta and you may scotfree scape away.

Amu.

What thinkst thou vilain that high Amurack

Beares such a minde, as for the feare of death, Heele yeeld his daughter, yea his onely ioy, Into the hands of such a dunghill Knight? No traytor no, for as now I lie Clapt vp in Irons, and with bolts of steele: Yet do there lurke within the Turkish soyle, Such troupes of souldiers, that with small ado, Theile set me scotfree from your men and you.

Alp.

Villain sayest thou, traitor & dunghil knight, Now by the heauens, since that thou dost denie, For to fulfill that which in gentle wise Alphonsus craues, both thou and all thy traine Shall with your liues requite that iniurie. Albinius lay holde of Amuracke, And carrie him to prison presently, There to remaine vntill I do returne Into my tent, for by high Ioue I vowe, Vnles he waxe more calmer out of hand, His head amongst his fellow Kings shall stand.

Albinius carrie Amuracke forth, who as he is a going, must say.

Amu.

No villaine, thinke not that the feare of death Shall make me calmer while I draw my breath.

Alphon.

Now Laelius, take you Iphigina, Her mother Fausta, with these other Kings, And put them into prisons seuerally: For Amuracks stout stomacke shall vndo, Both he himselfe and all his other crew.

Fausta kneele downe.

Fau.

Oh sacred Prince, if that the salt-brine teares, Distilling downe poore Faustas withered cheekes,

Alphonsus and Albinius go toward Carinus, Alphonsus stand looking on Carinus, Carinus say.

Cari.

What nere a word Alphonsus, art thou dumb? O•…•… d•…•…th my presence so perturbe thy minde, That for because I come in Pilgrims weed, You thinke each word which you do spend to me A great disgrace vnto your name to be? Why speakest thou not? if that my place you craue, I will be gone and you my place shall haue.

Alph.

Nay father stay, the Gods of heauen forbid, That ere Alphonsus should desire or wish To haue his absence whom he doth account To be the Loadstone of his life. What though the fates and fortune both in one, Haue bene content to call your louing sonne, From beggers state, vnto this princely seate, Should I therefore disdaine my aged sire? No first both Crowne and life I will detest, Before such venome breed within my brest. What erst I did, the sudden ioy I tooke, To see Carinus in such happie state, Did make me do, and nothing else at all, High Ioue himselfe do I to witnes call.

Cari.

These words are vaine, I knew as much before: But yet Alphonsus I must wonder needs, That you whose yeares are proue to Cupids snares, Can suffer such a Goddes as this dame, Thus for to shead such store of Christall teares. Beleeue me sonne, although my yeares be spent, Her sighes and sobs in twaine my heart do rent.

Alph.

Like power deare father had she ouer me, Vntill for loue, I looking to receiue Loue backe againe, not onely was denied, But also taunted in most spightfull sort:

Which made me loathe that which I erst did loue, As she her selfe, with all her friends shall proue.

Cari.

How now Alphonsus, you which haue so lōg Bene trained vp in bloudie broyles of Mars, What know you not, that Castles are not wonne At first assault, and women are not wooed When first their suters profer loue to them: As for my part, I should account that maide A wanton wench, vnconstant lewde and light, That yeelds the field, before she venture fight. Especially vnto her mortall foe, As you were then vnto Iphigina. But for because I see you fitter are To enter Lists and combat with your foes, Then court faire Ladyes in God Cupids tents, Carinus meanes, your spokesman for to bee, And if that she consent, you shall agree.

Alphon.

What you commaund, Alphonsus must not flie: Though otherwise perhaps he would denie.

Cari.

Then daintie damsell stint these trickling teares, Cease sighes and sobs, yea make a merrie cheare, Your pardon is already purchased: So that you be not ouer curious In granting to Alphonsus iust demand.

Iphi.

Thankes mightie Prince, no curioser ile bee, Then doth become a maide of my degree.

Cari.

The Gods forbid that ere Carinus tongue Should go about to make a mayd consent Vnto the thing which modestie denies: That which I aske, is neither hurt to thee, Danger to parents, nor disgrace to friends, But good and honest, and will profit bring, To thee and those which leane vnto that thing.

And that is this, since first Alphonsus eyes, Did hap to glaunce vpon your heauenly hew, And saw the rare perfection of the same, He hath desired to become your spowse. Now if you will vnto the same agree, I dare assure you, that you shall be free.

Iph.

Pardon deare Lord, the world goes very hard, When women kinde are forced for to wooe, If that your sonne had loued me so well, Why did he not informe me of the same?

Ca.

Why did he not? what haue you clean forgot What ample profers he did make to you, When hand to hand he did encounter you?

Iphi.

No worthy sir, I haue not it forgot, But Cupid cannot enter in the brest, Where Mars before had tooke possession: That was no time to talke of Venus games, When all our fellowes were pressed in the warres.

Cari.

Well, let that passe, now canst thou be con∣tent To loue Alphonsus, and become his spowse?

Iphi.

I if the high Alphonsus could vouchsafe To entertaine me as his wedded spowse.

Alphon.

If that he could? what dost thou doubt of that Iason did iet when as he had obtaind, The golden fleece by wise Medeas art, The Greekes reioyced when they had subdued The famous bulwarkes of most stately Troy, But all their mirth was nothing in respect Of this my ioy, since that I now haue got, That which I long desired in my heart.

Ca.

But what sayes Fausta to her daughters choice?

Fau.

Fausta doth say, the Gods haue bin her friends To let her liue to see Iphigina Bestowed so vnto her hearts content.

Alphon.

Thankes mightie Empresse for your gentlenes, And if Alphonsus can at any time With all his power requite this curtesie, You shall perceiue how kindly he doth take Your forwardnesse in this his happie chance.

Cari.

Albinius go call forth Amuracke, Weele see what he doth say vnto this match.

Exit Albinius, bring forth Amuracke.

Most mightie Turke, I with my warlike sonne Alphonsus, loathing that so great a Prince As you should liue in such vnseemly sort, Haue sent for you to profer life or death: Life, if you do consent to our demand, And death if that you dare gainsay the same, Your wife, high Fausta, with Iphigina, Haue giuen consent that this my warlike sonne Should haue your daughter for his bedfellow, Now resteth nought but that you do agree, And so to purchase sure tranquilitie.

Amu.

Now Amu•…•…ack aduise thee what thou sayest, Bethinke thee well what answere thou wilt make: Thy life and death dependeth on thy words, If thou denie to be Alphonsus sire, Death is thy share: but if that thou consent, Thy life is sau'd, consent? nay rather die. Should I consent to giue Iphigina Into the hands of such a beggers brat? What Amuracke thou dost deceiue thy selfe, Alphonsus is the sonne vnto a King: What then? the worthy of thy daughters loue She is agreed, and Fausta is content: Then Amuracke will not be discontent.

Take Iphigina by the hand, giue her to Alphonsus.

Heere braue Alphonsus, take thou at my hand, Iphigina, I giue her vnto thee: And for her dowrie, when her father die, Thou shalt possesse the Turkish Emperie. Take her I say, and liue King Nestors yeeres, So would the Tu•…•…ke and all his Noble Peeres.

Alphon.

Immo•…•…tall thanks I giue vnto your grace.

Cari.

Now worthy Princes, since by helpe of Ioue On either side the wedding is decreed, Come let vs wend to Naples speedily, For to solemnize it with mirth and glee.

Amu.

As you do will, we ioyntly do agree.

Exeunt omnes.

Enter Venus with the Muses, and say.

Ve.

Now worthy Muses with vnwilling mind, Venus is forst to trudge to heauens againe: For luppiter that God of peerles power, Proclaimed hath a solemne festiuall, In honour of dame Danaes luckles death: Vnto the which, in paine of his displeasure He hath inuited all the immortall Gods And Goddesses, so that I must be there, Vnlesse I will his high displeasure beare: You see Alphonsus hath with much ado, At length obtaind fayre Iphigina Of Amuracke her father, for his wife. Who now are going to the Temple wards, For to perfo•…•…me dame Iunoes sacred rites, Whe•…•…e we will leaue them till the feast be done: Which in the heauens by this time is begun,

Meane time deare Muses, wander you not farr•…•… Foorth of the path of high Pernassus hill: That when I come to finish vp his life, You may be readie for to succour me. Adieu deare dames, farwell Calltope.

Exit Venus. Or if you can conueniently, let a chaire come downe from the top of the stage, and draw her vp.

Calli.

A dieu you sacred Goddes of the skie. Well louing sisters, since that she is gone, Come let vs haste vnto Pernassus hill, As Citherea did lately will.

Melpom.

Then make you haste her mind for to fulfill.

Exeunt omnes, playing on their Instruments.