The workes of Beniamin Ionson

Act V. (Book 5)

Scene I.

MERCVRIE, CRITES.

IT is resolu'd on, CRITES, you must doe it.

CRI.

The grace diuinest MERCVRIE hath done me, In this vouchsafde discouerie of himselfe, Binds my obseruance in the vtmost terme Of satisfaction, to his godly will: Though I professe (without the affectation) Of an enforc'd, and form'd austeritie) I could be willing to enioy no place With so vnequall natures.

MER.

We beleeue it. But for our sake, and to inflict iust paines On their prodigious follies, aide vs now: No man is, presently, made bad, with ill. And good men, like the sea, should still maintaine Their noble taste, in midst of all fresh humours, That flow about them, to corrupt their streames, Bearing no season, much lesse salt of goodnesse. It is our purpose, CRITES, to correct, And punish, with our laughter, this nights sport Which our court-Dors so heartily intend: And by that worthy scorne, to make them know How farre beneath the dignitie of man Their serious, and most practis'd actions are.

CRI.

I, but though MERCVRIE can warrant out His vnder-takings, and make all things good, Out of the powers of his diuinitie, Th'offence will be return'd with weight on me, That am a creature so despisde, and poore; When the whole Court shall take it selfe abusde By our ironicall confederacie.

MER.

You are deceiu'd. The better race in court That haue the true nobilitie, call'd vertue, Will apprehend it, as a gratefull right Done to their separate merit: and approue The fit rebuke of so ridiculous heads, Who with their apish customes, and forc'd garbes, Would bring the name of courtier in contempt, Did it not liue vnblemisht in some few,

Whom equall IOVE hath lou'd, and PHOEBVS form'd Of better mettall, and in better mould.

CRI.

Well, since my leader on is MERCVRIE, I shall not feare to follow. If I fall, My proper vertue shall be my reliefe, That follow'd such a cause, and such a chiefe.

Act V. Scene II.

ASOTVS, AMORPHVS.

NO more, if you loue mee, good master, you are incompatible to liue withall: Send mee for the ladies.

AMO.

Nay, but intend me.

ASO.

Feare me not, I warrant you, sir.

AMO.

Render not your selfe a refractarie, on the sodaine. I can allow well, you should repute highly, heartily (and to the most) of your own en∣dowments; it giues you forth to the world the more assur'd: but with re∣seruation of an eye, to be alwaies turn'd dutifully back vpon your teacher.

ASO.

Nay, good, sir, leaue it to mee. Trust mee with trussing all the points of this action, I pray. S'lid, I hope we shall find wit to performe the science, as well as another.

AMO.

I confesse you to be of an aped, and docible humour. Yet, there are certaine puntilioes, or (as I may more nakedly insinuate them) certaine intrinsecate strokes, and wardes, to which your actiuitie is not yet amoun∣ted. As your gentile dor, in colours. For supposition, your mistris appeares heere in prize, ribbanded with greene, and yellow; now it is the part of e∣uery obsequious seruant, to be sure to haue daily about him copie, and va∣rietie of colours, to be presently answerable to any hourely, or half-houre∣ly change in his mistris reuolution.—

ASO.

(I know it, sir.

AMO.

Giue leaue, I pray you) which if your Antagonist, or player-against-you shall ignorantly be without, and your selfe can produce; you giue him the dor.

ASO.

I, I, sir.

AMO.

Or, if you can possesse your opposite, that the greene your mi∣stris weares, is her reioycing or exultation in his seruice; the yellow, suspi∣cion of his truth, (from her height of affection:) and that he (greenly cre∣dulous) shall withdraw thus, in priuate, and from the aboundance of his pocket (to displace her jelous conceit) steale into his hat the colour, whose bluenesse doth expresse truenesse, (shee being nor so, nor so affected) you giue him the dor.

ASO.

Doe not I know it, sir?

AMO.

Nay, good—swell not aboue your vnderstanding. There is yet a third dor, in colours.

ASO.

I know it too, I know it.

AMO.

Doe you know it too? what is it? Make good your knowledge.

ASO.

Why it is—no matter for that.

AMO.

Doe it, on poene of the dor.

ASO.

Why? what is't, say you?

AMO.

Loe, you haue giuen your selfe the dor. But I will remonstrate to you the third dor; which is not, as the two former dors, indicatiue, but deliberatiue: As how? As thus. Your Riualis, with a dutifull, and serious care, lying in his bed, meditating how to obserue his mistris, dispatcheth his lacquay to the chamber, early, to know what her colours are for the day; with purpose to apply his weare that day, accordingly: You lay wait before, preoccupie the chamber-maide, corrupt her, to returne false co∣lours; He followes the fallacie; comes out accoutred to his beleeu'd instru∣ctions; your mistresse smiles; and you giue him the dor.

ASO.

Why, so I told you, sir, I knew it.

AMO.

Tolde mee? It is a strange outrecuidance! your humour too much redoundeth.

ASO.

Why, sir, what, doe you thinke you know more?

AMO.

I know that a cooke may as soone, and properly be said to smel wel, as you to be wise. I know these are most cleere, and cleane strokes. But then, you haue your passages, and imbroccata's in courtship; as the bitter Rob in wit; the Reuerse in face, or wry-mouth; and these more subtle, and secure offenders. I will example vnto you. Your opponent makes entrie, as you are ingag'd with your mistresse. You seeing him, close in her eare, with this whisper (here comes your Babion, disgrace him) and withall, stepping off, fall on his bosome, and turning to her, politiquely, aloud say, ladie, reguard this noble gentleman, a man rarely parted, second to none in this court; and then, stooping ouer his shoulder, your hand on his brest, your mouth on his back-side, you giue him the Reuerse stroke, with this Sanna, or Storkes-bill, which makes vp your wits Bob, most bitter.

ASO.

Nay, for heauens sake, teach me no more. I know all as well— S'lid, if I did not, why was I nominated? why did you chuse mee? why did the ladies pricke out mee? I am sure there were other gallants. But me of all the rest? By that light, and as I am a courtier, would I might neuer stirre, but 'tis strange. Would to the lord, the ladies would come once.

Act V. Scene III.

MORPHIDES, AMORPHVS, ASOTVS, HEDON, ANAIDES, THE THRONG. LADIES, CI∣TIZEN, WIFE, PAGES, TAYLOR, MERCER, PERFVMER, IEWELLER, &c.

SIgnior, the gallants and ladies are at hand. Are you readie, sir?

AMO.

Instantly. Goe, accomplish your attire: Cousin MORPHI∣DES, assist me, to make good the doore with your officious tyrannie.

CIT.

By your leaue my masters there, pray you let's come by.

PAG.

You by? why should you come by, more then we?

WIT.

Why, sir? Because he is my brother, that playes the prizes.

MOR.

Your brother?

CIT.

I, her brother, sir, and we must come in.

TAY.

Why, what are you?

CIT.

I am her husband, sir.

TAY.

Then thrust forward your head.

AMO.

What tumult is there?

MOR.

Who's there? beare backe there. Stand from the doore.

AMO.

Enter none but the ladies, and their hang-bies; welcome Beau∣ties, and your kind Shadowes.

HED.

This countrie ladie, my friend, good signior AMORPHVS.

ANA.

And my cockatrice, heere.

AMO.

She is welcome.

MOR.

Knocke those same pages there; and goodman Cockescombe the cittizen, who would you speake withall?

AMO.

With whom? your brother?

MOR.

Who is your brother?

AMO.

Master ASOTVS? Is hee your brother? Hee is taken vp with great persons. Hee is not to know you to night.

ASO.

O IOVE, master! and there come ere a cittizen gentlewoman in my name, let her haue entrance, I pray you. It is my sister.

WIT.

Brother.

CIT.

Brother, master ASOTVS.

ASO.

Who's there?

WIT.

'Tis I, brother.

ASO.

Gods me! There she is, good master, intrude he.

MOR.

Make place. Beare backe there.

AMO.

Knocke that simple fellow, there.

WIT.

Nay, good sir; It is my husband.

MOR.

The simpler fellow hee. Away, backe with your head, sir.

ASO.

Brother, you must pardon your non-entry: Husbands are not allow'd here in truth. Ile come home soone with my sister; pray you meet vs with a lanthorn, brother. Be merrie, sister: I shall make you laugh anon.

PHA.

Your prizer is not readie AMORPHVS.

AMO.

Apprehend your places, hee shall be soone; and at all points.

ANA.

Is there any body come to answer him? Shal we haue any sport.

AMO.

Sport of importance; howsoeuer, giue me the gloues.

HED.

Gloues! why gloues, Signior?

PHI.

He distributes gloues.

What's the ceremonie?

AMO.

Besides their receiu'd fitnesse, at all prizes, they are here pro∣perly accommodate to the nuptials of my schollers hauiour to the ladie courtship. Please you apparell your hands. Madam PHANTASTE, madam PHILAVTIA, Guardian, Signior HEDON, Signior ANAIDES, Gentlemen all, Ladies.

ALL.

Thankes, good AMORPHVS.

AMO.

I will now call forth my prouost, and present him.

ANA.

Heart! why should not we be masters, aswell as he?

HED.

That's true, and play our masters prizes, as well as the t'other?

MOR.

In sadnesse, for vsing your court-weapons, me thinks, you may.

PHA.

Nay, but why should not wee ladies play our prizes, I pray? I see no reason, but we should take 'hem downe, at their owne weapons.

PHI.

Troth, and so we may, if we handle 'hem well.

WIF.

I indeed, forsooth, Madame, if'twere i' the citie, wee would thinke foule scorne, but we would, forsooth.

PHA.

Pray you, what shoul'd we call your name?

WIF.

My name is, Downefall.

HED.

Good mistris Downefall! I am sorry, your husband could not get in.

WIF.

'Tis no matter for him, sir.

ANA.

No, no, shee has the more liberty for her selfe.

PHA.

A flourish.

Peace, peace: They come.

AMO.

So. Keepe vp your ruffe: the tincture of your necke is not all so pure, but it will aske it. Maintayne your sprig vpright; your cloke on your halfe-shoulder falling; So: I will reade your bill, aduance it, and present you.

Silence.

The challen

Be it knowne to all that professe courtship, by these presents (from the white sattin reueller, to the cloth of tissue, and bodkin) that we, VLYSSES-POLYTROPVS-AMORPHVS, Master of the noble, and subtile science of courtship, doe giue leaue and licence to our Prouost, ACOLASTVS-POLYPRAGMON-ASOTVS, to play his Masters prize, against all Masters whatsoeuer in this subtile mysterie, at these foure, the choice, and most cunning weapons of court-complement, viz. the bare Accost; the better Reguard; the solemne Addresse; and the perfect Close. These are therefore to giue notice, to all commers, that hee, ••he said ACOLASTVS-POLYPRAG••ON-ASOTVS, is here present (by the helpe of his Mer••er, Taylor, Milla••er, Sempster, and so forth) at his designed houre, in this faire gallery, the present day of this present moneth, to performe, and doe his vttermost for the atchieuement, and bearing away of the prizes, which are these: viz. for the bare Accost, two Wall-eyes, in a face forced: For the better R••guard, a Face fauourably simpring, with a Farme wauing: For the solemne Addresse, two Lips wagging, and neuer a wise word: For the perfect Close, a Wring by the hand, with a Banquet in a corner. And PHOEBVS sa••e CYNTHIA.

Musique sounds.

Appeareth no man yet, to answere the prizer? No voice? Musique, giue them their summons.

PHA.

The solemnity of this is excellent.

AMO.

Silence. Well, I perceiue your name is their terror; and kee∣peth them backe.

ASO.

I faith, Master, Let's goe: no body comes. Victus, victa,

victum; Victi, victae, victi—Let's bee retrograde.

AMO.

Stay. That were dispunct to the ladies. Rather, our selfe shall be your Encounter. Take your state, vp, to the wall: And, ladie, may we implore you to stand forth, as first terme, or bound to our courtship.

H••D.

A charge.

'Fore heauen, 'twill shew rarely.

AMO.

Sound a charge.

ANA.

A poxe on't. Your vulgar will count this fabulous, and im∣pudent, now: by that candle, they'le ne're conceit it.

PHA.

Excellent well! Admirable!

PHI.

Peace.

HED.

They act their ac••ost seuerally to the lady 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••a••ds forth.

Most fashionably, beleeue it.

PHI.

O, he is a well-spoken gentleman.

PHA.

Now the other.

PHI.

Very good.

HED.

For a Scholer, Honor.

ANA.

O, 'tis too d••tch. He reeles too much.

HED.

A flourish.

This weapon is done.

AMO.

No, we haue our two bouts, at euery weapon, expect.

Act V. Scene IIII.

CRITES, MERCVRIE.

To them.

WHere be these gallants, and their braue prizer here?

MORP.

Who's there? beare backe: Keepe the dore.

AMOR.

What are you, sir?

C••IT.

By your licence, grand-master. Come forward, sir.

ANAI.

Heart! who l••t in that rag there, amongst vs? put him out, an impecunious creature.

HEDO.

Out with him.

MOR••.

Come, sir.

AMOR.

You must be retrograde.

CRIT.

Soft, sir, I am Truchman, and doe flourish before this Monsieur, or french-behau'd gentleman, here; who is drawne hither by report of your chartells, aduanced in court, to proue his fortune with your prizer, so he may haue faire play shewne him, and the libertie to choose his stickler.

AMOR.

Is he a Master?

CRIT.

That, sir, he has to shew here; and, confirmed vnder the hands of the most skilfull, and cunning complementaries aliue: please you reade, sir.

AMOR.

What shall we doe?

ANAI.

Death, disgrace this fellow i' the blacke-stuffe, what euer you doe.

AMOR.

Why, but he comes with the stranger.

HEDO.

That's no matter. He is our owne countryman.

ANA.

I, and he is a scholer besides. You may disgrace him here, with authoritie.

AMO.

Well, see these first.

ASO.

Now shall I be obseru'd by yon'd scholer, till I sweat againe; I would to IOVE, it were ouer.

CRI.

Sir, this is the wight of worth, that dares you to the encounter. A gentleman of so pleasing, and ridiculous a carriage; as, euen standing, carries meat in the mouth, you see; and I assure you, although no bred courtling, yet a most particular man, of goodly hauings, well fashion'd hauiour, and of as hard'ned, and excellent a barke, as the most naturally-qualified amongst them, inform'd, reform'd, and transform'd, from his o∣riginall citticisme, by this elixi'r, or meere magazine of man. And, for your spectators, you behold them, what they are: The most choice particulars in court: This tels tales well; This prouides coaches; This repeates iests; This presents gifts▪ This holds vp the arras; This takes downe from horse; This protests by this light; This sweares by that candle; This delighteth; This adoreth. Yet, all but three men. Then for your ladies, the most proud wittie creatures, all things apprehending, nothing vnder∣standing, perpetually laughing, curious maintayners of fooles, mercers, and minstrels, costly to be kept, miserably keeping, all disdayning, but their painter, and pothecary, twixt whom and them there is this reciprock commerce, their beauties maintaine their painters, and their painters their beauties.

MER.

Sir, you haue plaid the painter your selfe, and limb'd them to the life. I desire to deserue before 'hem.

AMO.

Hauing read the certificate.

This is anthentique. Wee must resolue to entertaine the Mon∣sieur, howsoeuer we neglect him.

HED.

Come, let's all goe together, and salute him.

ANA.

Content, and not looke o' the other.

AMO.

Well deuis'd: and a most punishing disgrace.

HED.

On.

AMO.

Monsieur. We must not so much betray our selues to discourt∣ship, as to suffer you to be longer vnsaluted: Please you to vse the state, or∣dain'd for the opponent; in which nature, without enuy we receiue you.

HED.

And embrace you.

ANA.

And commend vs to you, sir.

PHI.

Beleeue it, he is a man of excellent silence.

PHA.

He keepes all his wit for action.

ANA.

This hath discountenanc'd our scholaris, most richly.

HED.

Out of all emphasis. The Monsieur sees, we regard him not.

AMO.

Hold on: make it knowne how bitter a thing it is, not to bee look't on in court.

HED.

S'lud, will he call him to him yet? doe's not Monsieur perceiue our disgrace?

ANA.

Hart! he is a foole, I see. Wee haue done our selues wrong to grace him.

HED.

S'light, what an asse was I, to embrace him?

CRI.

Illustrous, and fearefull iudges—

HED.

Turne away, turne away.

CRI.

It is the sute of the strange opponent (to whom you ought not to turne your tailes, and whose noses I must follow) that he may haue the iustice, before hee encounter his respected aduersarie, to see some light stroke of his play, commenc'd with some other.

HED.

Answere not him, but the stranger, we will not beleeue him.

AMO.

I will demand him my selfe.

CRI.

O dreadfull disgrace, if a man were so foolish to feele it!

AMO.

Is it your sute, Monsieur, to see some praelude of my scholer? Now, sure the Monsieur wants language.

HED.

And take vpon him to be one of the accomplisht? S'light, that's a goodiest: would we could take him with that nullitie. Non sapette voi parlar' Itagliano?

ANA.

S'foot, the carpe ha's no tongue.

CRI.

Signior, in courtship, you are to bid your abettors forbeare, and satisfie the Monsieurs request.

AMO.

A cha••ge.

Well, I will strike him more silent, with admiration, and terri∣fie his daring hither. Hee shall behold my owne play, with my scholer. Ladie, with the touch of your white hand, let me re-enstate you. Pro••ost, begin to me, at the bare Accost. Now, for the honor of my discipline.

HED.

Signior AMORPHVS, reflect, reflect: what meanes hee by that mouthed waue?

CRI.

He is in some distaste of your fellow disciple.

MER.

Signior, your scholer might haue plaid well still, if hee could haue kept his feare longer: I haue enough of him, now. He is a mere peece of glasse, I see through him, by this time.

AMO.

You come not to giue vs the scorne, Monsieur?

MER.

Nor to be frighted with a face. Signior! I haue seene the lyons. You must pardon me. I shall bee loth to hazzard a reputation with one, that ha's not a reputation to lose.

AMO.

How!

CRI.

Meaning your pupil, sir.

ANA.

This is that blacke deuill there.

AMO.

You doe offer a strange affront, Monsieur.

CRI.

Sir, he shall yeeld you all the honor of a competent aduersarie, if you please to vnder-take him—

MER.

I am prest for the encounter.

AMO.

Me? challenge me?

ASO.

What! my Master, sir? S'light, Monsieur, meddle with me, doe you heare? but doe not meddle with my Master.

MER.

Peace, good squib, goe out.

CRI.

And stinke, he bids you.

ASO.

Master?

AMO.

Silence, I doe accept him. Sit you downe, and obserue. Me? He neuer profest a thing at more charges. Prepare your selfe, sir. Chal∣lenge me? I will prosecute what disgrace my hatred can dictate to me.

CRI.

How tender a trauailers spleene is? comparison, to men, that deserue least, is euer most offensiue.

AMO.

You are instructed in our chartell, and know our weapons?

MER.

I appeare not without their notice, sir.

ASO.

But must I lose the prizes, Master?

AMO.

I will win them for you, bee patient. Lady, vouchsafe the te∣nure of this ensigne. Who shall be your stickler?

MER.

Behold him.

AMO.

I would not wish you a weaker. Sound musiques. I prouoke you, at the bare Accost.

PHA.

A charge.

Excellent comely!

CRI.

And worthily studied. This is th' exalted Fore-top.

HED.

O, his legge was too much produc'd.

ANA.

And his hat was carried skiruily.

PHI.

Peace; Let's see the Monsieur's Accost: Rare!

PHA.

Sprightly, and short.

ANA.

True, it is the french curteau: He lacks but to haue his nose slit.

HED.

A flourish.

He do's hop. He do's bound too much.

AMO.

A charge.

The second bout, to conclude this weapon.

PHA.

Good, beleeue it!

PHI.

An excellent offer!

CRI.

This is call'd the solemne band-string.

HED.

Foe, that cringe was not put home.

ANA.

S'foot, he makes a face like a stab'd LVCRECE.

ASO.

Well, he would needes take it vpon him, but would I had done it for all this. He makes me sit still here, like a babioun as I am.

CRI.

Making villanous faces.

PHI.

See, the French prepares it richly.

CRI.

I, this is y'cleped the serious trifle.

ANA.

S'lud, 'tis the horse-start out o' the browne studie.

CRI.

A flourish.

Rather the bird-ey'd stroke, sir. Your obseruance is too blunt, sir.

AMO.

Iudges, award the prize. Take breath, sir. This bout hath beene laborious.

ASO.

And yet your Criticke, or your Besso'gno, will thinke these things sopperie, and easie, now.

CRI.

Or rather meere lunacy. For, would any reasonable creature make these his serious studies, and perfections? Much lesse, onely liue to these ends? to be the false pleasure of a few, the true loue of none, and the iust laughter of all?

HED.

We must preferre the Monsieur, we courtiers must be partiall.

ANA.

Speake, Guardian. Name the prize, at the bare Accost.

MOR.

A paire of wall-eyes, in a face forced.

ANA.

Giue the Monsieur. AMORPHVS hath lost his eies.

AMO.

I! is the palate of your judgement downe? Gentles, I doe ap∣peale.

ASO.

Yes master, to me. The judges be fooles.

ANA.

How now, sir? Tie vp your tongue, Mungrill. He cannot ap∣peale.

ASO.

Say you, sir?

ANA.

Sir you still, sir.

ASO.

Why, so I doe. Doe not I, I pray you?

MER.

Remercie, Madame, and these honourable Censors.

AMO.

Well, to the second weapon, The better Reguard: I will en∣counter you better. Attempt.

HED.

Sweet Honour.

PHI.

What sayes my good Ambition?

HED.

Which take you at this next weapon? I lay a discretion, with you, on AMORPHVS head.

PHI.

Why, I take the french-behau'd gentleman.

HED.

'Tis done, a discretion.

CRI.

A discretion? A prettie court-wager! would any discreet per∣son hazard his wit, so?

PHA.

I'le lay a discretion, with you, ANAIDES.

ANA.

Hang 'hem. I'le not venter a doibt of discretion, on eyther of their heads.—

CRI.

No, he should venter all then.

ANA.

I like none of their playes.

HED.

A charge.

See, see, this is strange play!

ANA.

'Tis too full of vncertaine motion. He hobbles too much.

CRI.

'Tis call'd your court-staggers, sir.

HED.

That same fellow talkes so, now he has a place.

ANA.

Hang him, neglect him.

MER.

Your good ladiships affectioned.

WI••.

Gods so! they speake at this weapon, brother!

ASO.

They must doe so, sister, how should it bee the better Reguard, else?

PHA.

Me thinkes, hee did not this respectiuely inough.

PHI.

Why, the Monsieur but dallies with him.

HED.

Dallies? Slight see, hee'l put him too't, in earnest. Well done, AMORPHVS.

ANA.

That puffe was good indeed.

CRI.

Gods mee! This is desperate play. Hee hits himselfe o'the shinnes.

HED.

And he make this good through, he carries it, I warrant him.

CRI.

Indeed he displayes his feet, rarely.

HED.

See, see; Hee do's the respectiue Leere damnably well.

AMO.

The true idolater of your beauties, shall neuer passe their de••ties vna∣dored: I rest your poore knight.

HED.

See, now the oblique leere, or the Ianus: He satisfies all, with that aspect, most nobly.

CRI.

A flourish.

And most terribly he comes off: like your Rodomantada.

PHA.

How like you this play, ANAIDES?

ANA.

Good play; but 't is too rough, and boisterous.

AMO.

I will second it with a stroke easier, wherein I will prooue his language.

ANA.

A charge.

This is silthie, and graue, now.

HED.

O, 't is coole, and warie play. Wee must not disgrace our owne camerade, too much.

AMO.

Signora, ho tanto obligo per pefauore rescinto da lei; che veramente des••••••ero con totto il core, •• remunerarla in parte: & sicurati••e signor a mea cara, chè infera sempre pronto à seruirla, & honorarla. Bascio le mane de v•• signoria.

CRI.

The veneti•••• Dop this.

PHA.

Most vnexspectedly excellent! The French goes downe cer∣taine.

ASO.

As buckets are put downe into a well; Or as a schoole-boy.—

CRI.

Trusse vp your simile, Iacke-daw, and obserue.

HED.

Now the Monsieur is moou'd.

ANA.

Boe-peepe.

HED.

O, most antique.

CRI.

The french Quirke, this sir.

ANA.

Heart, he will ouer-runne her!

MER.

A flourish.

Madamoyselle, Ie voudroy que pou••oy monstrer mon affection, mais ie suis tant mal he••reuse, ci froid, ci layd, ci—Ie ne scay qui di dire—excuse moy, Ie suis tout vostre.

PHI.

O braue, and spirited! Hee's a right Iouialist.

PHI.

No, no: AMORPHVS grauitie outwaies it.

CRI.

And yet your ladie, or your feather would outweigh both.

ANA.

What's the prize, ladie, at this better Reguard?

MOR.

A Face fauourably simpring, and a fanne wauing.

ANA.

They haue done doubtfully. Diuide. Giue the fauourable Face to the Signior, and the light waue to the Monsi••ur.

AMO.

You become the simper, well, ladie.

MER.

And the wag, better.

AMO.

Now, to our solemne Addresse. Please the well-grac'd PHILAV∣TIA to relieue the ladie sentinell; shee hath stood long.

PHI.

With all my heart, come, Guardian▪ Resigne your place.

AMO.

Monsieur, furnish your selfe with what solemnitie of ornament you thinke fit for this third weapon; at which you are to shew all the cun∣ning of stroke, your deuotion can possibly deuise.

MER.

Let me alone, sir. Ile sufficiently decipher your amorous so∣lemnities. CRITES, haue patience. See, if I hit not all their practicke ob∣seruance, with which they lime twigs, to catch their phantasticke ladiebirds.

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CRI.

I, but you should doe more charitably, to doe it more openly; that they might discouer themselues mockt in these monstrous affections.

MER.

A charge.

Lacquay, where's the taylor?

TAY.

Heere, sir.

HED▪

See, they haue their Taylor, Barber, Perfumer, Millaner, Iew∣eller, Feather-maker, all in common!

ANA.

I, this is prettie.

AMO.

They make them selues readie on the stage.

Here is a haire too much, take it off. Where are thy mullets?

MER.

Is this pinke of equall proportion to this cut, standing of this distance from it?

TAY.

That it is, sir.

MER.

Is it so, sir, you impudent Poultroun? you slaue, you list, you shreds, you.—

HED.

Excellent. This was the best, yet.

ANA.

S'foot, we must vse our taylors thus. This is your true magna∣nimitie.

MER.

Come, goe to: put on. Wee must beare with you, for the times sake.

AMO.

Is the perfume rich, in this jerkin?

PER.

Taste, smell; I assure you sir, pure beniamin, the onely spirited sent, that euer awak'd a neapolitane nostrill. You would wish your selfe all nose, for the loue o••t. I frotted a jerkin, for a new-reuenu'd gentleman, yeelded me threescore crownes, but this morning, and the same titillation.

AMO.

I sauour no sampsuchine, in it.

PER.

I am a nulli-fidian, if there be not three thirds of a scruple more of samp••uchinum, in this confection, then euer I put in any. Ile tell you all the ingredients, sir.

AMO.

You shall be simple, to discouer your simples.

PER.

Simple? why sir? what recke I to whom I discouer? I haue in it, muske, ciuet, amber, pheenicobalanus, the decoction of turmericke, sesama, nard, spikenard, calamus odoratus, stacte, opobalsamum, amomum, storax, lad••∣num, aspalathum, opponax, oenanthe. And what of all these now? what are you the better? Tut, it is the sorting, and the diuiding, and the mixing, and the tempring, and the ••earcing, and the decocting, that makes the fumiga∣tion, and the ••uffumigation.

AMO.

Well, indue me with it.

PER.

I will, sir.

HED.

An excellent confection.

CRI.

And most worthie a true voluptarie. IOVE! what a coyle these mukse-wormes take, to purchase anothers delight? for, themselues, who beare the odours, haue euer the least sence of them. Yet, I doe like better the prodigalitie of jewels, and clothes, whereof one passeth to a mans heires; the other, at least weares out time: This presently expires, and without continuall riot in reparation is lost: which who so striues to keep, it is one speciall argument to me, that (affecting to smell better then other men) he doth indeed smell farre worse.

MER.

I know, you will say it sits well, sir.

TAY.

Good faith, if it doe not, sir, let your Mistris be judge.

MER.

By heauen, if my Mistris doe not like it, I'le make no more con∣science to vndoe thee, then to vndoe an oyster.

TAY.

Beleeue it, sir, there's ne're a Mistris i' the world can mislike it.

MER.

No, not goodwife Taylor, your Mistris; that has onely the iudgment to heat your pressing toole. But for a court-Mistris, that studies these decorums, and knowes the proportion of euerie cut, to a haire, knowes why such a colour, is cut vpon such a colour, and, when a satten is cut vpon six taffa••aes, wil looke that we should diue into the depth of the cut.— Giue me my scarffe. Shew some ribbands, sirra. Ha you the feather?

FET.

I, sir.

MER.

Ha' you the jewell?

IEW.

Yes, sir.

MER.

What must I giue for the hire on't?

IEW.

You'le giue me six crownes, sir?

MER.

Sixe crownes? By heauen 'twere a good deed to borrow it of thee, to shew: and neuer let thee haue it againe.

IEW.

I hope your worship will not doe so, sir.

MER.

By IOVE, sir, there bee such trickes stirring, I can tell you, and worthily too. Extorting knaues! that liue by these Court-decorums, and yet, —What's your jewell worth, I pray?

IEW.

A hundred crownes, sir.

MER.

A hundred crownes? And sixe for the loane on't an houre? What's that? the hundred for the yeere? These impostors would not bee hang'd? your thiefe is not comparable to 'hem, by HERCVLES, well▪ put it in, and the feather. You will ha't, and you shall; and the poxe giue you good on't.

AMO.

Giue mee my confects, my moscardini, and place those colours in my hat.

MER.

These are ••olognian ribbands, I warrant you?

MIL.

In truth, sir: if they be not right granado silke—

MER.

A poxe on you, you'le all say so.

MIL.

You giue me not a pennie, sir.

MER.

Come sir, perfume my deuant; May it ascend, like solemne sa∣crifice, into the nostrils of the Queene of Loue.

HED.

Your french ceremonies are the best:

ANA.

Monsieur, Signior, your solemne Addresse is too long. The la∣dies long to haue you come on.

AMO.

Soft, sir, our comming on is not so easily prepar'd. Signior Fig.

PER.

I, sir.

AMO.

Can you helpe my complexion, heere?

PER.

O yes, sir, I haue an excellent mineral Fuc••••, for the purpose. The gloues are right, sir, you shall burie 'hem in a mucke-hill, a draught, seuen yeeres, and take 'hem out, and wash 'hem, they shall still retaine

their first sent, true spanish. There's ambre i'the vmbre.

MER.

Your price, sweet Fig.

PER.

Giue me what you will, sir: The Signior payes me two crownes a paire, you shall giue me your loue, sir.

MER.

My loue? with a pox to you, goodman sasafras.

PER.

I come, sir. There's an excellent diapasme in a chaine too, if you like it.

AMO.

Stay, what are the ingredients to your fucus?

P••R.

Nought, but sublimate, and crude mercurie, sir, well prepar'd, and dulcified, with the jaw-bones of a sow, burnt, beaten, and searced.

AMO.

I approue it. Lay it on.

M••R.

Ile haue your chaine of pomander, sirrah; what's your price?

PER.

Wee'le agree, Monsieur; Ile assure you, it was both decocted, and dried, where no sun came, and kept in an onyx euer since it was ball'd.

MER.

Come, inuert my mustachio, and we haue done.

AMO.

'Tis good.

BAR.

Hold still I pray you, sir.

PER.

Nay, the ••ucus is exorbitant, sir.

MER.

Death! doost thou burne me, Harlot?

BAR.

I beseech you, sir.

MER.

A flourish.

Begger, Varlet, Poultroun?

HED.

Excellent, excellent!

ANA.

Your french Beate is the most naturall beate of the world.

ASO.

O, that I had plaid at this weapon!

PHA.

A charge.

Peace, now they come on; the second part.

AMO.

Madame, your beauties, being so attractiue, I muse you are left thus, alone.

PHI.

Better be alone, sir; then ill-accompanied.

AMO.

Nought can be ill, ladie, that can come neere your goodnesse.

MER.

Sweet Madame, on what part of you soeuer a man casts his eye, he meets with perfection; you are the liuely image of VENVS, through∣out; all the GRACES smile in your cheeks; your beautie nourishes, as well as delights; you haue a tongue steep't in honie; and a breath like a pan∣ther: your brests and forehead are whiter then gotes milke, or May-blos∣somes; a cloud is not so soft as your skinne.—

HED.

Well strooke, Monsieur: Hee charges like a Frenchman indeed, thicke, and hotly.

MER.

Your cheekes are CVPIDS baths, wherein hee vses to steepe himselfe in milke, and nectar: Hee do's light all his torches at your eyes, and instructs you how to shoot, and wound, with their beames. Yet I loue nothing, in you, more then your innocence; you retaine so natiue a sim∣plicitie, so vnblam'd a behauiour. Mee thinkes, with such a loue, I should find no head, nor foot of my pleasure: You are the verie spirit of a ladie.

ANA.

Faire play, Monsieur? you are too hot on the quarrie. Giue your competitor audience.

AMO.

Lady, how stirring soeuer the Monsieurs tongue is, hee will lie by your side, more dull then your eunuch.

ANA.

A good stroke; That mouth was excellently put ouer.

AMO.

You are faire, lady—

CRI.

You offer foule, Signior, to close. Keepe your distance; for all your Brauo rampant, here.

AMO.

I say you are faire, lady, let your choice be fit, as you are faire.

MER.

I say, ladies doe neuer beleeue they are faire, till some foole be∣gins to dote vpon 'hem.

PHI.

You play too rough, gentlemen.

AMO.

Your frenchified foole is your onely foole, lady: I doe yeeld to this honorable Monsieur, in all ciuill, and humane courtesie.

MER.

A flourish.

Buzze.

ANA.

Admirable. Giue him the prize. Giue him the prize; That mouth, againe, was most courtly hit, and rare.

AMO.

I knew, I should passe vpon him with the bitter Bob.

HED.

O, but the Reuerse was singular.

PHA.

It was most subtile, AMORPHVS.

ASO.

If I had don't, it should haue beene better.

MER.

How heartily they applaud this, CRITES!

CRI.

You suffer 'hem too long

MER.

I'le take off their edge instantly.

ANA.

Name the prize, at the solemne Addresse.

PHI.

Two lips wagging.

CRI.

And neuer a wise word; I take it.

ANA.

Giue to AMORPHVS. And, vpon him, againe; let him not draw free breath.

AMO.

Thankes, faire deliuerer, and my honorable iudges, Madame PHANTASTE, you are our worthy obiect at this next weapon.

PHA.

Most couetingly ready, AMORPHVS.

HED.

Your Monsieur is crest-falne.

ANA.

So are most of 'hem once a yeere.

AMO.

A charge.

You will see, I shall now giue him the gentle dor, presently, hee forgetting to shift the colours, which are now chang'd, with alteration of the Mistris. At your last weapon, sir. The perfect Close. Set forward, in∣tend your approch. Monsieur.

MER.

'Tis yours, Signior.

AMO.

With your example, sir.

MER.

Not I, sir.

AMO.

It is your right.

MER.

By no possible meanes.

AMO.

You haue the way.

MER.

As I am noble—

AMO.

As I am vertuous—

MER.

Pardon me, sir.

AMO.

I will die first.

MER.

You are a tyranne in courtesie.

AMO.

He is remou'd—Iudges beare witnesse.

MER.

Amorphus staies the other, in his mouing.

What of that, sir?

AMO.

You are remou'd, sir.

MER.

Well.

AMO.

I challenge you; you haue receiued the dor. Giue me the prize.

MER.

Soft, sir. How, the dor?

AMO.

The common Mistris, you see, is changed.

MER.

Right, sir.

AMO.

And you haue still in your hat the former colours.

MER.

You lie, sir, I haue none: I haue pull'd 'hem out. I meant to play discolour'd.

CRI.

The dor, the dor, the dor, the dor, the dor! the palpable dor.

ANA.

A flourish.

Heart of my bloud. AMORPHVS, what ha' you done? Stuck a disgrace vpon vs all, and at your last weapon?

ASO.

I could haue done no more.

HED.

By heauen, it was most vnfortunate lucke.

ANA.

Lucke! by that candle, it was meere rashnesse, and ouer-sight, would any man haue venterd to play so open, and forsake his ward? Dam' me if he ha' not eternally vndone himselfe, in court; and discountenanc'd vs, that were his maine countenance, by it.

AMO.

Forgiue it, now. It was the soloecisme of my starres.

CRI.

The Wring by the hand, and the Banquet is ours.

MER.

O, here's a lady, feeles like a wench of the first yeare; you would thinke her hand did melt in your touch; and the bones of her fingers ran out at length, when you prest 'hem, they are so gently delicate! Hee that had the grace to print a kisse on these lips, should taste wine, & rose-leaues. O, shee kisses as close as a cockle. Let's take 'hem downe, as deepe as our hearts, wench, till our very soules mixe. Adieu, Signior. Good faith, I shall drinke to you at supper, sir.

ANA.

Stay, Monsieur. Who awards you the prize?

CRI.

Why, his proper merit, sir: you see hee has plaid downe your grand garbe-Master, here.

ANA.

That's not in your logicke to determine, sir: you are no cour∣tier. This is none of your seuen, or nine beggerly sciences, but a cer∣taine mysterie aboue 'hem, wherein wee that haue skill must pronounce, and not such fresh-men as you are.

CRI.

Indeed, I must declare my selfe to you no profest courtling; nor to haue any excellent stroke, at your subtile weapons: yet if you please, I dare venter a hit with you, or your fellow, sir DAGONET, here.

ANA.

With me?

CRI.

Yes, sir.

ANA.

Heart, I shall neuer haue such a fortune to saue my selfe in a fel∣low againe, and your two reputations, gentlemen, as in this. I'le vnder∣take him.

HED.

Doe, and swinge him soundly, good ANAIDES.

ANA.

Let mee alone, I'le play other manner of play, then has beene seene, yet. I would the prize lay on't.

MER.

It shall if you will, I forgiue my right.

ANA.

Are you so confident? what's your weapon?

CRI.

At any, I, sir.

MER.

The perfect Close, That's now the best.

ANA.

Content, I'le pay your scholaritie. Who offers?

CRI.

Mary, that will I. I dare giue you that aduantage, too.

ANA.

You dare? Well, looke to your liberall skonce.

AMO.

Make your play still, vpon the answere, sir.

ANA.

Hold your peace, you are a hobby-horse.

ASO.

Sit by me, Master.

MER.

Now CRITES, strike home.

CRI.

You shall see me vndoe the assur'd swaggerer with a tricke, in∣stantly: I will play all his owne play before him; court the wench, in his garbe, in his phrase, with his face; leaue him not so much as a looke, an eye, a stalke, or an imperfect oth, to expresse himselfe by, after me.

MER.

Excellent, CRITES.

ANA.

A charge.

When begin you, sir? Haue you consulted?

CRI.

To your cost, sir; which is the Peece, stands forth to bee cour∣ted? O, are you shee? Well, Madame, or sweet lady, it is so, I doe loue you in some sort, doe you conceiue? and though I am no Monsieur, nor no Signior, and do want (as they say) logicke and sophistrie, and good words, to tell you why it is so; yet by this hand, and by that candle, it is so; And though I bee no booke-worme, nor one that deales by arte, to giue you rhetorike, and causes, why it should be so, or make it good it is so, yet dam me, but I know it is so, and am assur'd it is so, and I and my sword shall make it appeare it is so; and giue you reason sufficient, how it can be no otherwise, but so—

HED.

S'light, ANAIDES, you are mockt; and so we are all.

MER.

How now, Signior! What, suffer your selfe to bee cossen'd of your courtship, before your face?

HED.

This is plaine confederacy, to disgrace vs: Let's bee gone, and plot some reuenge.

AMO.

When men disgraces share, The lesser is the care.

CRI.

A flourish.

Nay stay, my deare Ambition, I can doe you ouer too. You that tell your Mistris, Her beautie is all composde of theft; Her haire stole from APOLLO's goldy-locks; Her white and red, lillies, and roses stolne out of paradise; Her eyes, two starres, pluckt from the skie; Her nose, the gnomon of Loues diall, that tells you how the clocke of your heart goes: And for her other parts, as you cannot reckon 'hem, they are so many; so you cannot recount them, they are so manifest. Yours, if his owne, vn∣fortunate HOYDEN, in stead of HEDON.

ASO.

Sister, come away, I cannot endure 'hem longer.

MER.

Goe, Dors, and you, my Madame Courting-stocks, Follow your scorned, and derided mates; Tell to your guiltie brests, what meere guilt blocks You are, and how vnworthy humane states.

CRI.

Now, sacred god of wit, if you can make Those, whom our sports taxe in these apish graces, Kisse (like the fighting snakes) your peacefull rod; These times shall canonize you for a god.

MER.

Why, CRITES, thinke you any noble spirit, Or any, worth the title of a man, Will be incenst, to see th'inchaunted vailes Of selfe-conceit, and seruile flatterie (Wrapt in so many solds, by time, and custome) Drawne from his wronged, and bewitched eyes? Who sees not now their shape, and nakednesse, Is blinder then the sonne of earth, the mole: Crown'd with no more humanitie, nor soule.

CRI.

Though they may see it, yet the huge estate Phansie, and forme, and sensuall pride haue gotten, Will make them blush for anger, not for shame; And turne shewne nakednesse, to impudence. Humour is now the test, we trie things in; All power is iust: Nought that delights is sinne. And, yet the zeale of euery knowing man, (Opprest with hills of tyrannie, cast on vertue By the light phant'sies of fooles, thus transported) Cannot but vent the Aetna of his fires, T'enflame best bosomes, with much worthier loue Then of these outward, and effeminate shades: That, these vaine ioyes, in which their wills consume Such powers of wit, and soule, as are of force To raise their beings to aeternitie, May be conuerted on workes, fitting men. And, for the practice of a forced looke, An antique gesture, or a fustian phrase, Studie the natiue frame of a true heart, An inward comelinesse of bountie, knowledge, And spirit, that may conforme them, actually, To Gods high figures, which they haue in power: Which to neglect for a selfe-louing neatnesse, Is sacrilege, of an vnpardon'd greatnesse.

MER.

Then let the truth of these things strengthen thee, In thy exempt, and only man-like course: Like it the more, the lesse it is respected;

Though men faile, vertue is by gods protected. See, here comes ARETE, I'le with-draw my selfe.

Act V. Scene V.

ARETE, CRITES.

CRITES, you must prouide strait for a masque, 'Tis CYNTHIAS pleasure.

CRI.

How, bright ARETE! Why, 'twere a labour more for HERCVLES. Better, and sooner durst I vnder-take To make the different seasons of the yeere, The windes, or elements to sympathize, Then their vnmeasurable vanitie Dance truely in a measure. They agree? What though all concord's borne of contraries? So many follies will confusion proue, And like a sort of jarring instruments, All out of time: because (indeede) we see There is not that analogie, twixt discords, As betweene things but meerely opposite.

ARE.

There is your error. For as HERMES wand Charmes the disorders of tumultuous ghosts, And as the strife of Chaos then did cease, When better light then Natures did arriue: So, what could neuer in it selfe agree, Forgetteth the eccentrike propertie, And at her sight, turnes forth-with regular, Whose scepter guides the flowing Ocean. And though it did not, yet the most of them (Being either courtiers, or not wholy rude) Respect of maiestie, the place, and presence, Will keepe them within ring; especially When they are not presented as themselues, But masqu'd like others. For (in troth) not so T'incorporate them, could be nothing else, Then like a state vngouern'd without lawes; Or body made of nothing but diseases: The one, through impotency poore, and wretched, The other, for the anarchie absurd.

CRI.

But, ladie, for the reuellers themselues, It would be better (in my poore conceit) That others were imploid: for such as are Vnfit to be in CYNTHIAES court, can seeme No lesse vnfit to be in CYNTHIAES sports.

ARE.

That, CRITES, is not purposed without Particular knowledge of the Goddesse mind, (Who holding true intelligence, what follies Had crept into her palace) shee resolu'd, Of sports, and triumphs, vnder that pretext, To haue them muster in their pompe, and fulnesse: That so shee might more strictly, and to roote, Effect the reformation shee intends.

CRI.

I now conceiue her heauenly drift in all, And will apply my spirits, to serue her will. O thou, the very power, by which I am, And but for which, it were in vaine to be, Chiefe next DIANA, virgin, heauenly faire, Admired ARETE (of them admir'd, Whose soules are not enkindled by the sense) Disdaine not my chaste fire, but feede the flame Deuoted truely to thy gracious name.

ARE.

Leaue to suspect vs: CRITES well shall find, As we are now most deare, wee'le proue most kind. Harke, I am call'd.

CRI.

I follow instantly. PHOEBVS APOLLO: if with ancient rites, And due deuotions, I haue euer hung Elaborate p••ans, on thy golden shrine, Or sung thy triumphs in a loftie straine, Fit for a theater of gods to heare; And thou, the other sonne of mighty IOVE, Cyllenian MERCVRY (sweet MAIAS ioy) If in the busie tumults of the mind, My path thou euer hast illumined, For which, thine altars I haue oft perfum'd, And deckt thy statues with discoloured flowres: Now thrine inuention in this glorious court, That not of bountie only, but of right, CYNTHIA may grace, and giue it life by sight.

Act V. Scene VI. The Hymne.

HESPERVS, CYNTHIA, ARETE, TYME, PHRONESIS, THAVMA.

QVeene, and Huntresse, chaste, and faire, Now the Sunne is laid to sleepe,

Seated, in thy siluer chaire, State in wonted manner keepe: HESPERVS intreats thy light, Goddesse, excellently bright. Earth, let not thy enuious shade Dare it selfe to interpose; CYNTHIAS shining orbe was made Heauen to cleere, when day did close: Blesse vs then with wished sight, Goddesse, excellently bright. Lay thy bow of pearle apart, And thy cristall-shining quiuer; Giue vnto the flying hart Space to breathe, how short soeuer: Thou that mak'st a day of night, Goddesse, excellently bright.

CYN.

When hath DIANA, like an enuious wretch, That glitters onely to his soothed selfe, Denying to the world, the precious vse Of hoorded wealth, with-held her friendly aide? Monthly, we spend our still-repaired shine, And not forbid our virgin-waxen torch To burne, and blaze, while nutriment doth last: That once consum'd, out of IOVES treasurie A new we take, and sticke it in our spheare, To giue the mutinous kind of wanting men, Their look't—for light. Yet, what is their desert? "Bountie is wrong'd, interpreted as due; "Mortalls can challenge not a ray, by right, "Yet doe expect the whole of CYNTHIAS light. But if that Deities with-drew their gifts, For humane follies, what could men deserue But death, and darknesse? It behooues the high, For their owne sakes, to doe things worthily.

ARE.

Most true, most sacred Goddesse; for the heauens Receiue no good of all the good they doe. Nor IOVE, nor you, nor other heauenly power, Are fed with fumes, which doe from incense rise, Or sacrifices reeking in their gore, Yet, for the care which you of mortalls haue, (Whose proper good it is, that they be so) You well are pleas'd with odours redolent: But ignorant is all the race of men, Which still complaines, not knowing why, or when.

CYN.

Else, noble ARETE, they would not blame, And taxe, for or vnjust, or for as proud, Thy CYNTHIA, in the things which are indeed The greatest glories in our starrie crowne; Such is our chastitie: which safely scornes (Not Loue; for who more feruently doth loue Immortall honour, and diuine renowne? But) giddie CVPID, VENVS franticke sonne. Yet ARETE, if by this vailed light, Wee but discouer'd (what we not discerne) Any the least of imputations stand Readie to sprinkle our vnspotted fame, With note of lightnesse, from these reuels neere: Not, for the empire of the vniuerse, Should night, or court, this whatsoeuer shine, Or grace of ours vnhappily enjoy. "Place, and occasion are two priuie theeues; "And from poore innocent ladies often steale "(The best of things) an honourable name: "To stay with follies, or where faults may be, "Infers a crime, although the partie free.

ARE.

How Cynthian-ly (that is, how worthily And like herselfe) the matchlesse CYNTHIA speakes! Infinite iealousies, infinite regards, Doe watch about the true virginitie: But PHoeBE liues from all, not onely fault, But as from thought, so from suspicion free. "Thy presence broad-seales our delights for pure, "What's done in CYNTHIAS sight, is done secure.

CYN.

That then so answer'd (dearest ARETE) What th' argument or of what sort our sports Are like to be this night, I not demaund. Nothing which dutie, and desire to please Beares written in the forehead, comes amisse. But vnto whose inuention, must we owe, The complement of this nights furniture?

ARE.

Excellent Goddesse, to a mans, whose worth, (Without hyperbole,) I thus may praise; One (at least) studious of deseruing well, And (to speake truth) indeed deseruing well: "Potentiall merit stands for actuall, "Where onely oportunitie doth want, "Not will, nor power: both which in him abound. One, whom the MVSES, and MINERVA loue. For whom should they, then CRITES, more esteeme,

Whom PHOEBVS (though not Fortune) holdeth deare? And (which conuinceth excellence in him▪) A principall admirer of your selfe. Euen, through th' vngentle injuries of fate, And difficulties, which doe vertue choake, Thus much of him appeares. What other things Of farther note, doe lye vnborne in him, Them I doe leaue for cherishment to shew, And for a Goddesse graciously to judge.

CYN.

We haue alreadie judg'd him, ARETE: Nor are we ignorant, how noble minds Suffer too much through those indignities, Which times, and vicious persons cast on them: Our selfe haue euer vowed to esteeme▪ (As vertue, for it selfe, so) fortune base; Who's first in worth, the same be first in place. Nor farther notice (ARETE) we craue Then thine approuals soueraigne warrantie: Let 'be thy care, to make vs knowne to him, " CYNTHIA shall brighten, what the world made dimme.

Act V. Scene VII. The first Masque.

CVPID, like ANTEROS.

To them.

CLeare pearle of heauen, and, not to bee farther ambitious in titles, CYNTHIA. The same of this illustrous night, among others, hath also drawne these foure faire virgins from the palace of their Queene Perfection (a word▪ which makes no sufficient difference, twixt hers, and thine) to visit thy imperiall court: for she, their soueraigne, not finding where to dwell among men, before her returne to heauen, aduised them wholy to consecrate themselues to thy celestiall seruice, as in whose cleere spirit (the proper element, and sphere of vertues) they should behold not her alone, (their euer honour'd mistris) but themselues (more truly them∣selues) to liue inthroniz'd. Her selfe would haue commended them vnto thy fauour more particularly, but that shee knowes no commendation is more auaileable with them, then that of proper vertue. Neuerthelesse, she will'd them to present this christall mound, a note of monarchie, and symbole of perfection, to thy more worthie deitie; which, as heere by me they most humbly doe, so amongst the rarities thereof, that is the chiefe, to shew whatsoeuer the world hath excellent, howsoeuer remote and va∣rious. But your irradiate iudgement will soone discouer the secrets of this little cristall world. Themselues (to appeare more plainely) because they know nothing more odious, then false pretexts, haue chosen to expresse

their seuerall qualities, thus, in seuerall colours.

The first, in citron colour, is naturall Affection, which giuen vs to procure our good, is somtime called STORGE, & as euery one is neerest to himselfe, so this hand-maid of reason, allowable selfe-loue, as it is without harme, so are none without it: Her place in the court of Perfection was to quic∣ken mindes in the pursuit of honour. Her deuice is a perpendicular Leuell, vpon a Cube, or Square. The word, SE SVO MODVLO. Alluding to that true measure of ones selfe, which as euerie one ought to make, so is it most conspicuous in thy diuine example.

The second, in greene, is AGLAIA, delectable and pleasant Conuersati∣on, whose propertie is to moue a kindly delight, and sometime not with∣out laughter: Her office, to entertaine assemblies, and keepe societies to∣gether with faire familiaritie. Her deuice within a Ring of clouds, a Heart with shine about it. The word, CVRARVM NVEILA PELLO. An alle∣gorie of CYNTHIAES light, which no lesse cleares the skie, then her faire mirth the heart.

The third, in the discolour'd mantle spangled all ouer, is EVPHANTAS∣TE, a well conceited Wittinesse, and imployd in honouring the court with the riches of her pure inuention. Her deuice, vpon a Petasus, or Mercuriall hat, a Crescent. The word, SIC LAVS INGENII. Inferring, that the praise and glorie of wit, doth euer increase, as doth thy growing moone.

The fourth in white, is APHELEIA, a Nymph as pure and simple as the soule, or as an abrase table, and is therefore called Simplicitie, without folds, without pleights, without colour, without counterfeit: and (to speake plainly) Plainenesse it selfe. Her deuice is no deuice. The word vn∣der her siluer Shield, OMNIS ABEST FVCVS. Alluding to thy spotlesse selfe, who art as farre from impuritie, as from mortalitie.

My selfe (celestiall Goddesse) more fit for the court of CYNTHIA, then the arbors of CYTHEREE, am call'd ANTEROS, or Loues enemie; the more welcome therefore to thy court, and the fitter to conduct this quaternion, who as they are thy professed votaries, and for that cause aduersaries to Loue, yet thee (perpetuall Virgin) they both loue, and vow to loue eter∣nally.

Act V. Scene VIII.

CYNTHIA, ARETE, CRITES.

NOt without wonder, nor without delight, Mine eyes haue view'd (in contemplations depth) This worke of wit, diuine, and excellent: What shape? what substance? or what vnknowne power In virgins habite, crown'd with lawrell leaues, And oliue branches wouen in betweene, On sea-girt rockes, like to a Goddesse shines? O front! Ô face! Ô all caelestiall sure,

And more then mortall! ARETE, behold Another CYNTHIA, and another Queene, Whose glorie (like a lasting plenilune) Seemes ignorant of what it is to wane! Not vnder heauen an obiect could be found More sit to please. Let CRITES make approch. Bountie forbids to paule our thanks with stay, Or to deferre our fauour, after view: "The time of grace is, when the cause is new.

ARE.

Loe, here the man (celestiall DELIA) Who (like a circle bounded in it selfe) Contaynes as much, as man in fulnesse may. Loe, here the man, who not of vsuall earth, But of that nobler, and more precious mould, Which PHOEBVS selfe doth temper, is compos'd; And, who (though all were wanting to reward) Yet, to himselfe he would not wanting be: Thy fauours gaine is his ambitions most, And labours best; who (humble in his height) Stands fixed silent in thy glorious sight.

CYN.

With no lesse pleasure, then we haue beheld This precious christall, worke of rarest wit, Our eye doth reade thee (now enstil'd) our CRITES; Whom learning, vertue, and our fauour last, Exempteth from the gloomy multitude. "With common eye the supreme should not see. Henceforth be ours, the more thy selfe to be.

CRI.

Heau'ns purest light, whose orbe may be eclips'd, But not thy praise (diuinest CYNTHIA) How much too narrow for so high a grace, Thine (saue therein) the most vnworthy CRITES Doth find himselfe! for euer shine thy fame; Thine honours euer, as thy beauties doe; In me they must, my darke worlds chiefest lights, By whose propitious beames my powers are rais'd To hope some part of those most loftie points, Which blessed ARETE hath pleas'd to name, As markes, to which m'indeuours steps should bend: Mine, as begun at thee, in thee must end.

Act V. Scene IX. The second Masque.

MERCVRIE, as a PAGE.

SIster of PHOEBVS, to whose bright orbe we owe, that we not com∣plaine of his absence; These foure brethren (for they are brethren, and sonnes of EVTAXIA, a lady knowne, and highly belou'd of your resplendent deitie) not able to be absent, when CYNTHIA held a solem∣nitie, officiously insinuate themselues into thy presence: For, as there are foure cardinall vertues, vpon which the whole frame of the court doth moue, so are these the foure cardinall properties, without which, the body of complement moueth not. With these foure siluer iauelins (which they beare in their hands) they support in Princes courts the state of the pre∣sence, as by office they are obliged; which, though here they may seeme superfluous, yet, for honors sake, they thus presume to visite thee, hauing also beene emploid in the palace of Queene Perfection. And though to them, that would make themselues gracious to a Goddesse, sacrifices were fitter then presents, or Impreses, yet they both hope thy fauour; and (in place of either) vse seuerall Symboles, contayning the titles of thy impe∣riall dignitie.

First, the hethermost, in the changeable blew, and greene robe, is the commendably-fashioned gallant, EVCOSMOS; whose courtly habite is the grace of the presence, and delight of the surueying eye: whom ladies vnderstand by the names of neate, and elegant. His symbole is, DIVAE VIRGINI, in which he would expresse thy deities principall glory, which hath euer beene virginitie.

The second, in the rich acoutrement, and robe of purple, empaled with gold, is EVPATHES; who entertaynes his mind with an harmelesse, but not incurious varietie: All the obiects of his senses are sumptuous, him∣selfe a gallant, that, without excesse, can make vse of superfluitie: goe richly in imbroideries, iewells (and what not?) without vanitie, and fare delicately without gluttonie: and therefore not (not without cause) is vniuersally thought to be of fiue humour. His Symbole is, DIVAE OP∣TIMAE. An attribute to expresse thy goodnesse, in which thou so resem∣blest IOVE thy father.

The third, in the blush-colour'd sute, is, EVTOLMOS, as duely respe∣cting others, as neuer neglecting himselfe; commonly knowne by the title of good as dacitie: to courts, and courtly assemblies, a guest most acceptable. His Symbole is, DIVAE VIRAGINI. To expresse thy hardy courage, in chase of sauage beasts, which harbour in woods, and wildernesse.

The fourth, in watchet tinsell, is the kind, and truly benefique EVCO∣LOS. Who imparteth not without respect, but yet without difficultie; and hath the happinesse to make euery kindnesse seeme double, by the

timely, and freely bestowing thereof. He is the chiefe of them, who (by the vulgar) are said to be of good nature. His Symbole is, DIVAE MAXI∣MAE. An adiunct to signifie thy greatnesse, which in heauen, earth, and hell is formidable.

Act V. Scene X.

CVPID, MERCVRIE.

The Ma••kes ioyne, and dance.

IS not that AMORPHVS, the trauailer?

MER.

As though it were not! doe you not see how his legs are in trauaile with a measure?

CVP.

HEDON, thy master is next.

MER.

What, will CVPID turne nomendator, and cry them?

CVP.

No faith, but I haue a comedie toward, that would not be lost for a kingdome.

MER.

In good time, for CVPID will proue the comedie.

CVP.

MERCVRY, I am studying how to match them.

MER.

How to mis-match them were harder.

CVP.

They are the Nymphs must doe it, I shall sport my selfe with their passions aboue measure.

MER.

Those Nymphs would be tam'd a little indeed, but I feare thou hast not arrowes for the purpose.

CVP.

O, yes, here be of all sorts, flights, rouers, and butt-shafts. But I can wound with a brandish, and neuer draw bow for the matter.

MER.

I cannot but beleeue it, my inuisible archer, and yet me thinks you are tedious.

CVP.

It behoues me to be somewhat circumspect, MERCVRY; for if CYNTHIA heare the twang of my bow, shee'le goe neere to whip mee with the string: therefore, to preuent that, I thus discharge a brandish vpon— it makes no matter which of the couples. PHANTASTE, and AMORPHVS, at you.

MER.

Will the shaking of a shaft strike 'hem into such a feuer of affection?

CVP.

As well as the wincke of an eye: but I pray thee, hinder me not with thy prattle.

MER.

IOVE forbid I hinder thee. Mary, all that I feare, is CYNTHI∣AS presence; which, with the cold of her chastitie, casteth such an antipe∣ristasis about the place, that no heate of thine will tarry with the patient.

CVP.

It will tarry the rather, for the antiperistasis will keepe it in.

MER.

I long to see the experiment.

CVP.

Why, their marrow boiles already, or they are all turn'd eunuchs.

MER.

They haue dan∣ced the first straine.

Nay, and 't bee so, I'le giue ouer speaking, and bee a specta∣tor onely.

AMO.

CYNTHIA (by my bright soule) is a right exquisite, and splen∣didious

lady; yet AMORPHVS, I thinke, hath seene more fashions, I am sure more countries: but whether I haue, or not, what neede wee gaze on CYNTHIA, that haue our selfe to admire?

PHA.

O, excellent CYNTHIA! yet if PHANTASTE sate where shee doo's, and had such a tire on her head (for attire can doe much) I say no more—but goddesses are goddesses, and PHANTASTE is as shee is! I would the reuells were done once, I might goe to my schoole of glas••e, a∣gaine, and learne to doe my selfe right after all this ruffling.

MER.

How now, CVPID? here's a wonderfull change with your brandish! doe you not heare, how they dote?

CVP.

What prodigie is this? no word of loue? no mention? no motion?

MER.

Not a word, my little Ignis falne, not a word.

CVP.

Are my darts inchaunted? Is their vigour gone? is their ver∣tue—

MER.

What? CVPID turn'd iealous of himselfe? ha, ha, ha.

CVP.

Laughs MERCVRY?

MER.

Is CVPID angrie?

CVP.

Hath he not cause, when his purpose is so deluded?

MOR.

A rare comoedie, it shall be intitled, CVPIDS.

CVP.

Doe not scorne vs, HERMES.

MER.

Choller, and CVPID, are two fiery things; I scorne 'hem not. But I see that come to passe, which I presag'd in the beginning.

CVP.

You cannot tell: perhaps the physicke will not worke so soone vpon some, as vpon others. It may be, the rest are not so resty.

MER.

Ex vngue, you know the old adage, as these, so are the remainder.

CVP.

I'le trie: this is the same shaft, with which I wounded AR∣GVRION.

MER.

I, but let mee saue you a labour, CVPID: there were certayne bottles of water fetcht, and drunke off (since that time) by these gallants.

CVP.

IOVE, strike me into earth: The Fountayne of selfe-Loue!

MER.

Nay, faint not, CVPID.

CVP.

I remembred it not.

MER.

Faith, it was ominous to take the name of ANTEROS vpon you, you know not what charme or inchantment lies in the word: you saw, I durst not venter vpon any deuice, in our presentment, but was con∣tent to be no other then a simple page. Your arrowes properties (to keepe decorum) CVPID, are suted (it should seeme) to the nature of him you personate.

CVP.

Indignitie not to be borne.

MER.

Nay rather, an attempt to haue beene forborne.

CVP.

The second straine.

How might I reuenge my selfe on this insulting MERCVRY! there's CRITES, his minion, he has not tasted of this water. It shall be so. Is CRITES turn'd dotard on himselfe too?

MER.

That followes not, because the venome of your shafts cannot pierce him, CVPID.

CVP.

As though there were one antidote for these, and another for him?

MER.

As though there were not! or as if one effect might not arise of diuers causes? What say you to CYNTHIA, ARETE, PHRONESIS, TIME, and others there?

CVP.

They are diuine.

MER.

And CRITES aspires to be so.

CVP.

But that shall not serue him.

MER.

'Tis like to doe it, at this time. But CVPID is growne too co∣uetous, that will not spare one of a multitude.

CVP.

One is more then a multitude.

MER.

The third straine.

ARETES fauour makes any one shot-proofe against thee, CV∣PID. I pray thee, light hony-bee, remember thou art not now in ADO∣RIS garden, but in CYNTHIAS presence, where thornes lie in garrison about the roses. Soft, CYNTHIA speakes.

Act V. Scene XI.

CYNTHIA, ARETE, CRITES, MASQVERS.

LAdies, and gallants of our court, to end, And giue a timely period to our sports, Let vs conclude them with declining night; Our empire is but of the darker halfe. And if you iudge it any recompence For your faire paines, t' haue earn'd DIANAS thankes, DIANA grants them: and bestowes their crowne To gratifie your acceptable zeale. For you are they, that not (as some haue done) Doe censure vs, as too seuere, and sowre, But as (more rightly) gracious to the good; Although we not denie, vnto the proud, Or the prophane, perhaps indeede austere: For so ACTAEON, by presuming farre, Did (to our griefe) incurre a fatall doome; And so, swolne NIOBE (comparing more Then he presum'd) was trophaeed into stone. But are we therefore judged too extreme? Seemes it no crime, to enter sacred bowers, And hallowed places, with impure aspect, Most lewdly to pollute? Seemes it no crime, To braue a deitie? Let mortals learne To make religion of offending heauen;

And not at all to censure powers diuine. To men, this argument should stand for firme, "A Goddesse did it, therefore it was good: "We are not cruell, nor delight in bloud. But what haue serious repetitions To doe with reuels, and the sports of court We not intend to sowre your late delights With harsh expostulation. Let 't suffice, That we take notice, and can take reuenge Of these calumnious, and lewd blasphemies. For we are no lesse CYNTHIA, then we were, Nor is our power (but as our selfe) the same: Though we haue now put on no tyre of shine, But mortall eyes vndaz'led may indure. "Yeeres are beneath the spheres: and time makes weake "Things vnder heauen, not powers which gouerne heauen. And though our selfe be, in our selfe, secure, Yet let not mortals challenge to themselues Immunitie from thence. Loe, this is all: "Honour hath store of spleene, but wanteth gall. Once more, we cast the slumber of our thankes On your ta'ne toile, which here let take an end. And that we not mis-take your seuerall worths, Nor you our fauour, from your selues remooue What makes you not your selues, those cloudes of masque:

They vnmasque.

"Particular paines, particular thankes doe aske. How! let me view you! ha? Are we contemn'd? Is there so little awe of our disdaine, That any (vnder trust of their disguise) Should mixe themselues with others of the court? And (without forehead) boldly presse so far, As farther none? How apt is lenitie To be abusde? seueritie to be loth'd? And yet, how much more doth the seeming face Of neighbour-vertues, and their borrowed names, Adde of lewd boldnesse, to loose vanities? Who would haue thought that PHILAVTIA durst Or haue vsurped noble STORGES name? Or with that theft haue ventred, on our eyes? Who would haue thought, that all of them should hope So much of our conniuence, as to come To grace themselues, with titles not their owne? In stead of med'cines, haue we maladies? And such impostumes, as PHANTASTE is, Grow in our palace? we must lance these sores,

Or all will putrifie. Nor are these all, For we suspect a farder fraud then this: Take off our vaile, that shadowes may depart, And shapes appeare, beloued ARETE—So. Another face of things presents it selfe, Then did of late: What! featherd CVPID mask'd? And mask'd like ANTEROS? And, stay! more strange! Deare MERCVRIE, our brother like a page, To countenance the ambush of the boy? Nor endeth our discouerie as yet: GELAIA, like a Nymph, that but ere-while (In male attire) did serue ANAIDES? CVPID came hither to find sport and game, Who, heretofore hath beene too conuersant Among our traine; but neuer felt reuenge: And MERCVRIE bare CVPID companie. CVPID, we must confesse this time of mirth (Proclaim'd by vs) gaue opportunitie, To thy attempts, although no priuiledge; Tempt vs no farther, we cannot indure Thy presence longer: vanish hence, away. You, MERCVRIE, we must intreate to stay, And heare what we determine of the rest; For in this plot, we well perceiue your hand. But (for we meane not a censorian taske, And yet to lance these vlcers growne so ripe) Deare ARETE, and CRITES, to you two We giue the charge; impose what paines you please: Th' incurable cut off, the rest reforme, Remembring euer what we first decreed, Since reuells were proclaim'd let now none bleed.

ARE.

How well DIANA can distinguish times? And forther censures? keeping to her selfe The doome of gods, leauing the rest to vs? Come, cite them, CRITES, first, and then proceed.

CRI.

First, PHILAVTIA (for she was the first,) Then light GELAIA, in AGLAIAS name, Thirdly PHANTASTE, and MORIA next, Maine follies all, and of the female crew: AMORPHVS, or EVCOSMOS conterfeit, Voluptuous HEDON tane for EVPATHES, Brazen ANAIDES, and ASOTVS last, With his two pages, MORVS and PROSAITES; And thou, the trauellers euill, COS, approch, Impostors all, and male deformities—

ARE.

Nay, forward, for I delegate my power. And will that at thy mercie they doe stand, Whom they so oft so plainely scorn'd before. "'Tis vertue which they want, and wanting it, "Honour no garment to their backes can fit. Then, CRITES, practise thy discretion.

CRI.

Adored CYNTHIA, and bright ARETE, Another might seeme fitter for this taske, Then CRITES farre, but that you iudge not so: For I (not to appeare vindicatiue, Or mindfull of contempts, which I contemn'd As done of impotence) must be remisse, Who, as I was the authour, in some sort, To worke their knowledge into CYNTHIAS sight, So should be much seuerer to reuenge Th'indignitie, hence issuing to her name. But there's not one of these, who are vnpain'd, Or by themselues vnpunished: for vice Is like a furie to the vicious minde, And turnes delight it selfe to punishment. But we must forward to designe their doome, You are offenders, that must be confest, Doe you confesse it?

ALL.

We doe.

CRI.

And, that you merit sharpe correction?

ALL.

Yes.

CRI.

Then we (reseruing vnto DELIAES grace, Her further pleasure, and to ARETE What DELIA granteth) thus doe sentence you. That from this place (for poenance knowne of all, Since you haue drunke so deeply of selfe-Loue) You (two and two) singing a palinode, March to your seuerall homes by NIOBES stone, And offer vp two teares apiece thereon; That it may change the name, as you must change, And of a stone be called weeping Crosse: Because it standeth crosse of CYNTHIAS way, One of whose names is sacred TRIVIA. And, after poenance thus perform'd, you passe In like set order, not as MIDAS did, To wash his gold off into Tagus streame, But to the well of knowledge, Helicon; Where purged of your present maladies, (Which are not few, nor slender) you become Such as you faine would seeme: and then returne, Offring your seruice to great CYNTHIA. This is your sentence, if the goddesse please.

To ratifie it with her high consent: "The scope of wise mirth vnto fruict is bent.

CYN.

We doe approue thy censure, belou'd CRITES. Which MERCVRY, thy true propitious friend, (A deitie, next IOVE, belou'd of vs) Will vnder-take to see exactly done: And for this seruice of discouerie Perform'd by thee, in honor of our name, We vow to guerdon it with such due grace, As shall become our bountie, and thy place. "Princes, that would their people should doe well, "Must at themselues begin, as at the head; "For men, by their example, patterne out "Their imitations, and reguard of lawes: "A vertuous Court a world to vertue drawes.

PALINODE.

AMO.

From spanish shrugs, french faces, smirks, irps, and all affe∣cted humours.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

PHA.

From secret friends, sweet seruants, loues, doues, and such phan∣tastique humours.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

AMO.

From stabbing of armes, flap-dragons, healths, whiffes, and all such swaggering humours.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

PHA.

From wauing of fannes, coy glaunces, glickes, cringes, and all such simpring humours.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

AMO.

From making loue by atturny, courting of puppets, and paying for new acquaintance.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

PHA.

From perfum'd dogs, munkeyes, sparrowes, dildo's, and parachito's.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

AMO.

From wearing bracelets of haire, shooe-ties, gloues, garters, and rings with poesies.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

PHA.

From pargetting, painting, slicking, glazing, and renewing old riueld faces.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

AMO.

From squiring to tilt-yards, play-houses, pageants, and all such publique places.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

PHA.

From entertayning one gallant to gull an other, and making fooles of either.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

AMO.

From belying ladies fauours, noble-mens countenance, coyning coun∣terseit imployments, vaine-glorious taking to them other mens seruices, and all selfe-louing humours.

CHORVS.

Good MERCVRY defend vs.

SONG.

NOw each one drie his weeping eyes, And to the well of knowledge haste; Where purged of your maladies, You may of sweeter waters taste: And, with refined voice, report The grace of CYNTHIA, and her court.