The great Duke of Florence A comicall historie. As it hath beene often presented with good allowance by her Maties Servants at the Phœnix in Drurie Lane. Written by Philip Massinger.

Actus secundi Scaena prima.

• Fiorinda.
• Calaminta.

Fiorinda.

HOw does this dressing show?

Calaminta.

'Tis of itselfe

Curious and rare: but borrowing ornament As it does from your Grace, that daine sto weare it, Incomparable.

Fiorinda.

Thou flatter'st me.

Calaminta.

I cannot, Your Excellence is above it.

Fiorinda.

Were we lesse perfect, Yet being as we are an absolute Princesse, We of necessity must be chast, wise, faire, By our prerogative. Yet all these faile To move where I would have them. How receiv'd Count Sanazarro the rich Scarfe I sent him For his last Visit?

Calaminta.

With much reverence, I dare not say affection. He express'd More ceremonie in his humble thanks Then feeling of the favour; and appear'd Wilfully ignorant in my opinion Of what it did invite him to.

Fiorinda.

No matter, He's blinde with too much light. Have you not heard Of any private Mistresse he's ingag'd to?

Calaminta.

Not any, and this does amaze me Madame, That he, a Souldier, one that drinks rich wines, Feedes high, and promises as much as Venus Could wish to finde from Mars, should in his manners Be so averse to women.

Fiorinda.

Troth I know not, He's man enough, and if he has a haunt, He preyes farre off like a subtill Fox.

Calaminta.

And that way I doe suspect him. For I learnt last night (When the great Duke went to rest) attended by One private follower, he tooke horse, but whither He's rid, or to what end I cannot guesse at, But I will finde it out.

Fiorinda.

Doe faithfull servant,

Enter Calandrino.

We would not be abus'd. Who have we here?

Calaminta.

How the foole stares?

Fiorinda.

And lookes as if he were Conning his neck-verse.

Calandrino.

If I now proove perfect In my A. B. C. of Courtship, Calandrino Is made for ever, I am sent; let me see, On a how doe you, as they call't.

Calaminta.

What would'st thou say?

Calan.

Let me see thy notes. These are her lodgings. Well.

Calaminta.

Art thou an Asse?

Caland.

Peace, thou art a Court wagtaile

Calandrino still looking on his instructions. Fi. o. rin. da.

To interrupt me.

Fiorinda.

He has giv'n it you.

Calandrino.

And then say to th'illustrious I have it. VVhich is she?

Calaminta.

VVhy this; Fopdoodle.

Calan.

Leave chattering Bulfinch: you would put me out, But 't will not doe. Then after you have made Your three obeysances to her, kneele and kisse The skirt of Gowne. I am glad it is no worse.

Calaminta.

And why so sir?

Calandrino.

Because I was afraid That after the Italian garbe I should Have kiss'd her backward.

Calaminta.

This is sport unlook'd for.

Calandrino.

Are you the Princesse?

Fiorinda.

Yes sir.

Calandrino.

Then stand faire (For I am cholerick) and doe not nip A hopefull blosome. Out againe. Three low

Reades.

Obeysances.

Fiorinda.

I am ready.

Calandrino.

I come on then.

Calaminta.

With much formality.

Makes Antique curtesies.

Calandrino.

Umph. One. two. three. Thus farre I am right. Now for the last. O rare! Shee is perfum'd all over! Sure great women Instead of little dogges are priviledg'd

To carrie Musk Cats.

Fiorinda.

Now the ceremony Is pass'd, what is the substance?

Calandrino.

I'll peruse My instructions, and then tell you: Her skirt kiss'd, Informe her Highnesse, that your Lord,

Calaminta.

Who's that?

Calandrino.

Prince Giovanni, who entreates your Grace, That he with your good favour may have leave To present his service to you. I think I have nick'd it For a Courtier of the first forme.

Fiorinda.

To my wonder:

Enter Giovanni and a Gentleman.

Returne unto the Prince: but he prevents My answer. Calaminta take him off, And for the neate delivery of his message Give him ten Duccats, such rare parts as yours Are to be cherish'd.

Calandrino.

We will share. I know It is the custome of the Court, when ten Are promis'd, five is faire. Fie, fie, the Princesse Shall never know it, so you dispatch me quickly, And bid me not come to morrow.

Calaminta.

Very good sir.

Exeunt Calandrino and Calaminta.

Giovanni.

Pray you friend Informe the Duke I am putting into act What he commanded.

Gentleman.

I am proud to be imploy'd sir.

Exit Gentlemā. They sa∣lute.

Giovan.

Madam, that without warrant I presume To trench upon your Privacies, may argue Rudenesse of manners. But the free accesse Your Princely courtesie vouchsafes to all That come to pay their services, gives me hope To finde a gracious pardon.

Fiorinda.

If you please, not To make that an offence in your construction, Which I receive as a large favour from you, There needes not this Apologie.

Giovanni.

You continue

As you were ever, the greatest Mistresse of Faire entertainment.

Fiorinda.

You are Sir the Master, And in the Country have learnt to out-doe All that in Court is practis'd. But why should we Talke at such distance? You are welcome sir. We have beene more familiar, and since You wil impose the Province, you should governe, Of boldnesse on me, give me leave to say You are too punctuall. Sit sir, and discourse As we were us'd.

Giovanni.

Your Excellence knowes so well How to command, that I can never erre When I obey you.

Fiorinda.

Nay, no more of this. You shall o'recome; no more I pray you sir. And what delights, Pray you be liberall In your relation, hath the Country life Afforded you?

Giovanni.

All pleasures gracious Madame, But the happinesse to converse with your sweet vertues. I had a grave Instructer, and my houres Design'd to serious Studies yeelded me Pleasure with profit in the knowledge of What before I was ignorant in. The Signior Carolode Charomonte being skilfull To guide me through the labyrinth of wilde passions, That labour'd to imprison my free soule A slave to vitious Sloath.

Fiorinda.

You speake him well.

Giovanni.

But short of his deserts. Then for the time Of recreation I was allow'd (Against the forme follow'd by jealous Parents In Italy) full liberty to pertake His daughters sweet society. She's a virgin Happy in all endowments, which a Poet Could fancie in his Mistresse: being her selfe A Schoole of goodnesse, where chast Mayds may learne

(Without the aydes of forraigne Principles) By the example of her life and purenesse To be as she is, excellent. I but give you A briefe Epitome of her vertues, which Dilated on at large, and to their merit, Would make an ample Story.

Fiorinda.

Your whole age So spent with such a Father, and a Daughter, Could not be tedious to you.

Giovanni.

True great Princesse: And now since you have pleas'd to grant the hearing Of my times expence in the Country, give me leave To entreate the favour, to be made acquainted What service, or what objects in the Court Have in your Excellence acceptance, prov'd Most gracious to you?

Fiorinda.

I'll meete your demand, And make a plaine discovery. The Dukes care For my estate and person holds the first And choycest place. Then the respect the Courtiers Pay gladly to me, not to be contemn'd. But that which rais'd in me the most delight (For I am a friend to valour) was to heare The noble actions truly reported Of the brave Count Sanazarro. I professe When it hath beene, and fervently deliver'd. How boldly in the horror of a fight Cover'd with fire and smoake, and as if nature Had lent him wings, like lightning he hath falne Upon the Turkish Gallies, I have heard it With a kinde of pleasure, which hath whisper'd to me This Worthy must be cherish'd.

Giovanni.

'T was a bounty You never can repent.

Fiorinda.

I glory in it. And when he did returne (but still with conquest) His Armour off not young Antinous Appear'd more Courtly; all the Graces that

Render a mans Society deere to Ladies, Like Pages wayting on him, and it does VVorke strangely on me.

Giovanni.

To divert your thoughts Though they are fixt upon a noble subject, I am a suitor to you.

Fiorinda.

You will aske I doe presume, what I may grant, and then It must not be deni'd.

Giovanni.

It is a favour For which I hope your Excellence will thank me.

Fiorinda.

Nay, without circumstance.

Giovanni.

That you would please To take occasion to move the Duke, That you with his allowance may command This matchlesse virgin Lidia (of whom I cannot speake too much) to waite upon you. She's such a one, upon the forfeit of Your good opinion of me, that will not Be a blemish to your trayne.

Fiorinda.

'Tis ranke! He loves her;

Aside.

But I will fit him with a suit. I pause not As if it bred or doubt or scruple in me To doe what you desire, for I'll effect it, And make use of a faire and fit occasion. Yet in returne I aske a boone of you, And hope to finde you, in your grant to me As I have beene to you.

Giovanni.

Command me Madame.

Fiorinda.

'Tis neere allyde to yours. That you would be A Suitor to the Duke, not to expose (After so many trialls of his faith) The noble Sanazarro to all dangers, As if he were a wall to stand the furie Of a perpetuall batterie: but now To grant him after his long labours, rest And liberty to live in Court, his Armes And his victorious sword and shield hung up

For monuments.

Giovan.

Umph. I'll embrace faire Princea

Enter Cozimo.

The soonest oportunity. The Duke!

Cozimo.

Nay, blush not; we smile on your privacie, And come not to disturbe you. You are equalls, And without prejudice to eithers Honors. May make a mutuall change of love and Courtship, Till you are made one, and with holy rites, And we give suffrage to it.

Giovanni.

You are gracious.

Cozimo.

To our selfe in this. But now break off. Too much Taken at once of the most curious viands Dulls the sharp edge of appetite. We are now For other sports, in which our pleasure is That you shall keepe us company.

Fiorinda.

We attend you.

Exeunt.

Actus secundi Scaena secunda.

• Bernardo.
• Caponi.
• Petruchio.

Bernardo.

IS my Lord stirring?

Caponi.

No; He's fast.

Petruchio.

Let us take then Our morning draught. Such as eate store of Beefe, Mutton, and Capons, may preserve their healths With that thin composition call'd small Beere, As 'tis said they doe in England. But Italians That think when they have sup'd upon an Olive, A Root, or bunch of Raysins, 'tis a Feast, Must kill those cludities, rising from cold hearbs, With hot and lusty wines.

Caponi.

A happinesse Those Tramontaines ne're casted.

Bernardo.

Have they not Store of wine there?

Caponi.

Yes, and drink more in two houres Then the Dutchmen, or the Dane in foure and twenty.

Petru.

But what is't? French trash, made of rotten grapes

And dregs, and lees of Spaine, with Welch Metheglyn, A drench to kill a horse, but this pure Nectar Being proper to our climate, is too fine To brook the roughnesse of the Sea. The spirit Of this begets in us quick apprehensions And active executions, whereas their Grosse feeding makes their understanding like it. They can fight, and that's their all.

They drink.

Sanazarro.

Security

Enter Sanazarro. A servant.

Dwells about this house I think, the gate's wide open, And not a servant stirring. See the horses Set up, and cloath'd.

Servant.

I shall Sir.

Sanazarro.

I'll make bold To presse a little further.

Bernardo.

Who is this, Count Sanazarro?

Petruchio.

Yes, I know him. Quickly Remove the Flaggon.

Sanazarro.

A good day to you friends. Nay, doe not conceale your Physick, I approve it, And if you please will be a Patient with you.

Petruchio.

My noble Lord.

Drinks.

Sanazarro.

A health to yours. Well done, I see you love your selves. And I commend you 'Tis the best wisedome.

Petruchio.

May it please your Honour To walk a turne in the Gallery, I ll acquaint My Lord with your being here.

Exit Petruchio.

Sanazarro.

Tell him I come For a Visit onely. 'Tis a hansome pile this.

Exit Sanazarro.

Caponi.

Why here is a brave fellow, and a right one, Nor wealth, nor greatnesse makes him proud.

Bernar.

There are too few of them, for most of our new Courtlers (Whose Fathers were familiar with the prices Of oyle, and corne, with when and to where to vent 'em) And left their heires rich from their knowledge that way) Like gourds shot up in a night, disclaine to speake

But to cloath of Tissue.

Ent. Car. Charom. in a night-Gown. Petruchio following.

Carol.

Stand you prating, knaves, When such a guest is under my roofe? See all The roomes perfum'd. This is the man that carries The sway, and swinge of the Court; and I had rather Preserve him mine with honest offices, then. — But I'll make no comparisons. Bid my daughter Trim her selfe up to the height, I know this Courtier Must have a smack at her, and perhaps by his place Expects to wriggle further. If he does I shall deceive his hopes, for I'll not taint My Honour for the Dukedome. Which way went he?

Caponi.

To the round Gallerie.

Carolo.

I will entertaine him. As fits his worth, and quality, but no farther.

Exeunt:

Actus secundi Scaena tertia.

• Sanazarro solus.

Sanazarro.

I Cannot apprehend, yet I have argu'd All wayes I can imagine, for what reasons The great Duke does imploy me hither, and What does encrease the miracle, I must render A strict and true account, at my returne Of Lidia this Lords daughter, and describe In what she's excellent, and where defective. 'Tis a hard task; he that will undergoe To make a judgement of a womans beauty, And see through all her plaistrings, and paintings, Had neede of Linceus eyes, and with more ease May looke like him through nine mud walls, then make A true discovery of her. But th'intents And secrets of my Princes heart must be Serv'd and not search'd into.

Enter Carolo Charomonte.

Carolo.

Most noble Sir Excuse my age subject to ease, and Sloath, That with no greaver speed I have presented My service with your welcome.

Sanazarro

'Tis more fit That I should aske your pardon for disturbing Your restat this unseasonable houre. But my occasions carrying me so neere Your hospitable house, my stay being short to; Your goodnesse, and the name of friend, which you Are pleas'd to grace me with, gave me assurance A Visit would not offend.

Carolo.

Offend my Lord? I feele my selfe much younger for the favour. How is it with our gracious Master?

Sanazarro.

He Sir Holds still his wonted Greatnesse, and confesses Himselfe your debtor, for your love, and care To the Prince Giovanni, and had sent Particular thanks by me, had his Grace knowne, The quick dispatch of what I was design'd to Would have licenc'd me to see you.

Carolo.

I am rich In his acknowledgement.

Sanazarro.

Sir, I have heard Your happinesse in a daughter.

Carolo.

Sits the winde there?

Sanazarro.

Fame gives her out for a rare master-peece.

Carolo.

'Tis a plaine Village Girle Sir, but obedient, That's her best beauty Sir.

Sanazarro.

Let my desire To see her, finde a faire construction from you, I bring no loose thought with me.

Carolo.

You are that way My Lord free from suspition. Her owne manners (Without an imposition from me)

Enter Lidia and Petronella.

I hope will prompt her to it. As she is She's come to make a tender of that service Which she stands bound to pay.

Sanazarro.

With your faire leave I make bold to salute you.

Lidia.

Sir, I, you have it.

Petronella.

I am her Gentlewoman, wil he not kisse me to? This is course ifaith.

Carolo.

How he falls off!

Lidia.

My Lord, though silence best becomes a Mayde, And to be curious to know but what concernes my selfe, and with becomming distance, May argue me of boldnesse, I must borrow So much of modesty as to enquire Prince Giovannies health?

Sanazar.

Hee cannot want, what you are pleas'd to wish him.

Lidia.

Would 'twere so, And then there is no blessing that can make A hopefull and a noble Prince compleat, But should fall on him. O, he was our North star, The light and pleasure of our eyes.

Sanazarro.

Where am I? I feele my selfe another thing! Can charmes Be writ on such pure Rubies? Her lips melt Assoone as touch'd! not those smooth gales that glide O're happy Arabie, or rich Sabaea, Creating in their passage gummes and spices, Can serve for a weake simile to expresse The sweetnesse of her breath. Such a brave stature Homer bestow'd on Pallas, every limbe Proportion'd to it.

Carolo.

This is strange; my Lord.

Sanaza.

I crave your pardon, and yours, matchlesse Mayd, For such I must report you.

Petronella.

There's no notice Taken all this while of me.

Sanazarro.

And I must adde If your discourse and reason parallel The rarenesse of your more then humane forme, You are a wonder.

Carolo.

Pray you my Lord make triall: She can speak I can assure you, and that my presence May not take from her freedome, I will leave you. For know my Lord, my confidence dares trust her Where, and with whom she pleases. If he be

Taken the right way with her, I cannot fancie A better match; and for false play I know The tricks, and can discerne them. Petronella!

Petronella.

Yes my good Lord.

Exeunt Carolo and Petronella.

Carolo.

I have imployment for you.

Lidia.

What's your will Sir?

Sanazarro.

Madame, you are so large a theame to treat of, And every Grace about you offers to me Such copiousnesse of language, that I stand Doubtfull which first to touch at. If I erre, As in my choyce I may, let me entreat you Before I doe offend, to signe my pardon, Let this the Emblem of your innocence Give me assurance.

Lidia.

My hand joyn'd to yours Without this superstition confirmes it. Nor neede I feare you will dwell long upon me, The barrennesse of the subject yeelding nothing That Rhetorick with all her tropes and figures Can amplifie. Yet since you are resolv'd To prove your selfe a Courtier in my praise, As I am a woman (and you men affirme Our sex loves to be flatter'd) I'll endure it.

Carolo above.

Now when you please begin.

Turnes from her.

Sanazarro.

Such Laedas paps were, Down pillowes styl'd by Jove. And their pure whitenesse Shames the Swans Down, or snow. No heat of lust Swells up her Azure veines. And yet I feele That this chast Ice but touch'd fans fire in me.

Lidia.

You neede not noble Sir be thus transported, Or trouble your invention to expresse Your thought of me: the plainest phrase and language That you can use, will be too high a straine For such an humble Theme.

Sanazarro.

If the great Duke Made this his end to try my constant temper, Though I am vanquish'd, 'tis his fault, not mine. For I am flesh and blood, and have affections

Like other men. Who can behold the Temples, Or holy Altars, but the Objects worke Devotion in him? And I may as well Walke over burning iron with bare feet And be unscorch'd, as looke upon this beauty Without desire, and that desire pursu'd to, Till it be quench'd with the enjoying those Delights, which to atchieve danger is nothing, And loyalty but a word.

Lidia.

I ne're was proud, Nor can finde I am guilty of a thought Deserving this neglect, and strangenesse from you, Nor am I amorous.

Sanazarro.

Suppose his Greatnesse Loves her himselfe, why makes he choyce of me To be his agent? it is tyrannie To call one pinch'd with hunger to a feast, And at that instant cruelly deny him To taste of what he sees. Alleageance Tempted too farre, is like the triall of A good sword on an Anvill; as that often Flies in peeces without service to the owner; So trust enforc'd too farre prooves treachery, And is too late repented.

Lidia.

Pray you Sir, Or licence me to leave you, or deliver The reasons which invite you to command My tedious wayting on you.

Carolo.

As I live I know not what to think on't. Is't his pride, Or his simplicity?

Sanazarro.

Whither have my thoughts Carried me from my selfe? in this my dulnesse, I have lost an oportunity.

He turnes to her. She falls off.

Lidia.

'Tis true, I was not bred in Court, not live a starre there, Nor shine in rich embroderies, and pearle, As they that are the Mistresses of great fortunes,

Are every day adorn'd with.

Sanazaro.

Will you vouchsafe Your eare sweet Lady?

Lidia.

Yet I may be bold For my integrity, and fame, to ranke With such as are more glorious. Though I never Did injurie, yet I am sensible When I am contemn'd, and scorn'd.

Sanazarro.

Will you please to heare me?

Lidia.

O the difference of natures. Giovanni, A Prince in expectation, when he liv'd here, Stole courtesie from heaven, and would not to The meanest servant in my Fathers house Have kept such distance.

Sanazarro.

Pray you doe not think me Unworthy of your eare, it was your beauty That turn'd me statue, I can speake, faire Lady.

Lidia.

And I can heare. The harshnesse of your Courtship Cannot corrupt my curtesie.

Sanazarro.

Will you heare me If I speake of love?

Lidia.

Provided you be modest, I were uncivill else.

Carolo descends.

Carolo.

They are come to parlee, I must observe this neerer.

Sanazarro.

You are a rare one, And such (but that my hast commands me hence) I could converse with ever. Will you grace me VVith leave to visit you againe.

Lidia.

So you At your returne to Court, doe me the favour To make a tender of my humble service To the Prince Giovanni.

Sanazarro.

Ever touching Upon that string? And will you give me hope Of future happinesse?

Lidia.

That, as I shall finde you. The Fort that's yeelded at the first assault,

Is hardly worth the taking.

Enter Carolo.

Carolo.

O, they are at it.

Sanazar.

She is a Magazine of all perfection, And 'tis death to part from her, yet I must, A parting kisse faire Maid.

Lidia.

That custome grants you.

Carolo.

A homely breakfast does attend your Lordship. Such as the place affords.

Sanazarro.

No, I have feasted Already here, my thanks, and so I leave you. I will see you againe. Till this unhappy houre I was never lost, and what to doe or say I have not yet determin'd,

Exit Sanazarro.

Carolo.

Gone so abruptly? 'Tis very strange.

Lidia.

Under your favour Sir, His comming hither was to little purpose For any thing I heard from him.

Carolo.

Take heede Lidia! I doe advise you with a Fathers love, And tendernesse of your honour: as I would not Have you course and harsh in giving entertainment, So by no meanes be credulous. For great men Till they have gain'd their ends are Giants in Their promises, but those obtain'd, weake Pigmies In their performance. And it is a maxime Alow'd among them, so they may deceive They may sweare any thing; for the Queen of love As they hold constantly, does never punish, But smile at Lovers perjuries. Yet be wise too, And when you are su'd to in a noble way, Be neither nice, nor scrupulous.

Lidia.

All you speake Sir I heare as Oracles, nor will digresse From your directions.

Carolo.

So shall you keepe Your fame untainted.

Lidia.

As I would my life Sir.

Exeunt.

Finis Actus secundi.