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.
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Title
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.
Author
Massinger, Philip, 1583-1640.
Publication
London :: Printed [by Miles Flesher] for John Marriot,
1636.
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"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." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A07239.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 21, 2024.
Pages
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Actus tertij Scaena prima.
Sanazarro.
Servant.
Sanaz.
LEave the horses with my Groomes; but be you carefullWith your best diligence, and speed to finde outThe Prince, and humbly in my name entreat himI may exchange some private conference with himBefore the great Duke know of my arrivall.
Servant.
I hast my Lord.
Sanazarro.
Here I'll attend his comming,And see you keepe your selfe as much as may beConceal'd from all men else.
Servant.
To serve your LordshipI wish I were invisible.
Exit servant.
Sanazarro.
I am drivenInto a desperate streight, and cannot steereA middle course; and of the two extreamesWhich I must make election of, I know notWhich is more full of horror. Never servantStood more ingag'd to a magnificent MasterThen I to Cozimo. And all those honorsAnd glories by his Grace conferr'd upon me,Or by my prosperous services deserv'd,If now I should deceive his trust, and makeA shipwrack of my loyalty, are ruin'd.And on the other side, if I discoverLidias divine perfections, all my hopesIn her are sunke, never to be boy'd up:For 'tis impossible, but assoone as seeneShe must with adoration be su'd to.A Hermit at his beades, but looking on her,Or the cold Cinique, whom Corinthian Lais,Not mov'd with her lusts blandishments, call'd a stone,At this object would take fire. Nor is the DukeSuch an Hippolitus, but that this PhaedraBut seene, must force him to forsake the GrovesAnd Dians Huntmanship, proud to serve under
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Venus soft Ensignes. No, there is no wayFor me to hope fruition of my ends,But to conceale her beauties; and how thatMay be effected, is as hard a taskeAs with a vayle to cover the Sunnes beames,Or comfortable light. Three yeares the PrinceLiv'd in her company, and ContarinoThe Secretary, hath possess'd the DukeWhat a rare peece she is. But he's my creature,And may with ease be frighted to denieWhat he hath said. And if my long experienceWith some strong reasons I have thought upon,Cannot o're-reach a youth, my practise yeelds meBut little profit.
Enter Giovanni and the servant.
Giovanni.
You are well return'd Sir.
Sanaz.
Leave us. When that your Grace shall know the motivesThat forc'd me to invite you to this trouble, You will excuse my manners.
Exit servant.
Giovanni.
Sir, there needs notThis circumstance betweene us. You are everMy noble friend.
Sanazarro.
You shall have further causeTo assure you of my faith and zeale to serve you.And when I have committed to your trust(Presuming still on your retentive silence)A secret of no lesse importance, thenMy honor, nay my head, it will confirmeWhat value you hold with me.
Giovanni.
Pray you beleeve SirWhat you deliver to me, shall be lock'd upIn a strong Cabinet; of which you your selfeShall keepe the key. For here I pawne my Honor(Which is the best security I can give yet)It shall not be discover'd.
Sanazarro.
This assuranceIs more then I with modesty could demandFrom such a paymaster, but I must be suddaine,And therefore to the purpose. Can your Excellence
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In your imagination conceiveOn what designe, or whither the Dukes willCommanded me hence last night?
Giovanni.
No I assure you,And it had beene a rudenesse to enquireOf that I was not call'd to.
Sanazarro.
Grant me hearing,And I will make you truly understand,It onely did concerne you.
Giovanni.
Me my Lord?
Sanazar.
You in your present state, and future fortunes,For both lye at the stake?
Giovanni.
You much amaze me.Pray you resolve this riddle.
Sanazarro.
You know the Duke,If he die issue-lesse (as yet he is)Determines you his Heire.
Giovanni.
It hath pleas'd his HighnesseOft to professe so much.
Sanazarro.
But say, he shouldBe woone to prove a second wife, on whomHe may beget a sonne, how in a momentWill all those glorious expectations, whichRender you reverenc'd and remarkable,Be in a moment blasted, how e're you areHis much lov'd sisters sonne?
Giovanni.
I must beare itWith patience, and in me it is a dutyThat I was borne with: and 'twere much unfitFor the receiver of a benefitTo offer for his owne ends, to prescribeLawes to the givers pleasure.
Sanazarro.
Sweetly answer'd,And like your noble selfe. This your rare temperSo winnes upon me, that I would not live(If that by honest Arts I can prevent it)To see your hopes made frustrate. And but thinkHow you shall be transform'd from what you are,
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Should this (as heaven avert it) ever happen,It must disturbe your peace. For whereas now,Being as you are receiv'd for the Heire apparant,You are no sooner seene, but wondredat;The Signiors making it a businesse toEnquire how you have slep'd; and as you walkeThe streetes of Florence, the glad multitudeIn throngs presse but to see you, and with joyThe Father, pointing with his finger, tellsHis sonne, This is the Prince, the hopefull Prince,That must hereafter rule, and you obey him.Great Ladies begge your picture, and make loveTo that, despairing to enjoy the substance.And but the last night, when't was onely rumor'dThat you were come to Court (as if you hadBy Sea past hither from another world)What generall showts, and acclamations follow'd,The bells rung lowd, the boonfires blaz'd, and suchAs lov'd not wine, carrow sing to your health,Were drunk, and blush'd not at it. And is thisA happinesse to part with?
Giovanni.
I allow theseAs flourishes of Fortune, with which PrincesAre often sooth'd, but never yet esteem'd 'emFor reall blessings.
Sanazarro.
Yet all these were pay'dTo what you may be, not to what you are,For if the great Duke but shew to his servantsA sonne of his owne, you shall like one obscurePasse unregarded.
Giovanni.
I confesse, commandIs not to be contemn'd, and if my FateAppoint me to it, as I may I'll beare itWith willing shoulders. But my Lord as yetYou have tolde me of a danger comming towards me,But have not nam'd it.
Sanazarro.
That is soone deliver'd;Great Cozimo your Uncle, as I more
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Then guesse, for 'tis no frivolous circumstanceThat does perswade my judgement to beleeve it,Purposes to be married.
Giovanni.
Married, Sir?With whom, and on what termes, pray you instruct me?
Sanazarro.
With the faire Lidia.
Giovanni.
Lidia?
Sanazarro.
The daughterOf Signior Charomonte.
Giovanni.
Pardon meThough I appeare incredulons, for onMy knowledge he ne're saw her.
Sanazarro.
That is granted;But Contarino hath so sung her praises,And giv'n her out for such a master-peece,That he's transported with it Sir. And loveSteales sometimes through the care into the heartAs well as by the eye. The Duke no soonerHeard her describ'd, but I was sent in postTo see her, and returne my judgement of her.
Giovanni.
And what's your censure?
Sanazar.
'Tis a pretie creature.
Giovanni.
She's very faire.
Sanazar.
Yes, yes, I have seene worse faces.
Giovanni.
Her limbs are neatly form'd.
Sanazar.
She hath a wasteIndeede siz'd to loves wish.
Giovanni.
A delicate hand too.
Sanazar.
Then for a legge and foote.
Giovanni.
And there I leave you,For I presum'd no further.
Sanazar.
As she is SirI know she wants no gracious part that mayAllure the Duke, and if he onely see herShe is his owne. He will not be deni'd,And then you are lost. Yet if you'll second me(As you haue reason, for it most concernes you)I can prevent all yet.
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Giovanni.
I would you couldA noble way.
Sanazar.
I will cry downe her beauties;Especially the beauties of her minde,As much as Contarino hath advanc'd 'em,And this I hope, will breed forgetfulnesse,And kill affection in him: but you mustJoyne with me in my report, if you be question'd.
Giovan.
I never told a lye yet, and I hold itIn some degree blasphemous to dispraiseWhat's worthy admiration. Yet for onceI will dispraise a little, and not varieFrom your relation.
Sanazar.
Be constant in it.
Enter Alphonso.
Alph.
My Lord, the Duke hath seen your man, & wondersYou come not to him. See if his desireTo have cōference with you hath not brought
Ent. Cozimo, Contarino and Attendants.
Him hither in his owne person.
Cozimo.
They are comely coursers,And promise swiftnesse.
Contarino.
They are of my knowledgeOf the best race in Naples.
Cozimo.
You are Nephew,As I heare, an excellent horseman, and we like it.'Tis a faire grace in a Prince. Pray you make triallOf their strength and speed, and if you think them fitFor your imployment, with a liberall handReward the Gentleman, that did present 'emFrom the Viceroy of Naples.
Exeunt Giovanni, Al∣phonso, Hippolito.
Giovanni.
I will useMy best endeyour Sir.
Cozimo.
Wayte on my Nephew.Nay stay you Contarino, be within call,It may be we shal use you. You have rode hard Sir,And we thank you for it. Every minute seemesIrksome, and tedious to us; till you haveMade your discovery. Say friend, have you seeneThis Phaenix of our age?
Sanazar.
I have seene a Mayde Sir,
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But if that I have judgement, no such wonderAs she was deliver'd to you.
Cozimo.
This is strange.
Sanazar.
But certaine truth, it may be she was look'd onWith admiration in the Country Sir,But if compar'd with many in your Court,She would appeare but ordinary.
Cozimo.
ContarinoReports her otherwise.
Sanazar.
Such as ne're saw Swannes,May think Crowes beautifull.
Cozimo.
How is her behaviour?
Sanazar.
'Tis like the place she lives in.
Cozimo.
How her wit,Discourse, and entertainment?
Sanazar.
Very course,I would not willingly say poore, and rude,But had she all the beauties of faire women,The dulnesse of her soule would fright me from her.
Coz.
You are curious Sir, I know not what to think on't.Contarino!
Contarino.
Sir.
Cozimo.
Where was thy judgement manTo extoll a virgin, Sanazarro tells meIs neerer to deformity.
Sanazarro.
I saw her,And curiously perus'd her, and I wonderThat she that did appeare to me, that knowWhat beauty is, not worthy the observing,Should so transport you.
Contarino.
Troth my Lord I thought then.
Cozimo.
Thought? Didst thou not affirme it?
Contarino.
I confesse SirI did beleeve so then, but now I heareMy Lords opinion to the contrary,I am of another faith: for 'tis not fitThat I should contradict him. I am dimme Sir,But he's sharpe sighted.
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Sanazar.
This is to my wish.
Cozi.
We know not what to think of this, yet would notDetermine rashly of it. How doe you like
Enter Giovanni, Hippo. Lodovico.
My Nephewes horsemanship?
Hippolito.
In my judgement SirIt is exact and rare.
Alphonso.
And to my fancieHe did present great Alexander mountedOn his Bucephalus.
Cozimo.
You are right Courtiers,And know it is your duty to cry upAll actions of a Prince.
Sanazarro.
Doe not betray
Aside to Giovanni.
Your selfe, you are safe, I have done my part.
Giovanni.
I thanke you,Nor will I faile.
Cozimo.
What's your opinion NephewOf the horses?
Giovanni.
Two of them are in my judgementThe best I ever back'd. I meane the roane Sir,And the browne bay: but for the chesnut colour'd,Though he be full of mettall, hot, and fierie,He treads weake in his pasternes.
Cozimo.
So, come neerer;This exercise hath put you into a sweat,Take this and dry it: and now I command youTo tell me truly what's your censure ofCharomontes daughter Lidia.
Giovanni.
I am SirA novice in my judgement of a Lady,But such as it is, your Grace shall heare it freely.I would not speake in of her, and am sorieIf I keepe my selfe a friend to truth, I cannotReport her as I would, so much I oweHer reverend Father. But I'll give you SirAs neere as I can her character in little.She's of a goodly stature, and her limbsNot disproportion'd; for her face it is
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Farre from deformity, yet they flatter herThat style it excellent: her manners areSimple and innocent: but her discourseAnd wit deserve my pittie, more then praise.At her best my Lord, she is a hansome picture,And that said, all is spoken.
Cozimo.
I beleeve youI ne're yet found you false.
Giovanni.
Nor ever shall Sir.Forgive me matchlesse Lidia I too much love
Aside.
And jealous feare to lose thee, doe bompell meAgainst my will, my reason, and my knowledgeTo be a poore ditracter of that beauty,Which fluent Ovid, if he liv'd againe,Would want words to expresse.
Cozimo.
Pray you make choyce ofThe richest of our furniture for those horses,
To Sanazarro.
And take my Nephew with you, we in thisWill follow his directions.
Giovanni.
Could I finde nowThe Princesse Fiorinda, and perswade herTo be silent in the suit, that I mov'd to herAll were secure.
Sanazarro.
In that my Lord t'll ayde you.
Coz.
We wil be private, leave us. All my studies
Exeunt omnes.
And serious meditations ayme no furtherThen this young mans good. He was my sisters son,And she was such a sister when she liv'dI could not prize too much, nor can I betterMake knowne how deere I hold her memory,Then in my cherishing the onely issueWhich she hath left behind her Who's that?
Ent. Fiorinda.
Fiorinda.
Sir.
Cozimo.
My faire charge, you are welcome to us.
Fiorinda.
I have found it Sir.
Cozimo.
All things goe well in Urbin.
Fiorinda.
Your gracious care to me an Orphan, frees meFrom all suspition, that my jealous feares can drive into my fancie.
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Cozimo.
The next SummerIn our owne person, we will bring you thither,And seat you in your owne.
Fiorinda.
When you think fit Sir.But in the mean time, with your Highnesse pardon,I am a suitor to you.
Cozimo.
Name it Madame,With confidence to obtaine it.
Fiorinda.
That you would pleaseTo lay a strict command on Charomonte,To bring his daughter Lidia to the Court,And pray you think Sir that 'tis not my purposeTo imploy her as a servant, but to use herAs a most wish'd companion.
Cozimo.
Ha. Your reason?
Fiorin.
The hopefull Prince your Nephew Sir hath given herTo me for such an abstract of perfection,In all that can be wish'd for in a virgin,As beauty, musique, ravishing discourse,Quicknesse of apprehension, with choyce mannersAnd learning to, not usuall with women;That I am much ambitious (though I shallAppeare but as a foyle to set her off)To be from her instructed, and suppli'dIn what I am defective.
Cozimo.
Did my NephewSeriously deliver this?
Fiorinda.
I assure your GraceWith zeale, and vehemencie, and even whenWith his best words he striv'd to set her forth(Though the rare subject made him eloquent)He would complaine, all he could say came shortOf her deservings.
Cozimo.
Pray you have patience.This was strangely caried. Ha! are we tristed with?Dare they doe this? is Cozimos furie, thatOf late was terrible, growne contemptible?Well; we will cleare our browes, and undermine
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Their secret works, (though they have dig'd like Moles,)And crush'em with the tempest of my wrathWhen I appeare most calme. He is unfitTo command others, that knowes not to use it,And with all rigour, yet my sterne lookes shall notDiscover my intents, for I will strikeWhen I begin to frowne. You are the MistresseOf that you did demand.
Fiorinda.
I thank your Highnesse,But speed in the performance of the grantDoubles the favours Sir.
Cozimo.
You shall possesse it sooner then you expect,Onely be pleas'd to be ready when my SecretaryWaites upon you, to take the fresh ayre. My Nephew!And my bosome friend so to cheat me, 'tis not faire!
Enter Giovanni, Sanazarro.
San.
Where should this Princesse be? nor in her lodgings,Nor in the private walks, Her owne retreatWhich she so much frequented?
Giovanni.
By my lifeShe's with the Duke. And I much more then feareHer forwardnesse to prefer my suit, hath ruin'dWhat with such care we built up.
Cozimo.
Have you furnish'dThose Coursers, as we will'd you?
Sanazarro.
There's no signeOf anger in his lookes.
Giovanni.
They are compleat Sir.
Cozimo.
'Tis well. To your rest. Soft sleepes wayt on you Madame.Tomorrow with the rising of the SunneBe ready to ride with us. They with more safetyHad trod on fork-tongu'd Adders, thē provok'd me.
Ex. Coz.
Fiorinda.
I come not to be thank'd Sir for the speedyPerformance of my promise touching Lidia,It is effected.
Sanazarro.
We are undone.
Fiorinda.
The DukeNo sooner heard me with my best of language
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Describe her excellencies, as you taught me,But he confirm'd it. You looke sad, as ifYou wish'd it were undone.
Giovanni.
No gracious Madame,I am your servant for't.
Fiorinda.
Be you as carefullFor what I mov'd to you. Count Sanazarro,Now I perceive you honour me, in vouchsafingTo weare so sleight a favour.
Sanazarro.
'Tis a graceI am unworthy of.
Fiorinda.
You merit moreIn prizing so a trifle. Take this Diamond,I'll second what I have begun. For knowYour valour hath so woone upon me, that'Tis not to be resisted. I have said Sir,And leave you to interpret it.
Exit Fiorinda.
Sanazarro.
This to meIs Wormewood. 'Tis apparant we are takenIn our owne nooze. What's to be done?
Giovanni.
I know not.And 'tis a punishment justly salne upon meFor leaving truth, a constant Mistresse, thatEver protects her servants, to becomeA slave to lyes, and falshood. What excuseCan we make to the Duke? what mercy hope for,Our packing being laid open?
Sanazarro.
'Tis not toBe question'd, but his purpos'd journey isTo see faire Lidia.
Giovanni.
And to divert himImpossible.
Sanazarro.
There's now no looking backward.
Giovanni.
And which way to goe on with safety notTo be imagin'd.
Sanazarro.
Give me leave. I haveAn Embrion in my braine, which, I despaire not,May be brought to forme and fashion, provided
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You will be open breasted.
Giovanni.
'Tis no time nowOur dangers being equall, to concealeA thought from you.
Sanazar.
What power hold you o're Lidia?Doe you think that with some hazard of her lifeShe would prevent your ruine?
Giovanni.
I presume so.If in the undertaking it, she stray notFrom what becomes her innocence, and to that'Tis farre from me to presse her, I my selfeWill rather suffer.
Sanazarro.
'Tis enough, this nightWrite to her by your servant CalandrinoAs I shall give directions, my man
Enter Caland.
Shall beare him company. See Sir to my wishHe does appeare, but much transform'd from whatHe was when he came hither.
Calandrino.
I confesseI am not very wise, and yet I findeA foole, so he be parcell knave in Court,May flourish and grow rich.
Giovanni.
Calandrino.
Calandrino.
Peace.I am in contemplation.
Giovanni.
Doe not you know me?
Caland.
I tell thee? no, on forfeit of my place,I must not know my selfe, much lesse my Father,But by Petition. That Petition lin'd tooWith golden birds, that sing to the tune of Profit,Or I am deafe.
Giovan.
But you have your sense of feeling.
Offering to kick him.
Sanazar.
Nay pray you forbeare.
Calandri.
I have all that's requisiteTo the making up of a Signior. My spruce ruffe,My hooded cloake, long stockin, and pain'd hose,My Case of tooth-picks, and my silver forke,To convey an Olive neatly to my mouth,
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And what is all in all, my pockets ringA golden peale. O that the Pesants in the Country(My quondam fellowes) but saw me as I am,How they would admire and worship me!
Giovan.
As they shall,For instantly you must thither.
Calandri.
My grand SigniorVouchsafe a bezolus manus, and a cringeOf the last edition.
Giovan.
You must ride post with LettersThis night to Lidia.
Calandr.
And it please your GraceShall I use my Coach, or foot-cloath Mule?
Sanazar.
You Whidgin,You are to make all speed, think not of pompe.
Giovan.
Follow for your instructions Sirra.
Calandr.
I have one suit to youMy good Lord.
Sanazar.
What is't?
Calandr.
That you would give meA subtill Court charme, to defend me fromTh infectious ayre of the Country.
Giovan.
What's the reason?
Caland.
Why, as this Court ayre taught me knavish wit,By which I am growne rich, if that againeShould turne me foole and honest; Vaine hopes farewell,For I must die a beggar.
Sanazar.
Goe too Sirrha,You'll be whip'd for this.
Giovan.
Leave fooling, and attend us.
Exeunt.
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