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 tertij Scaena prima.

• Sanazarro.
• Servant.

Sanaz.

LEave the horses with my Groomes; but be you carefull With your best diligence, and speed to finde out The Prince, and humbly in my name entreat him I may exchange some private conference with him Before 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 be Conceal'd from all men else.

Servant.

To serve your Lordship I wish I were invisible.

Exit servant.

Sanazarro.

I am driven Into a desperate streight, and cannot steere A middle course; and of the two extreames Which I must make election of, I know not Which is more full of horror. Never servant Stood more ingag'd to a magnificent Master Then I to Cozimo. And all those honors And glories by his Grace conferr'd upon me, Or by my prosperous services deserv'd, If now I should deceive his trust, and make A shipwrack of my loyalty, are ruin'd. And on the other side, if I discover Lidias divine perfections, all my hopes In her are sunke, never to be boy'd up: For 'tis impossible, but assoone as seene She 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 Duke Such an Hippolitus, but that this Phaedra But seene, must force him to forsake the Groves And Dians Huntmanship, proud to serve under

Venus soft Ensignes. No, there is no way For me to hope fruition of my ends, But to conceale her beauties; and how that May be effected, is as hard a taske As with a vayle to cover the Sunnes beames, Or comfortable light. Three yeares the Prince Liv'd in her company, and Contarino The Secretary, hath possess'd the Duke What a rare peece she is. But he's my creature, And may with ease be frighted to denie What he hath said. And if my long experience With some strong reasons I have thought upon, Cannot o're-reach a youth, my practise yeelds me But little profit.

Enter Giovanni and the servant.

Giovanni.

You are well return'd Sir.

Sanaz.

Leave us. When that your Grace shall know the motives That forc'd me to invite you to this trouble, You will excuse my manners.

Exit servant.

Giovanni.

Sir, there needs not This circumstance betweene us. You are ever My noble friend.

Sanazarro.

You shall have further cause To 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, then My honor, nay my head, it will confirme What value you hold with me.

Giovanni.

Pray you beleeve Sir What you deliver to me, shall be lock'd up In a strong Cabinet; of which you your selfe Shall 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 assurance Is more then I with modesty could demand From such a paymaster, but I must be suddaine, And therefore to the purpose. Can your Excellence

In your imagination conceive On what designe, or whither the Dukes will Commanded me hence last night?

Giovanni.

No I assure you, And it had beene a rudenesse to enquire Of 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 Highnesse Oft to professe so much.

Sanazarro.

But say, he should Be woone to prove a second wife, on whom He may beget a sonne, how in a moment Will all those glorious expectations, which Render you reverenc'd and remarkable, Be in a moment blasted, how e're you are His much lov'd sisters sonne?

Giovanni.

I must beare it With patience, and in me it is a duty That I was borne with: and 'twere much unfit For the receiver of a benefit To offer for his owne ends, to prescribe Lawes to the givers pleasure.

Sanazarro.

Sweetly answer'd, And like your noble selfe. This your rare temper So 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 think How you shall be transform'd from what you are,

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 to Enquire how you have slep'd; and as you walke The streetes of Florence, the glad multitude In throngs presse but to see you, and with joy The Father, pointing with his finger, tells His sonne, This is the Prince, the hopefull Prince, That must hereafter rule, and you obey him. Great Ladies begge your picture, and make love To that, despairing to enjoy the substance. And but the last night, when't was onely rumor'd That you were come to Court (as if you had By Sea past hither from another world) What generall showts, and acclamations follow'd, The bells rung lowd, the boonfires blaz'd, and such As lov'd not wine, carrow sing to your health, Were drunk, and blush'd not at it. And is this A happinesse to part with?

Giovanni.

I allow these As flourishes of Fortune, with which Princes Are often sooth'd, but never yet esteem'd 'em For reall blessings.

Sanazarro.

Yet all these were pay'd To what you may be, not to what you are, For if the great Duke but shew to his servants A sonne of his owne, you shall like one obscure Passe unregarded.

Giovanni.

I confesse, command Is not to be contemn'd, and if my Fate Appoint me to it, as I may I'll beare it With willing shoulders. But my Lord as yet You 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

Then guesse, for 'tis no frivolous circumstance That 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 daughter Of Signior Charomonte.

Giovanni.

Pardon me Though I appeare incredulons, for on My 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 love Steales sometimes through the care into the heart As well as by the eye. The Duke no sooner Heard her describ'd, but I was sent in post To 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 waste Indeede 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 Sir I know she wants no gracious part that may Allure the Duke, and if he onely see her She 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.

Giovanni.

I would you could A 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 must Joyne with me in my report, if you be question'd.

Giovan.

I never told a lye yet, and I hold it In some degree blasphemous to dispraise What's worthy admiration. Yet for once I will dispraise a little, and not varie From your relation.

Sanazar.

Be constant in it.

Enter Alphonso.

Alph.

My Lord, the Duke hath seen your man, & wonders You come not to him. See if his desire To 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 knowledge Of 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 triall Of their strength and speed, and if you think them fit For your imployment, with a liberall hand Reward the Gentleman, that did present 'em From the Viceroy of Naples.

Exeunt Giovanni, Al∣phonso, Hippolito.

Giovanni.

I will use My 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 seemes Irksome, and tedious to us; till you have Made your discovery. Say friend, have you seene This Phaenix of our age?

Sanazar.

I have seene a Mayde Sir,

But if that I have judgement, no such wonder As she was deliver'd to you.

Cozimo.

This is strange.

Sanazar.

But certaine truth, it may be she was look'd on With admiration in the Country Sir, But if compar'd with many in your Court, She would appeare but ordinary.

Cozimo.

Contarino Reports 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 man To extoll a virgin, Sanazarro tells me Is neerer to deformity.

Sanazarro.

I saw her, And curiously perus'd her, and I wonder That she that did appeare to me, that know What 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 Sir I did beleeve so then, but now I heare My Lords opinion to the contrary, I am of another faith: for 'tis not fit That I should contradict him. I am dimme Sir, But he's sharpe sighted.

Sanazar.

This is to my wish.

Cozi.

We know not what to think of this, yet would not Determine rashly of it. How doe you like

Enter Giovanni, Hippo. Lodovico.

My Nephewes horsemanship?

Hippolito.

In my judgement Sir It is exact and rare.

Alphonso.

And to my fancie He did present great Alexander mounted On his Bucephalus.

Cozimo.

You are right Courtiers, And know it is your duty to cry up All 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 Nephew Of the horses?

Giovanni.

Two of them are in my judgement The 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 you To tell me truly what's your censure of Charomontes daughter Lidia.

Giovanni.

I am Sir A 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 sorie If I keepe my selfe a friend to truth, I cannot Report her as I would, so much I owe Her reverend Father. But I'll give you Sir As neere as I can her character in little. She's of a goodly stature, and her limbs Not disproportion'd; for her face it is

Farre from deformity, yet they flatter her That style it excellent: her manners are Simple and innocent: but her discourse And 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 you I 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 me Against my will, my reason, and my knowledge To 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 of The richest of our furniture for those horses,

To Sanazarro.

And take my Nephew with you, we in this Will follow his directions.

Giovanni.

Could I finde now The Princesse Fiorinda, and perswade her To be silent in the suit, that I mov'd to her All 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 further Then this young mans good. He was my sisters son, And she was such a sister when she liv'd I could not prize too much, nor can I better Make knowne how deere I hold her memory, Then in my cherishing the onely issue Which 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 me From all suspition, that my jealous feares can drive into my fancie.

Cozimo.

The next Summer In 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 please To lay a strict command on Charomonte, To bring his daughter Lidia to the Court, And pray you think Sir that 'tis not my purpose To imploy her as a servant, but to use her As a most wish'd companion.

Cozimo.

Ha. Your reason?

Fiorin.

The hopefull Prince your Nephew Sir hath given her To 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 manners And learning to, not usuall with women; That I am much ambitious (though I shall Appeare but as a foyle to set her off) To be from her instructed, and suppli'd In what I am defective.

Cozimo.

Did my Nephew Seriously deliver this?

Fiorinda.

I assure your Grace With zeale, and vehemencie, and even when With 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 short Of her deservings.

Cozimo.

Pray you have patience. This was strangely caried. Ha! are we tristed with? Dare they doe this? is Cozimos furie, that Of late was terrible, growne contemptible? Well; we will cleare our browes, and undermine

Their secret works, (though they have dig'd like Moles,) And crush'em with the tempest of my wrath When I appeare most calme. He is unfit To command others, that knowes not to use it, And with all rigour, yet my sterne lookes shall not Discover my intents, for I will strike When I begin to frowne. You are the Mistresse Of that you did demand.

Fiorinda.

I thank your Highnesse, But speed in the performance of the grant Doubles the favours Sir.

Cozimo.

You shall possesse it sooner then you expect, Onely be pleas'd to be ready when my Secretary Waites 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 retreat Which she so much frequented?

Giovanni.

By my life She's with the Duke. And I much more then feare Her forwardnesse to prefer my suit, hath ruin'd What with such care we built up.

Cozimo.

Have you furnish'd Those Coursers, as we will'd you?

Sanazarro.

There's no signe Of 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 Sunne Be ready to ride with us. They with more safety Had trod on fork-tongu'd Adders, thē provok'd me.

Ex. Coz.

Fiorinda.

I come not to be thank'd Sir for the speedy Performance of my promise touching Lidia, It is effected.

Sanazarro.

We are undone.

Fiorinda.

The Duke No sooner heard me with my best of language

Describe her excellencies, as you taught me, But he confirm'd it. You looke sad, as if You wish'd it were undone.

Giovanni.

No gracious Madame, I am your servant for't.

Fiorinda.

Be you as carefull For what I mov'd to you. Count Sanazarro, Now I perceive you honour me, in vouchsafing To weare so sleight a favour.

Sanazarro.

'Tis a grace I am unworthy of.

Fiorinda.

You merit more In prizing so a trifle. Take this Diamond, I'll second what I have begun. For know Your 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 me Is Wormewood. 'Tis apparant we are taken In our owne nooze. What's to be done?

Giovanni.

I know not. And 'tis a punishment justly salne upon me For leaving truth, a constant Mistresse, that Ever protects her servants, to become A slave to lyes, and falshood. What excuse Can we make to the Duke? what mercy hope for, Our packing being laid open?

Sanazarro.

'Tis not to Be question'd, but his purpos'd journey is To see faire Lidia.

Giovanni.

And to divert him Impossible.

Sanazarro.

There's now no looking backward.

Giovanni.

And which way to goe on with safety not To be imagin'd.

Sanazarro.

Give me leave. I have An Embrion in my braine, which, I despaire not, May be brought to forme and fashion, provided

You will be open breasted.

Giovanni.

'Tis no time now Our dangers being equall, to conceale A thought from you.

Sanazar.

What power hold you o're Lidia? Doe you think that with some hazard of her life She would prevent your ruine?

Giovanni.

I presume so. If in the undertaking it, she stray not From what becomes her innocence, and to that 'Tis farre from me to presse her, I my selfe Will rather suffer.

Sanazarro.

'Tis enough, this night Write to her by your servant Calandrino As I shall give directions, my man

Enter Caland.

Shall beare him company. See Sir to my wish He does appeare, but much transform'd from what He was when he came hither.

Calandrino.

I confesse I am not very wise, and yet I finde A 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 too With 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 requisite To 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,

And what is all in all, my pockets ring A 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 Signior Vouchsafe a bezolus manus, and a cringe Of the last edition.

Giovan.

You must ride post with Letters This night to Lidia.

Calandr.

And it please your Grace Shall 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 you My good Lord.

Sanazar.

What is't?

Calandr.

That you would give me A subtill Court charme, to defend me from Th 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 againe Should 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.

The end of the third Act.