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 quarti Scaena prima.

• Carolo Charomante
• Lidia.

Carolo.

DAughter I have observ'd since the Prince left us (Whose absence I mourn with you, & the visit Count Sanazarro gave us, you have nourish'd

Sad and retired thoughts, and parted with That freedome, and alacrity of spirit With which you us'd to cheere me.

Lidia.

For the Count, Sir, All thought of him does with his person die; But I confesse ingenuously I cannot So soone forget the choyce, and chast delights The curteous conversation of the Prince, And without staine I hope, afforded me When he made this house a Court.

Carolo.

It is in us To keepe it so without him. Want we know not, And all we can complaine of (heaven be prais'd for) Is too much plenty, & we will make use of

Ent. servants.

All lawfull pleasures. How now fellowes, when Shall we have this lusty dance?

Caponi.

In the after-noone Sir, 'Tis a device Iwis of my owne making, And such a one, as shal make your Signiorship know I have not beene your Butlar for nothing, but I have crotchets in my head. We'll trip it titely, And make my sad young Mistresse merry againe, Or I'll forsware the Cellar.

Bernardo.

If we had Our fellow Calandrino here to dance His part, we were perfect.

Petruchia.

O, he was a rare fellow; But I feare the Court hath spoil'd him.

Caponi.

When I was young I could have cut a caper on a pinnacle, But now I am old & wise, keepe your figure faire, And follow but the sample I shall set you, The Duke himselfe will send for us, and laugh at us, And that were credit.

Enter Calandrino.

Lidia.

Who have we here?

Calandrino.

I finde VVhat was brawne in the Country, in the Court growes tender. The bots on these joulting Jades, I am bruis'd to jelly.

A Coach for my mony! and that the Curtezans know well, Their riding so, makes them last three yeares longer Then such as are hacknei'd.

Carolo.

Calandrino, 'tis he.

Calan.

Now to my postures. Let my hand have the honor To convey a kisse from my lips to the cover of Your foote deere Signior.

Carolo.

Fie, you stoope too low Sir.

Calan.

The hemme of your vestment Lady. Your Glove is for Princes, Nay, I have con'd my distances.

Lidia.

'Tis most Courtly.

Caponi.

Fellow Calandrino!

Caland.

Signior de Caponi, Grand Botelier of the Mansion.

Bernardo.

How is't man?

Claps him on the shoulder.

Calan.

Be not so rustique in your salutations, Signior Bernardo, Master of the accounts. Signior Petruchio, may you long continue Your function in the chamber.

Caponi.

When shall we learne such gambolls in our villa?

Lidia.

Sure he's mad.

Carol.

'Tis not unlike, for most of such mushroomes are so. What newes at Court?

Caland.

Basto! they are mysteries, And not to be reveal'd. With your favour Signior, I am in private to conferre a while With this Signiora. But I'll pawne my honour, That neither my terse language, nor my habit How e're it may convince, nor my new shrugs, Shall render her enamour'd.

Carolo.

Take your pleasure A little of these apish tricks may passe, Too much is tedious.

Exit Carolo.

Calandr.

The Prince in this paper Presents his service. Nay, it is not Courtly To see the seale broke open. So I leave you. Signiors of the Villa, I'll descend to be Familiar with you.

Caponi.

Have you forgot to dance?

Caland.

No, I am better'd.

Petruch.

Will you joyne with us?

Caland.

As I like the project. Let me warme my braines first with the richest Grape, And then I am for you.

Caponi.

We will want no wine.

Exeunt. Manet Lidia.

Lidia.

That this comes onely from the best of Princes, With a kinde of adoration does command me To entertaine it, and the sweet contents

Kissing the letter.

That are inscrib'd here by his hand, must be Much more then musicall to me. All the service Of my life at no part can deserve this favour. O what a virgin longing I feele on me. To unrip the seale, and reade it, yet to breake What he hath fastned, rashly, may appeare A sawcie rudenesse in me. I must doe it, (Nor can I else learne his commands, or serve'em) But with such reverence, as I would open Some holy Writ, whose grave instructions beat downe Rebellious sinnes, and teach my better part How to mount upward. So, 'tis done, & I

Opens the Letter.

With Eagles eyes wil curiously peruse it.

Reads the Letter.

Chast Lidia: the favours are so great On me by you conferr'd, that to intreat The least addition to 'em, in true sense May argue me of blushlesse impudence. But such are my extreames, if you denie A farther grace, I must unpittied die. Hast cuts off circumstance; as you are admir'd for beauty, the report of it hath fir'd The Duke my Vncle, and I feare you'll prove, Not with a sacred, but unlawfull love. If he see you, as you are, my hop'd-for light Is chang'd into an everlasting night. How to prevent it, if your goodnesse finde You save two lives, and me you ever binde, The honourer of your vertues, Giovanni.

Were I more deafe then Adders, these sweet charmes Would through my eares finde passage to my soule, And soone inchant it: To save such a Prince VVho would not perish? Vertue in him must suffer, And piety be forgotten. The Dukes lust Though it rag'd more then Tarquins, shall not reach me. All quaint inventions of chast virgins ayde me! My prayers are heard, I have't. The Duke ne're saw me, Or if that faile, I am againe provided.

This spoke as if shee studied an evasion.

But for the servants! They wil take what forme I please to put upon them. Giovanni. Be safe, thy servant Lidia assures it. Let mountaines of afflictions fall on me, Their waight is easie, so I set thee free.

Exit.