The renegado a tragæcomedie. As it hath beene often acted by the Queenes Maiesties seruants, at the priuate Play-house in Drurye-Lane. By Philip Massinger.

Actus Quintus,

Scaena Prima.

Enter Vitelli, Francisco.

Fran.

You are wondrous braue, and iocound.

Vitelli.

Welcome Father. Should I spare cost, or not weare cheerefull lookes Vpon my wedding day, it were omenous And shew'd I did repent it, which I dare not, It being a marriage, howsoeuer sad

In the first ceremonies that confirme it, That will for euer arme me against feares, Repentance, doubts, or iealousies, and bring Perpetuall comforts, peace of minde, and quiet To the glad couple.

Fran.

I well vnderstand you; And my full ioy to see you so resolu'd Weake words cannot expresse. What is the howre Design'd for this solemnity?

Vitel.

The sixth, Something before the setting of the Sun We take ••ur last leaue of his fading light, And with our soules eies seeke for beames eternall, Yet there's one scruple with which I am much Perplex'd, and troubl'd, which I know you can Resolue me of.

Fran.

What is't?

Vitelli.

This sir, my Bride Wh••m I first courted, and then wonne (not with Loose layes, poore flatteries, apish complements, But Sacred, and Religious zeal••) yet wants The holy badge that should proclaime her fit For these Celestiall Nuptialis; vvilling she is, I know, to weare it, as the choicest iewell Or her fayre forehead; but to you, that well Could doe that vvorke of Grace, I know the Viceroy Will neuer grant accesse. Now in a case Of this necessity, I vvould gladly learne, Whether in me a layman, vvithout orders, It may not be religious, and lawfull As vve goe to our deaths to doe that office?

Fran.

A question in it selfe, vvith much ease answer'd; Midwiues vpon necessity performe ••t, And Knights that in ••he ••oly-••and fought for The freedom•• of Hierusalem, vvhen ful•• Of sweat, and enemies blood, haue made their Helmets The fount, out of vvhich vvith their holy hands

They drew that heauenly liquor, 't vvas approu'd then By the Holy Church, nor must I thinke it now In you a vvorke lesse pious.

Vitel.

You confirme me, I vvill find a way to doe it. In the meane time Your holy vowes assist me.

Fran.

They shall euer Be present vvith you.

Vitel.

You shall see me act This last Scaene to the life.

Fran.

And though now fall, Rise a bles'd Martyr.

Vitel.

That's my end, my all.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus, Scaena Secunda.

Enter Grimaldi, Master, Boteswaine, Saylors.

Botes.

Sir, if you slip this opportunity, Neuer expect the like.

Mast.

With as much ease now We may steale the ship our of the harbor, Captaine, As euer Gallants in a vvanton brauery Haue set vpon a drunken Constable, And bore him from a sleepy ruggown'd vvatch: Be therefore vvise.

Gri.

I must be honest too And you shall weare that shape, you shall obserue me, If that you purpose to continue mine, Thinke you ingratitude can be the parent To our vnfayn'd repentance? doe I owe A peace vvithin heere, Kingdoms could not purchase, To my religious creditor, to leaue him Open to danger, the great benefit Neuer remembred? no, though in her bottome. We could stow vp the tribute of the Turke,

Nay, grant the passage safe too: I will neuer Consent to waigh an Anchor vp, till hee, That onely must, commands it.

B••sw.

This Religion Will keepe vs slaues and Beggars.

Mast.

The Fiend prompts me To change my coppy: Plague vpon't, we are Seamen, What haue we to doe with't, but for a snatch, or so, At the end of a long Lent?

Botesw.

Mum, see who is here?

Enter Francisco.

Grim.

My Father!

Fran.

My good conuert. I am full Of serious businesse which denies me leaue To holde long conference with you: Onely thus much Briefely receiue; a day, or two, at the most Shall make me fit to take my leaue of Tunis, Or giue me lost for euer.

Grim.

Dayes, nor yeares, Prouided, that my stay may doe you seruice, But to me shall be minuits.

Franc.

I much thanke you: In this small scrole you may in priuate reade What my intents are, and as they growe ripe I will instruct you further. In the meane time Borrow your late distracted lookes, and gesture; The more deiected you appeare, the lesse The Viceroy must suspect you.

Grim.

I am nothing, But what you please to haue me be.

Franc.

Farewell sir, Be cheer••full Master, something we will doe That shall reward it selfe in the performance, And that's true prize indeede.

Mast.

I am obedient.

Exeunt. Grimaldi.

Botesw.

And I, there's no contending.

Mast. Botsw.

Fran.

Peace to you all. Prosper thou great Existence my endeauours,

As they religiously are vndertaken, And distant equally from seruile gaine,

Enter Paul. Carzi. and Manto.

Or glorious ostentation. I am heard In this blest opportunity, which in vaine I long haue waited for. I must show my selfe. O she has found me. Now if she prooue right All hope will not forsake vs.

Paul.

Farther off, And in that distance know your duties too. You were bestowed on me as slaues to serue me And not as spies to prie into my actions, And after to betray me. You shall finde If any looke of mine be vnobseru'd, I am not ignorant of a mistresse power, And from whom I receiue it.

Cara.

Note this, Manto. The pride, and scorne, with which she entertaynes vs Now we are made hers by the Viceroyes guift. Our sweete condition'd princesse, fayre Donusa, Rest in her death waite on her, neuer vs'd vs With such contempt. I would he had sent me To the Gallies, or the Gallows, when he gaue me To this proude little diuell.

Manto.

I expect All tyrannous vsage, but I must be patient; And though ten times a day, she teares these locks, Or makes this face her footstoole, tis but iustice.

Paul.

Tis a true story of my fortunes, father, My chastity preseru'd by miracle, Or your deuotions for me; and beleeue it, What outward pride so ere I counterfeite, Or state to these appoynted to attend me, I am not in my disposition alter'd, But still your humble daughter and share with you In my poore brothers sufferings, all bels torments Reuenge it on accurs'd Grimaldies soule That in his rape of me gaue a beginning

To all the miseries that since haue follow'd Be charitable, and forgiue him gentle daughter; Hee's a chang'd man, and may redeeme his fault In his faire life heereafter. You must beare too Your forc'd captiuity (for tis no better, Though you weare golden fetters) and of him, Whom death affrights not, learne to hold out nobly.

Paul.

You are still the same good counsellor.

Fran.

And who knowes (Since w••at aboue is purpos'd, is inscrutable) But that the Viceroyes extreme dotage on you May be the parent of a happier birth Then yet our hopes dare fashion. Longer conference May prooue vn••afe for you, and me, howeuer Perhaps for triall he allowes you freedome.

deliuers a paper.

From this learne therefore what you must attempt, Though with the hazarde of your selfe, heauen gard you, And giue Vitelli patience, then I doubt not But he will haue a glorious day since some Hold truely, such as suffer, ouercome.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus, Scaena Tertia.

Enter Asambeg, Mustapha, Aga, Capiaga.

Asam.

What we commanded, see perform'd, and fayle not In all things to be punctuall.

Aga.

We shall sir.

Exeunt Aga, Capiaga.

Must.

Tis strange that you should vse such circumstance To a delinquent of so meane condition.

Asam.

Had he appear'd in a more sordid shape Then disguis'd greatenes euer dain'd to maske in, The gallant bearing of his present fortune Aloud proclaimes him noble.

Musta

If you doubt him, To be a man built vp for great imployments,

And as a cunning spie sent to explore The Cities strength, or weakenesse, you by torture May force him to discouer it.

Asam.

That were base; Nor dare I doe such iniury to Vertue And bold assured courage, neither can I Be wonne to thinke, but if I should attempt it, I shoote against the Moone. He that hath stood The roughest battery, that captiuity Could euer bring to shake a constant temper, Despis'd the fawnings of a future greatnesse, By beauty in her full perfection tender'd; That heares of death as of a quiet slumber, And from the surplusage of his owne firmenesse Can spare enough of fortitude, to assure A feeble woman; vvill now, Mustapha Be alter'd in his soule for any torments We can afflict his body vvith?

Musta.

Doe your pleasure, I only offer'd you a friends aduice, But vvithout gall, or enuy to the man That is to suffer. But vvhat doe you determine Of poore Grimaldi? the disgrace cal'd on him I heere has ran him madde.

Asam.

There waigh the difference In the true temper of their minds. The one, A Pirat sould to mischiefes, rapes, and all That make a slaue relentlesse, and obdurate; Yet of himselfe vvanting the inward strengths That should defend him, sinckes beneath compassion Or pitty of a man; vvhere as this marchant, Acquainted only vvith a ciuill life, Arm'd in himselfe; intrench'd, and fortifide With his owne vertue, valewing life and death, At the same price, poorely does not inuite A fauour, but commands vs doe him right, Which vnto him, and her (we both once honour'd

As a iust debt I gladly pay'm; they enter, Now sit wee equall hearers.

A dreadfull musicke, at one doore; The Aga, lanizaries, Vitelli, Francisco, Gazet: at the other, Donusa, Paulina, Carazie, Manto.

Musta.

I shall heare And see, sir, without passion, my wrongs arme me.

Vitel.

A ioyfull preparation! To whose bountie Owe vvee our thankes for gracing thus our Himen? The notes though dreadfull to the eare, sound heere As our Epithalamium were sung By a Caelestiall quire, and a full Chorus Assurde vs future happinesse. These that leade me Gaze not with wanton eyes vpon my bride, Nor for their seruice are repayde by me With iealousies, or feares; nor doe they enuy My passage to those pleasures from which death Cannot deterre me. Great sir pardon me; Imagination of the ioyes I haste to, Made me forget my duty, but the forme And ceremony past, I will attend you, And with our constant resolution feast you, Not with course cates, forgot assoone as tasted, But such as shall, while you haue memory, Be pleasing to the palate.

Fran.

Bee not lost In what you purpose.

Exit Francisco.

Gaz.

Call you this a marriage? It differs little from hanging, I cry at it.

Vite.

See where my bride appeares! in what full luster? As if the Virgins that beare vp her trayne, Had long contended to receiue an honor Aboue their births, in doing her this seruice. Nor comes she fearefull to meete those delights, Which once past ore, immortall pleasures follow. I need not therefore comfort, or encourage

Her forwarde steps, and I should offer wrong To her minds fortitude, should I but aske How she can brooke the rough high going Sea, Ouer whose foamie backe our shippe well rig'd With hope and strong assurance must transport vs. Nor will I tell her when we reach the Hauen (Which tempests shall not hinder) what loud vvelcom•• Shall entertaine vs; nor commend the place, To tell vvhose least perfection vvould strike dumbe The eloquence of all boasted in story, Though ioynd together.

Donu.

Tis enough my deerest; I dare not doubt you, as your humble shadow Leade vvhere you please, I follow.

Vitelli.

One suite sir, And vvillingly I cease to be a begger, And that you may vvith more security heare it, Know tis not life Ile aske, nor to deferre Our deaths, but a few minutes.

Asam.

Speake, tis granted.

Vitel.

We being now to take our latest leaue And growne of one beleefe, I doe desire I may haue your allowance to performe it But in the fashion vvhich vve Christians vse Vpon the like occasions.

Asam.

Tis allow'd of.

Vitel.

My seruice; haste Gazet to the next spring, And bring me of it.

Gazet.

Would I could aswell Fetch you a pardon, I vvould not run but flie, And be heere in a moment.

Musta.

What's the mystery Of this? discouer it?

Vitel.

Great sir, I'll tell you, Each countrey hath it's owne peculiar rites, Some vvhen they are to die drinke store of vvine, Which powr'd in liberally does oft beget

A bastarde valour, with which armde, they beare The not to bee declined charge of death With l••sse feare, and astonishment; Others take Drugs to procure a heauie sleepe, that so They may insensibly recei••e the meanes That casts them in an euerlasting slumber; Others—O welcome.

Enter Gazet with water.

Vitelli.

Now the vse of yours? The cleerenesse of this is a perfit signe Of innocence, and as this washes off Staines, and pollutions from the things we vveare, Throwne thus vpon the forehead, it hath power To purge those spots that cleue vpon the minde,

(Throwes it on her face.

If thankfully receiu'd.

Asam.

Tis a strange custome!

Vitel.

How doe you entertaine it my Donusa? Feele you no alteration? No new motiues? No vnexpected ayds that may confirme you In that to which you were inclinde before?

Donu.

I am an other woman, till this minute I neuer liu'de, nor durst thinke how to dye. How long haue I beene blinde? Yet on the suddaine, By this blest meanes I feele the filmes of error Tane from my soules eyes. O diuine Physitian, That hast bestowde a sight on mee, which death, Though readie to embrace me in his armes, Cannot take from me. Let me kisse the hand That did this miracle, and seale my thanks Vpon those Lips from whence these sweet words vanishde That freede me from the cruellest of prisons, Blinde ignorance, and misbeliefe: false Prophet, Impostor Mahomet.

Asam.

I'll heare no more; You doe abuse my fauors, seuer 'em: Wretch if thou hadst another life to loose, This Blasphemie deseru'de it, instantly Carry them to their deaths.

Vitelli.

Wee part now, blest one, To meet hereafter in a Kingdome, where Hells malice shall not reach vs.

Paul.

Ha, ha, ha.

Asam.

What meanes my Mistres?

Paul.

Who can hold her spleene, When such ridiculous follies are presented, The Scene too made religion: O my Lord, How from one cause two contrary effects Spring vp vpon the suddaine.

Asam.

This is strange.

Paul.

That which hath foolde her in her death, Winnes me, That hitherto haue barde my selfe from plea∣sure, To liue in all delight.

Asam.

There's Musicke in this.

Paul.

I now will runn as fiercely to your armes As euer longing woman did, borne high On the swift wings of appetite.

Vitel.

O Diuell!

Paul.

Nay more, for there shall be no ods betwixt vs, I will turne Turke.

Gazet.

Most of your tribe doe so When they beginne in whore.

Aside.

Asam.

You are serious Ladie?

Paul.

Serious? but satisfie me in a suite That to the world may witnesse that I haue Some power vpon you, and to morrow challenge What euer's in my guift, for I will bee At your dispose.

Gazet.

That's euer the subscription To a damn'd whores false Epistle.

(Aside

Asam.

Aske this hand, Or if thou wilt, the heads of these. I am rapt Beyond my selfe with ioy, speake, speake, what is it?

Paul.

But twelue short houres repriue for this base•• couple.

Asam.

The reason, since you hate them?

Paul.

That I may Haue time to triumph ore this vvretched vvoman: I'll be my selfe her guardian. I will feast, Adorned in her choice and richest Iewells, Commit him to vvhat gards you please. Grant this, I am no more mine owne, but yours.

Asam.

Enioy it; Repine at it who dares: beare him safe off To the blacke Tower, but giue him all things vsefull, The contrary vvas not in your request.

Paul.

I doe contemne him.

Donu.

Peace in death deny'd me?

Paul.

Thou shalt not goe in liberty to thy graue, For one night a Sultana is my slaue.

Musta.

A terrible little tyrannesse.

Asam.

No more; Her vvill shall be a law. Till now nere happy.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus, Scaena quarta.

Enter Francis. Grimal. Mast. Botesw. and Sayl.

Grim.

Sir, all things are in readinesse, the Turkes That seas'd vpon my Ship stow'd vnder hatches, My men resolu'd, and cheerefull. Vse but meanes To get out of the Ports, vve vvill be ready To bring you aboard, and then (heauen be but pleas'd) This for the Viceroyes fleete.

Fran.

Discharge your parts, In mine I'll not be vvanting; feare not Master, Something vvill come along to fraught your Barke, That you vvill haue iust cause to say you neuer Made such a Voyage.

Mast.

We will stand the hazard.

Fran.

What's the best hower?

Botes.

After the second vvatch.

Fran.

Enough; each to his charge.

Grim.

We will be carefull.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus, Scaena quinta.

Enter Paulina, Donusa, Carazie, Manto.

Paul.

Sit Madam, it is fit that I attend you; And pardon, I beseech you, my rude language, To which the sooner you will be inuited, When you shall vnderstand, no way was left me To free you from a present execution, But by my personating that, which neuer My nature was acquainted with.

Donu.

I beleeue you.

Paul.

You will when you shall vnderstand, I may Receiue the honour to be knowen vnto you By a neerer name. And not to wracke you further, The man you please to fauour is my brother, No Marchant, Madam, but a Gentleman Of the best ranke in Venice.

Donu.

I reioyce in't But what's this to his freedome? for my selfe, Were he well off, I were secure.

Paul.

I haue A present meanes, not plotted by my selfe, But a religious man, my confessor, That may preserue all, if we had a seruant Whose faith we might relie on.

Donu.

She that's now Your slaue was once mine, had I twenty liues I durst commit them to her trust.

Manto.

O Madam,

I haue beene false, forgiue me. I'll redeeme it By any thing howeuer desperate You please to impose vpon me.

Paul.

Troth these teares I thinke cannot be counterfeit, I beleeue her, And if you please vvill try her.

Donusa.

At your perill; There is no further danger can looke towards me.

Paul.

This only then, canst thou vse meanes to carry This bakemeate to Vitelli?

Manto.

With much ease, I am familiar vvith the gard; beside, It being knowne it vvas I that betrayde, My entrance hardly vvill of them be question'd?

Paul.

About it then, say that it vvas sent to him From his Donusa, bid him search the midst of't He there shall finde a cordiall.

Manto,

What I doe Shall speake my care and faith.

Exit Manto.

Donu.

Good fortune vvith thee.

Paul.

You cannot eate.

Donu.

The time vve thus abuse We might imploy much better.

Paul.

I am glad To heare this from you. As for you Carazie, If your intents doe prosper, make choyce whither You'l steale away with your two Mistresses Or take your fortune.

Cara.

I'll be gelded twice first; Hang him that stayes behind.

Paul.

I waite you Madame, Were but my brother off, by the command Of the doting Viceroy there's no garde dare stay me. And I will safely bring you to the place Where we must expect him.

Donu.

Heauen be gracious to vs.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus, Scaena Sexta.

Enter Vitelli, Aga, and a Garde.

Vitel.

Paulina to fall off thus? tis to mee More terrible then death, and like an earthquake Totters this walking building (such I am) And in my suddaine ruine would preuent, By choaking vp at once my vitall spirits, This pompous preparation for my death. But I am lost; that good man, good Francisco Deliuered me a paper which till now I wanted leasure to peruse.

reads the paper.

Aga.

This Christian Feares not, it seemes, the neere approching Sun Whose second rise He neuer must salute.

Enter Manto. with the Bak't-meat.

1. Gard.

Who's that?

2. Gard.

Stand.

Aga.

Manto.

Manto.

Heere's the Viceroyes ring Giues warrant to my entrance, yet you may Partake of any thing I shall deliuer; Tis but a present to a dying man Sent from the princesse that must suffer with him.

Aga.

Vse your owne freedome.

Manto.

I would not disturbe This his last contemplation.

Vitel.

O tis well! He has restor'd all, and I at peace againe With my Paulina.

Manto.

Sir, the sad Donusa Grieued for your sufferings, more then for her owne, Knowing the long and tedious pilgrimage You are to take, presents you with this cordiall,

Which priuately she wishes you should taste of, And search the middle part, where you shall find Something that hath the operation, to Make death looke louely.

Vitelli.

I will not dispute What she commands but serue it.

Exit Vitelli.

Aga.

Prethee Manto How hath the vnfortunate Princes spent this night Vnder her proud new mistresse?

Manto.

With such patience As it orecomes the others insolence Nay triumphs ore her pride. My much hast now Commands me hence, but the sad Tragedy past, Ile giue you satisfaction to the full Of all hath pass'd, and a true character Of the proud Christians nature.

Exit Manto.

Aga.

Breake the watch vp, What should we feare in the midst of our owne strengths? Tis but the Bashas iealousie. Farewell souldiers.

Exeunt.

Actus quintus. Scaena Septima.

Enter Vitelli, With the bak't-meates, Aboue.

Vitelli.

There's something more in this then meanes to cloy A hungry appetite, which I must discouer. Shee, will'd me search the midst. Thus, thus I pierce it: Ha! what is this? a scrole bound vp in packthread? What may the misterie be?

The Scrole.

Sonne, let downe this packethread, at the West win∣dow of the Castle. By it you shall draw vp a Ladder of ropes, by which you may descend, your deerest Donusa with the rest of your friends, below attend you. Heauen prosper you.

Francisco.

O best of men! he that giues vp himselfe

To a true religious friend, leanes not vpon A false deceiuing reede, but boldly builds Vpon a rocke, which now with ioy I finde In reuerend Francisco. Whose good vowes, Labors, and watchings in my hopd-for freedome Appeare a pious miracle. I come, I come, good man, with confidence, though the descent Were steepe as he••l, I know I cannot slide Beeing cal'd downe, by such a faithfull guide.

Exit Vitelli.

Actus Quintus, Scaena Vltima.

Asambeg, Mustapha, Ianizaries.

Asam

Excuse me Mustapha, though this night to me Appeare as tedious as that treble one Was to the world, when ••oue on faire Alcmena Begot Alcides. Were you to encounter Those rauishing pleasures, which the slow pac'd howres (To me they are such) bar me from, you would With your continued wishes striue to impe New feathers to the broken wings of Time And chide the amorous Sun, for too long dalliance In Thetis watry bosome.

Musta.

You are to violent In your desires, of which you are yet vncertaine Hauing no more assurance to enioy 'em Then a weake womans promise, on vvhich vvisemen Faintely relye.

Asam.

Tush she is made of truth And vvhat she says she vvill doe, holds as firme.

The chamber shot off.

As laws in brasse that know no change, what's this? Some new prize broght in sure. Why are thy looks So ghastly. Villaine speake.

Enter Aga.

Aga.

Great sir heare me

Then after kill me, vve are all betrayde, The ••alse Grimaldi suncke in your disgrace With his confederates, haue seas'd his ship And those that garded it stow'd vnder ha••ches With him the condemn'd Princesse, and the Marchant That vvith a ladder made of ropes descended From the blacke Tower in which he was inclos'd, And your fayre mistresse,

Asam.

Ha!

Aga.

With all their trayne And choysest iewels are gone safe aboard, Their sayles spread forth and with a fore-gale Leauing our cost, in scorne of all pursuite As a farewell they shew'd a broad side to vs.

Asam.

No more.

Musta.

Now note your confidence.

Asam.

No more. O my credulity! I am too full Of griefe, and rage to speake. Dull, heauy foole Worthy of all the tortures that the frowne Of thy incensed Master can throw on thee Without one mans compassion, I will hide This head among the desarts, or some caue Fi••'d with my shame and me, where I alone May dye without a partner in my mone.

Exeunt.