The Roman actor A tragædie. As it hath diuers times beene, with good allowance acted, at the private play-house in the Black-Friers, by the Kings Majesties Servants. Written by Philip Massinger.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 1.

Enter Parthenius, Iulia, Domitilla, Caenis.

Parth.

Why 'tis impossible Paris?

Iul.

You obseru'd not (As it appeares) the violence of her passion, When personating Iphis, he pretended (For your contempt faire Anaxerete) To hang himselfe.

Parth.

Yes, yes, I noted that; But neuer could imagine it could worke her To such a strange intemperance of affection, As to dote on him.

Domit.

By my hopes I thinke not That she respects though all heere saw, and mark'd it Presuming she can mould the Emperours will Into what forme she likes, though we, and all Th'informers of the world conspir'd to crosse it.

Caen.

Then with what eagernesse this morning vrging The want of health, and rest, she did intreate Caesar to leaue her.

Domit.

Who no sooner absent But she calls Dwarse (so in her scorne she ••••iles me) Put on my pantofles, fetch pen, and paper I am to write, and with distracted lookes, In her smocke, impatient of so short delay As but to haue a mantle throwne vpon her, She seal'd I know not what•• but 'twas indor••'d To my lou'd Paris.

Iul.

Adde to this I heard her Sav, when a page receiu'd it; let him waite me And carefully in the walke, cal'd our retreate, Where Caesar in his feare to giue offence, Vnsent for neuer enters.

Parth.

This being certaine (For these are more then iealous suppositions)

Why doe not you that are so neere in bloud Discouer it?

Domit.

Alas you know wee dare not. 'Twill be receaued for a malicious practise To free vs from that slauerie, which her pirde Imposes on vs. But if you would please To breake the ice on paine to be suncke euer We would auerre it.

Parth.

I would second you, But that I am commanded with all speede To fetch in Ascletario the Chaldaean•• Who in his absence is condemn'd of treason For calculating the natiuitie Of Caesar, with all confidence fore-telling In euerie circumstance when he shall die A violent death. Yet if you could approue Of my directions I would haue you speake As much to Aretinus, as you haue To me deliuer'd. He in his owne nature Being a spie, on weaker grounds no doubt Will vndertake it, not for goodnesse sake (With which he neuer yet held correspondence) But to endea're his vigilant obseruings Of what concernes the Emperour, and a little To triumph in the ruines of this Paris

Enter Aretinus.

That cros'd him in the Senate house. Here he comes His nose held vp, he hath something in the winde, Or I much erre alreadie. My designes Command me hence great Ladies, but I leaue My wishes with you.

Exit Parthenius.

Aret.

Haue I caught your greatnes In the trap my proud Augusta?

Domit.

What is't ••aps him?

Aret.

And my fine Roman Actor? is't euen so? No courser dish to take your wanton palate Saue that which but the ••mperour none durst ••ast off? T'is very well. I needs must glory in This rare discouerie, but the rewards

Of my intelligence, bid me thinke even now, By an edict from Caesar I haue power, To tread vpon the necke of slauish Rome, Disposing offices, and Prouinces, To my kinsmen, friends and clients.

Domit.

This is more Then vsuall with him,

Iul.

Aretinus?

Aret.

How? No more respect and reuerence tender'd to mee But Aretinus! 'tis confess'd that title When you were Princesses, and commanded all Had beene a fauour; but being as you are Vassals to a proud woman, the worst bondage, You stand oblig'd with as much adoration To entertaine him, that comes arm'd with strength, To breake your fetters, as tand gallie-slaues Pay such as doe redeeme them from the oare I come not to intrap you, But aloud Pronounce that you are manumiz'd, and to make Your libertie sweeter, you shall see her fall, (This Empresse, this Domitia, what you will) That triumph'd in your miseries.

Domit.

Were, you serious To proue your accusation, I could lend Some helpe.

Caen.

And I.

Iul.

And I.

Aret.

No atome to mee. My eyes, and eares are euery where, I know all, To the line and action in the play that tooke her; Her quicke dissimulation to excuse Her being transported, with her morning passion; I brib'd the boy that did conuey the letter, And hauing perus'd it, made it vp againe: Your griefes, and angers, are to me familiar; That Paris is brought to her, and how farre, He shall be tempted.

Domit.

This is aboue wonder.

Aret.

My gold can worke much stranger miracles Then to corrupt poore waiters. Heere ioyne with me 'Tis a complaint to Caesar. This is that Shall ruine her, and raise you. Haue you set your hands To the accusation.

Iul.

And will iustifie What we haue subscrib'd to.

Caen.

And with vehemencie.

Domit.

I will deliuer it.

Aret.

Leaue the rest to me then

Enter Caesar with his Guard.

Caes.

Let our Lieutenants bring vs victory, While we enioy the fruites of peace at home, And being secur'd from our intestiue foes, Far worse then forreine enemies, doubts, and feares, Though all the skie were hung with blazing meteors, Which fond Astrologers giue out to be Assur'd presages of the change of Empires, And deaths of Monarchs, wee vndaunted yet Guarded with our owne thunder, bid defiance, To them, and fate, we being too strongly arm'd For them to wound vs.

Aret. Caesar.

Iul.

As thou art More then a man.

Caen.

Let not thy passions bee Rebellious to thy reason.

The Petition deliuer'd.

Domit.

But receiue This tryall of your constancie, as vnmou'd

As you goe to, or from the Capitoll, Thankes giuen to loue for triumphs?

Caes.

Ha!

Domit.

Vouchsafe A while to stay the lightning of your eyes. Poore mortalls dare not looke on.

Aret.

There's no veine Of yours, that rises high with rage, but is An earthquake to vs.

Domit.

And if not kept clos'd With more then humaine patience in a moment Will swallow vs to the center.

Caen.

Not that we Repine to serue her, are we her accusers.

Iul.

But that she's falne so low.

Aret.

Which on sure proofes VVe can make good.

Domitil.

And Show she is vnworthie Of the least sparke of that diuine•• fire You haue confer'd vpon her.

Caes.

I stand doubtfull. And vnresolu'd what to determine of you. In this malicious violence you haue offer'd To the Altar of her truth, and purenesse to me, You haue but fruitlesly labour'd to sullye A white robe of perfection, black mouth'd enuie Could belch no spot on. But I will put off The deitie, you labour to take from me, And argue out of probabilities with you As if I weare a man. Can I beleeue That she, that borrowes all her light from me, And knowes to vse it, would betray her darkn••sse To your intelligence, and make that apparent. Which by her perturbations in a play VVas yesterday but doubted and find none, But you that are her slaues, and therefore hate her VVhose aydes she might imploy to make way for her? Or Aretinus whom long since she knew

To be the Cabinet counsailor, nay the key Of Caesars secrets? could her beauty raise her To this vnequald height to make her fall The more remarkable? or must my desires To her, and wrongs to Lamia be reuengd By her, and on herselfe that drewe on both? Or she leaue our imperiall bed to court A publicke actor?

Aret.

who dares contradict These more then humain reasons, that haue power To cloth base guilt, in the most glorious shape Of innocence?

Domit.

To wel she knew the strength, And eloquence of her patron to defend her, And thereupon presuming fell securely, Not fearing an accuser, nor the truth, Produc'd against her, which your loue and sauour Will ne're discerne from falshood.

Caes.

I'll not heere A syllable more that may inuite a change In my opinion of her. You haue rais'd, A fiercer war within me by this fable, (Though with your liues you vowe to make it storie) Then i••, and at one instant all my legions Reuolted from me, and came arm'd against me. Heere in this paper are the swords predestin'd For my destruction; heere the fatall stars That threaten more then ruine; this the deaths head That does assure me, if she can proue false That I am mortall, which a sudaine feauer Would prompt me to beleeue, and fayntly yeeld to. But now in my full confidence what she suffers, In that, from any witness•• but my selfe, I nourish a suspition she's vntrue, My toughnes returnes to me. Lead on Monsters, And by the forfeit of your liues confirme She is all excellence, as you all b••s••n••sse, Or let mankinde for her fall, boldly sweare

There are no chast wiues now, nor euer were.

Exeunt omnes.

ACTVS, IIII. SCAENA, 2.

Enter Domitia, Paris, Seruants.

Domit.

Say we command, that none presume to dare On forfeit of our fauour, that is life, Out of a sawcie curiousnesse to stand Within the distance of their eyes, or eares, Till we please to be waited on. And sirrha

Exeunt ser∣uants.

Howe're you are excepted, let it not Beget in you an arrogant opinion 'Tis done to grace you.

Par.

With my humblest seruice I but obey your summons, and should blush else To be so neare you.

Domit.

'Twould become you rather To feare, the greatnesse of the grace vouchsaf'd you May ouerwhelme you, and 'twill doe no lesse•• If when you are rewarded, in your cups You boast this priuacie.

Par.

That were mightiest Empresse To play with lightning.

Domit.

You conceiue it right. The meanes to kill, or saue, is not alone In Caesar circumscrib'd, for if incens'd We haue our thunder to, that strikes as deadly.

Par.

'Twould ill become the lownesse of my fortune To question what you can doe, but withall Humilitie to attend what is your will, And then to serue it.

Domit.

And would not a secret (Suppose we should commit it to your trust) Scald you to keepe it?

Par.

Though it rag'd within me Till I turn'd cyndars, it should ne're haue vent. To be an age a dying, and with torture

Onely to be thought worthy of your counsaile, Or actuate what you command to me A wretched obscure thing, not worth your knowledge, Were a perpetuall happinesse.

Domit.

We could wish That we could credit thee, and cannot find In reason but that thou whom oft I haue seene To personate a Gentleman, noble, wise, Faithfull, and gainsome, and what vertues else The Poet pleases to adorne you with (But that as vessels still pertake the odour Of the sweete pretious liquors they contain'd) Thou must be reallie in some degree The thing thou dost present. Nay doe not tremble, We seriouslie beleeue it, and presume Our Paris is the volume in which all Those excellent guifts the Stage hath seene him grac'd with Are curiouslie bound vp.

Par.

The argument Is the same great Augusta, that I acting, A foole, a coward, a traytor or cold cinique Or any other weake, and vitious person Of force I must be such. O gracious Madam, How glorious soeuer, or deform'd, I doe appeare in the Sceane, my part being ended, And all my borrowed ornaments put off, I am no more, nor lesse then what I was Before I enter'd.

Domit.

Come you would put on A wilfull ignorante, and not vnderstand, What 'tis we point at. Must we in plaine language, Against the decent modestie of our sex•• Say that we loue thee•• loue thee to enioy thee, Or that in our desires thou art preferr'd•• And Caesar but thy second? thou in iustice If from the height of Maiestie we can (Looke downe vpon thy lownesse and embrace it,) Art bound with feruor to looke vp to me.

Par.

O Madam heare me with a patient eare And be but pleas'd to vnderstand the reasons T••at doe deterre me from a happinesse Kings would be riuals for. Can I that owe, My life, and all that's mine to Caesars bounties Beyond my hopes, or merits showr'd vpon me, Mak•• payment for them with ingratitude, Falshood, and treason? Though you haue a shape Might tempt Hyppollitus, and larger power To helpe, or hurt, then wanton Phaedra had, Let loyaltie, and dutie plead my pardon Though I refuse to satisfie.

Domit.

You are coy Expecting I should court you, let meane Ladies Vse prayers, and intreaties to their creatures To rise vp instruments to serue their pleasures; But for Augusta so to loose her selfe That holds command o're Caesar, and the world, Were pouertie of spirit. Thou must, thou shalt, The violence of my passions knowes no meane, And in my punishments, and my rewards I'll vse no moderation. Take this onely As a caution from me. Thread-bare Chastitie, Is poore in the aduancement of her seruants, B••t wantonnesse magnificent; and 'tis ••requent To haue the Salarie of vice waigh downe The pay of vertue. So without more trifling Thy sudaine answer.

Par.

In what a straight am I brought in•• Alas I know that the denial's death Nor ••an my grant discouer'd threaten more. Yet to dye innocent, and haue the glorie For all posteritie to report that I Refus'd an Empresse to preserue my faith To my great master, in true iudgement must Show fairer then to buy a guilty life, With wealth, a••d honours. 'Tis the base I build on, I dare not, must not, will not.

Domit.

How contemn'd? Since hopes, nor fear••s in the extreames preuaile not I must vse a meane. Thinke who '••is sues to thee D••nie not that yet which a brother may Grant to his sister: as a testimonie

Caesar, Aretinus, Iulia, D••mitilla, Cae∣nis aboue.

I am not scorn'd. Kisse me. Kisse me agai••e. Kisse closer. Thou art now my Troyan Paris And I thy Helen.

Par.

Since it is your will.

Caes.

And I am Monelaus. But I shall be

Caesar descends.

Something I know not yet.

Domit.

Why lose we time And opportunitie. These are but sall••d•• To sharpen appetite. Let vs to the feast.

Courting Paris wantonly.

Where I shall wish that thou wert Iupiter And I Alcmena, and that I had power To lengthen out one short night into three, And so beget a Hercules.

Caes.

While A••phitri•• Stands by, and drawes the curtaines.

Par.

Oh? —

falls on his face.

Domit.

Betrai'd?

Caes.

No, taken in a not of Vulcans filing, Wherein my selfe the Theater of the Gods Are sad spectators, not one of em daring To witnesse with a smile he does desire To be so sham'd for all the pleasure that You haue sold your being for. What shall I name thee? Ingrate••ull, trecherous, insatiate, all Inuectiues, which in bitternes of spirit Wrong'd men haue breath'd out against wicked women, Cannot expresse thee. Haue I rays'd thee from Thy lowe condition to the height of greatnesse, Command, and Maiestie in one base act To render me (that was before I hugg'd thee) An adder in my bosome, more then man A thing beneath a boast? did I force these Of mine owne bloud as handmaids to kneele to

Thy pompe, and pride, hauing my selfe no thought. But how with benefits to binde thee mine; And am I thus rewarded? not a knee? Nor teare? nor signe of sorrow for thy fault? Breake stubborne silence. What canst thou alleage To stay my vengeance?

Domit.

This. Thy lus•• compell'd me To be a strumpet, and mine hath return'd it In my intent, and will, though not in act To cu••kcold thee.

Caes.

O impudence I take her hence, And let her make her entrance into hell. By leauing life with all the tortures that Flesh can be sensible of. Yet stay. What power Her beautie still holds o're my soule that wrongs Of this vnpardonable nature cannot teach me To tight my selfe and hate her •• - Kill her. - Hold•• O that my dotage should increase from that Which should breed detestation. By Minerua If I looke on her longer. I shall m••lt And sue to her. My iniuries forgot Againe to be receiu'd into her fauour Could honour yeild to it! Carrie her to her Chamber, Be that her prison till in cooler bloud I shall determine of her.

Exit with Domitia.

Aret.

Now step I in While he's in this calme mood for my reward•• Sir, if my seruice hath deseru'd.

Caes.

Yes. Yes, And I'll reward thee, thou hast rob'd me of All re••t, and peace, and bin the principall meanes To make me know that, of which if againe

Enter Guard.

I could be ignorant of. I would purchase it With the losse of Empire; strangle him, take these hence to And lodge them in the dungeon, could your reason Dull wretches ••latter you with hope to thinke That this discouerie that hath showr'd vpon me Perpetuall vexation should not fall

Heauie on you? away with 'em, stop their mouthes I will heare no reply, O Paris. Paris

Exeunt Guard Areti∣nus, Iulia, Caenis, Domitilla.

How shall I argue with thee? how begin, To make thee vnderstand before I kill thee, With what griefe and vnwillingnes 'tis forc'd from me? Yet in respect I haue fauourd thee. I will heere What thou canst speake to qualefie, or excuse Thy readinesse to serue this woman•• lust. And wish thou couldst giue me such satisfaction As I might burie the remembrance of it: Looke vp. We stand attentiue;

Par.

O dread Caesar, To hope for life, or pleade in the defence Of my ingratitude were againe to wrong you. I know I haue deseru'd death. And my suit is That you would hasten it: yet that your highnes When I am dead (as sure I will not liue) May pardon me I'll onely vrge my frailtie, Her will, and the temptation of that beautie Which you could not resist. How would poore I then Fly that which followd me, and Caesar su'd for? This is all. And now your sentence.

Caes.

Which I know not How to pronounce, O that thy fault had bin But such as I might pardon; if thou hadst In wantonnesse (like Nero) ••ir'd proud Rome Betraide an armie, butcherd the whole Senate, Committed Sacriledge, or any crime The iustice of our Roman lawes cals death, I had preuented any intercession And freely sign'd thy pardon.

Par.

But for this Alas you cannot•• nay you must not Sir Nor let it to posteritie be recorded That Caesar vnreueng'd, sufferd a wrong, Which if a priuate man should sit downe with it Cowards would baffell him.

Caes.

With such true feeling Thou arguest against thy selfe, that it Workes more vpon me, then if my Minerua (The grand protectresse of my life, and Empire,) On forfeite of her fauour, cry'd aloud Caesar show mercie. And I know not how I am inclinde to it. Rise. I'll promise nothing, Yet cleare thy cloudie feares and cherish hopes, What we must doe, we shall doe; we remember A Tragedie, we oft haue seen with pleasure, Call'd, the False Seruant.

Par.

Such a one we haue Sir.

Caes.

In which a great Lord takes to his protection A man forlorne, giuing him ample power To order, and dispose of his estate In his absenc••, he pretending then a iourney. But yet with this restraint that on no tearmes This Lord suspecting his wiues constancie (She hauing playd false to a former husband) The seruant though sollicited should consent Though she commanded him to quench her flames.

Par.

That was indeed the argument.

Caes.

And what Didst thou play in it?

Par.

The false seruant Sir.

Caes.

Thou didst indeed. Do the Players waite without?

Par.

They doe Sir and prepar'd to act the storie Your Maiestie mention'd.

Caes.

Call 'em in. Who presents The iniur'd Lord?

Enter AEsopus, Latinus, a Boy drest for a Ladie.

AEsop.

T'is my part Sir,

Caes.

Thou didst not Doe it to the life. We can performe it better. Off with my Robe, and wreath, since Nero scorn'd not The publike Theater, we in priuate may

Disport our selues. This cloake, and hat without Wearing a beard, or other propertie Will fit the person.

AEsop.

Onely Sir a foyle The point, and edge rebutted, when you act To doe the murther. If you please to vse this And lay aside your owne sword.

Caes.

By no meanes. In iest nor earnest this parts neuer from me. We'l haue but one short Sceane. That where the Ladie In an imperious way commands the seruant To be vnthankefull to his patron when My cue's to enter prompt me nay begin And doe it spritely though but a new Actor, When I come to execution you shall find No cause to laugh at me.

Lat.

In the name of wonder What's Caesars purpose?

AEsop.

There is no contending.

Caes.

Why when?

Par.

I am arm'd. And stood grim death now within my view and his Vneuitable dart aim'd at my breast His cold embraces should not bring an ague To any of my faculties, till his pleasures Were seru'd, and satis••ied, which done Nestors yeeres, To me would be vnwelcome.

Boy.

Must we intreate, That were borne to command, or court a seruant (That owes his foode and cloathing to our bountie) For that, which thou ambitiouslie shouldst kneele for? Vrge not in thy excuse the fauours of Thy absent Lord, or that thou standst ingag'd For thy life to his Charitie; nor thy feares Of what may follow, it being in my power To mould him any way.

Par.

As you may me In what his reputation is not wounded

Nor I his creature in my thankefulnesse suffer. I know you are young, and faire, be vertuous t••o And loyall to his bed, that hath aduanc'd you To th'height of happinesse.

Boy.

Can my louesicke heart Be cur'd with counsell? or durst reason euer Offer to put in an exploded plea In the Court of Venus. My desires admit not The least delay. And therefore instantly Giue me to vnderstand what I shall trust to. For if I am refus'd, and not enioy T••ose rauishing pleas••res from thee, I run mad for; I'll sweare vnto my Lord at his returne (Making what I deliuer good with teares) That brutishly thou wouldst haue forc'd from me What I make suit for. And then but imagine What 'tis to dye with these words slaue, and traytor, With burning corrasiues writ vpon thy forehead, And liue prepar'd fort.

Par.

This he will beleeue Vpon her information. 'Tis apparent And then I am nothing. And of two extreames Wisedome sayes chose the lesse. Rather then fall Vnder your indignation, I will yeeld This kisse, and this confirmes it.

AEsop.

Now. Sir now.

Caes.

I must tak•• them at it.

AEsop.

Yes Sir, be but perfect.

Caes.

O villaine! thankelesse villaine •• I should talke now•• But I haue ••orgot my part. But I can doe, Thus, thus, and thus.

Kils Paris.

Par.

Oh, I am slaine in earnest.

Caes.

'Tis 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 'twas my purpose my good Paris And yet before life leaue thee, let the honour I haue done thee in thy death bring comfort to thee If i•• had beene within the power of Caesar His dignitie preseru'd he had pardon'd thee. But crueltie of honour did deny it.

Yet to confirme I lou'd thee? 'twas my study To make thy end more glorious to distinguish My Paris from all others, and in that Haue showne my pittie. Nor would I let thee fall By a Centurions sword, or haue thy limbes Rent peece meale by the hangmans hooke howeuer•• Thy crime deseru'd it: but as thou didst liue Romes brauest Actor, 'twas my plot that thou Shouldst dye in action, and to crowne it dye With an applause induring to all times, By our imperiall hand. His soule is freed From the prison of his flesh, let it mount vpward. And for this truncke when that the funerall pile Hath made it ashes, we'l see it inclos'd In a golden vrne. Poets adorne his hearse With their most rauishing sorrowes, and the stage For euer mourne him, and all ••uch as were His glad spectators weepe his suddaine death, The cause forgotten in his Epitaph.

Exeunt. A sad mu∣sicke the Players bearing off Paris body, Caesar and the rest following.

The end of the fourth Act.