The vviddovves teares a comedie. As it was often presented in the blacke and white Friers. Written by Geor. Chap.

Actus Quinti.

Scoena Prima:

Enter Tharsalio, Lycus.

Lyc.

TIs such an obstinacie in you Sir, As neuer was conceipted, to runne on With an opinion against all the world, And what your eies may witnes; to aduēture The famishment for griefe of such a woman As all mens merits met in any one, Could not deserue.

Thar.

I must confesse it Lycus, Weele therefore now preuent it if we may, And that our curious triall hath not dwelt Too long on this vnnecessarie hant: Griefe, and all want of foode; not hauing wrought: Too mortally on her diuine disposure.

Lyc.

I feare they haue, and shee is past our cure.

Thar.

I must confesse with feare and shame as much.

Lyc.

And that shee will not trust in any thing What you perswade her to.

Thar.

Then thou shalt hast And call my brother from his secret shroude, Where he appointed thee to come and tell him. How all thinges haue succeeded.

Lyc.

This is well. If (as I say) the ill be not so growne, That-all help is denied her. But I feare The matchlesse Deme is famisht.

Thar. looks into the tomb.

Thar.

Slight, whose here? A Souldier with my sister? wipe, wipe, see

Kissing by Ioue; shee, as I lay tis shee.

Lyc.

What? is shee well Sir?

Thar.

O no, shee is famisht; Shee's past our comfort, shee lies drawing on.

Lyc.

The Gods forbid.

Thar.

Looke thou, shee's drawing on. How saist thou?

Lyc.

Drawing on? Illustrious witchcrafts.

Thar.

Lies shee not drawing on?

Lyc.

Shee drawes on fairely. Our sister Sir? This shee? can this be shee?

Thar.

She, she, she, and none but she. He dances & sings. Shee only Queene of loue, and chastitie, O chastitie; This women be.

Lyc.

Slight tis prodigious.

Thar.

Horse, horse, horse, Foure Chariot Horses of the Thracian breede, Come, bring me brother. O the happiest euening, That euer drew her vaile before the Sunne. Who is't canst tell?

Lyc.

The Souldier Sir that watches The bodies crucified in this hallow'd place. Of which to lose one, it is death to him, And yet the lustfull knaue is at his Venerie, While one might steale one.

Thar.

What a slaue was I That held not out my windes strength constantly, That shee would proue thus? O incredible? A poore eight-pennie Souldier? Shee that lately Was at such height of interiection, Stoope now to such a base coniunction? By heauen I wonder now I see't in act, My braine could euer dreame of such a thought. And yet, tis true: Rare, pereles, is't not Lycus?

Lyc.

I know not what it is; Nor what to say.

Thar.

O had I held out (villaine that I was,) My blessed confidence but one minute longer, I should haue beene eternis'd. Gods my fortune,

What an vnspeakable sweet sight it is? O eies Ile sacrifice to your deare sense. And consecrate a Phane to Confidence.

Lyc.

But this you must at no hand tell your brother. Twill make him mad: For he that was before So scurg'd but only with bare iealousie. What would he be, if he should come to know it?

Thar.

He would be lesse mad: for your only way To cleare his iealousie, is to let him know it. When knowledge comes suspicion vanishes. The Sunne-beames breaking forth swallow the mists. But as for you Sir Gallant; howsoeuer Your banquet seemes sweet in your lycorous pallat, It shall be sure to turne gall in your maw. Thy hand a little Lycus here without.

Lyc.

To what?

Thar.

No bootie serue you sir Soldado But my poore sister? Come, lend me thy shoulder, Ile climbe the crosse; it will be such a cooler To my Venerean Gentlemans hot liuer, When he shall finde one of his crucified bodies Stolne downe, and he to be forthwith made fast In place thereof, for the signe Of the lost Sentinell. Come glorifie Firme Confidence in great Inconstancie. And this beleeue (for all prou'd knowledge sweares) He that beleeues in errour, neuer errs.

Exeunt.

The Tomb opens, Lysander, Cynthia, Ero.

Lys.

Tis late; I must away.

Cyn.

Not yet sweet loue.

Lys.

Tempt not my stay, tis dangerous. The law is strict, and not to bee dispenst with. If any Sentinell be too late in's watch, or that by his neglect one of the crucified bo∣dies should be stollen from the crosse, his life buyes it.

Cyn.

A little stay will not endanger them. The daies proclaimer has not yet giuen warning. The Cock yet has not beate his third alarme.

Lys.

What? shall we euer dwell here amongst th' Antipodes? Shall I not enioy the honour of my fortune in publique? sit in Lysanders chaire? Raigne in his wealth?

Cyn.

Thou shalt, thou shalt; though my loue to thee Hath prou'd thus sodaine and for hast lept ouer The complement of wooing, Yet only for the worlds opinion.

Lys.

Marke that againe.

Cyn.

I must maintaine a forme in parting hence.

Lys.

Out vpon't, Opinion the blind Goddesse of Fooles, Foe to the vertuous; and only friend to vndeseruing persons, con∣temne it. Thou know'st thou hast done vertuously; thou hast strangly sorrow'd for thy husband, follow'd him to death; fur∣ther thou could'st not, thou hast buried thy selfe quick. (O that 'twere true) spent more teares ouer his carcase, then would serue a whole Citie of saddest widdowes in a plague time; besides sighings, and swownings, not to be credited.

Cyn.

True; but those complements might haue their time for fashion sake.

Lys.

Right, Opinion and Fashion. Sfoot what call you time? t' hast wept these foure whole daies.

Ero.

Nay berladie almost fiue.

Lys.

Looke you there; nere vpon fiue whole daies.

Cyn.

Well goe and see; Returne, weele goe home.

Lys.

Hell be thy home, Huge Monsters damne yee, and your whole creation, O yee Gods; in the height of her mourning in a Tomb, within sight of so many deaths! her husbands be∣leeu'd bodie in her eie. He dead, a few daies before; this mir∣rour of Nuptiall chastitie; this Votresse of widdow-constan∣cie: to change her faith; exchange kisses, embraces, with a stranger; and but my shame with-stood, to giue the vtmost earnest of her loue, to an eight-pennie Sentinell: in effect, to prostitute her selfe vpon her husbands Coffin! Lust, impietie, hell, womanhood it selfe, adde if you can one step to this.

Enter Captaine with two or three Souldiers.

Cap.

ONe of the crucified bodies taken downe!

Lys.

Enough.

(slincks away.)

Cap.

And the Sentinell not to be heard off?

1.

No sir.

Cap.

Make out; hast, search about for him; does none of you know him? nor his name?

2.

Hee's but a stranger here of some foure daies standing; and we neuer set eie on him, but at setting the watch.

Cap.

For whom serues he? you looke well to your watch ma∣sters.

1.

For Seigneur Stratio, and whence he is, tis ignorant to vs; we are not correspondent for any, but our owne places.

Cap.

Y'are eloquent. Abroad I say, let me haue him.

Exeunt.

This negligence will by the Gouernour be wholly cast on me, he hereby will suggest to the Viceroy, that the Citie guards are very caresly attended. He loues mee not I know; because of late I knew him but of meane condition; but now by fortunes iniudicious hand, guided by bribing Courtiers, hee is rais'd to this high seate of honour. Nor blushes he, to see him selfe ad∣uanc't ouer the heads of ten times higher worths; but takes it all forsooth, to his merits; and lookes (as all vpstarts doe) for most huge obseruance. Well, my mind must stoope to his high place, and learne within it selfe to seuer him from that, and to adore Authoritie the Goddesse, how euer borne by an vn∣worthie beast; and let the Beasts dull apprehension take the honour done to Isis, done to himselfe. I must sit fast, and bee sure to giue no hold to these fault-hunting enemies.

Exit.

Tomb opens, and Lysander within lies along, Cynthia and Ero.

Lys.

Pray thee disturbe me not; put out the lights.

Ero.

Faith Ile take a nap againe.

Cyn.

Thou shalt not rest before I be resolu'd What happy winde hath driuen thee back to harbour? Was it my loue?

Lys.

No.

Cyn.

Yet say so (sweet) that with the thought thereof I may enioy all that I wish in earth.

Lys.

I am sought for. A crucified body is stolne while I loi∣ter'd here; and I must die for't,

Cyn.

Die? All the Gods forbid; O this affright torments me ten parts more then the sad losse of my deare husband.

Lys.

(Damnation) I beleeue thee.

Cyn.

Yet heare a womans wit. Take counsaile of Necessitie and it. I haue a bodie here which once I lou'd And honour'd aboue all; but that time's past.

Lys.

It is, reuenge it heauen.

Cyn.

That shall supply at so extrem a need the vacant Gibbet.

Lys.

Canero. What? thy husbands bodie?

Cyn.

What hurt is't, being dead it saue the liuing?

Lys.

O heart hold in, check thy rebellious motion.

Cyn.

Vexe not thy selfe deare loue, nor vse delay. Tempt not this danger, set thy handes to worke.

Lys.

I can not doo't; my heart will not permit My handes to execute a second murther. The truth is I am he that slew thy husband.

Cyn.

The Gods forbid.

Lys.

It was this hand that bath'd my reeking sword In his life bloud, while he cried out for mercie, But I remorslesse, panch't him, cut his throat, He with his last breath crying, Cynthia.

Cyn.

O thou hast told me newes that cleaues my heart; Would I had neuer seene thee, or heard sooner This bloudie storie; yet see, note my truth Yet I must loue thee.

Lys.

Out vpon the Monster. Goe, tell the Gouernour; Let me be brought To die for that most famous villanie; Not for this miching base transgression Of tenant negligence.

Cyn.

I can not doo't. Loue must salue any murther: Ile be iudge Of thee deare loue, and these shall be thy paines In steede of yron, to suffer these soft chaines.

Lys.

O I am infinitely oblig'd.

Cyn.

Arise I say, thou sauer of my life. Doe not with vaine-affrighting conscience Betray a life, that is not thine but mine: Rise and preserue it.

Lys.

Ha? thy husbands bodie? Hang't vp you say, in steede of that that's stolne;

Yet I his murtherer, is that your meaning?

Cyn.

It is my Loue.

Lys.

Thy loue amazes me, The point is yet how we shall get it thither, Ha? Tie a halter about's necke, and dragge him to the Gal∣lowes: shall I my loue?

Cyn.

So you may doe indeede, Or if your owne strength will not serue, wee'le aide Our handes to yours, and beare him to the place. For heauens loue come, the night goes off apace.

Lys.

All the infernall plagues dwell in thy soule; Ile fetch a crow of yron to breake the coffin.

Cyn.

Doe loue, be speedie.

Lys.

As I wish thy damnation.

Shut the Tomb.

O I could teare my selfe into Atomes; off with this Antick, the shirt that Hercules wore for his wife, was not more bane∣full. Is't possible there should be such a latitude in the Sphere of this sexe, to entertaine such an extention of mischiefe, and not turne Deuill. What is a woman? what are the worst when the best are so past naming? As men like this let them trie their wiues againe. Put women to the test; discouer them; paint them, paint them ten parts more then they doe themselues, ra∣ther then looke on them as they are; Their wits are but pain∣ted that dislike their painting. Thou foolish thirster after idle secrets, And ill's abrode; looke home, and store & choke thee; There sticks an Achelons horne of all, Copie enough.

As much as Alizon of streames receiues, Or loftie Ilea showes of shadie leaues.

Enter Tharsalio.

Who's that?

Thar.

I wonder Lycus failes me. Nor can I heare whats be∣come of him. Hee would not certaine ride to Dipolis to call my brother back, without my knowledge.

Lys.

My brothers voice; what makes he here abouts so vn∣timely? Ile slip him.

Exiturus.

Thar.

Who goes there?

Lys.

A friend.

Thar.

Deare friend, lets know you. A friend least look't for but most welcome, and with many a long looke expected here. What sir vnbooted? haue you beene long arriu'd?

Lys.

Not long, some two houres before night.

Thar.

Well brother, y'haue the most rare, admirable, vnmatch∣able wife, that euer suffer'd for the sinne of a husband. I cannot blame your confidence indeede now: 'tis built on such infalli∣ble ground; Lycus I thinke be gone to call you to the rescue of her life; why shee! O incomprehensible!

Lysan.

I haue heard all related since my arriuall, weele meet to morrow.

Thar.

What hast brother? But was it related with what vn∣tollerable paines, I and my Mistris, her other friends, Matrones and Magistrates, labour'd her diuersion from that course?

Lys.

Yes, yes.

Thar.

What streams of teares she powr'd out; what tresses of her haire she tore! and offer'd on your suppos'd herse!

Lys.

I haue heard all.

Thar.

But aboue all; how since that time, her eies neuer har∣bour'd winck of slumber, these sixe daies; no nor tasted the least dramme of any sustenance.

Lys.

How is that assurd?

Thar.

Not a scruple.

Lys.

Are you sure there came no Souldier to her nor brought her victualls?

Thar.

Souldier? what Souldier?

Lys.

Why some Souldier of the watch, that attends the exe∣cuted bodies: well brother I am in hast; to morrow shall sup∣ply this nights defect of conference; Adieu.

Exit. Lys.

Thar.

A Souldier? of the watch? bring her victualls? Goe to brother I haue you in the winde; hee's vnharnest of all his tra∣uailing accoutrements. I came directly from's house, no word of him there; he knowes the whole relation; hee's passionate: All collections speake he was the Souldier. What should be the riddle of this? that he is stolne hether into a Souldiers disguise? he should haue staid at Dipolis to receiue news from vs. Whe∣ther he suspected our relation; or had not patience to expect it, or whether that furious, frantique capricious Deuill iealousie hath tost him hether on his hornes, I can not coniecture. But the case is cleare, hee's the Souldier. Sister, looke to your fame, your chastetie's vncouer'd. Are they here still? here beleeue it both most wofully weeping ouer the bottle.

He knocks.

Ero.

Who's there.

Thar.

Tharsalio, open.

Ero.

Alas Sir, tis no boote to vexe your sister, and your selfe, she is desperate, & will not heare perswasion, she's very weak.

Thar.

Here's a true-bred chamber-maid. Alas, I am sorrie for't; I haue brought her meat and Candian wine to strengthen her.

Ero.

O the very naming an't, will driue her into a swowne; good Sir forbeare.

Thar.

Yet open sweet, that I may blesse mine eies with sight of her faire shrine; and of thy sweetest selfe (her famous Pan∣dresse) open I say. Sister? you heare me well, paint not your Tomb without; wee know too well what rotten carcases are lodg'd within; open I say. Ero opens, and hee sees her head layd on the coffin, &c. Sister I haue brought you tidings to wake you out of this sleeping mummerie.

Ero.

Alas shee's faint, and speech is painefull to her.

Thar.

Well said frubber, was there no Souldier here lately?

Ero.

A Souldier? when?

Thar.

This night, last night, tother night; and I know not how many nights and daies.

Cyn.

Whose there?

Ero.

Your brother Mistris, that asks if there were not a soul∣dier here.

Cyn.

Here was no souldier.

Ero.

Yes Mistris I thinke here was such a one though you tooke no heede of him.

Thar.

Goe to sister; did not you ioyne kisses, embraces, and plight indeede with him, the vt∣most pledge of Nuptiall loue with him. Deni't, deni't; but first heare me a short storie. The Souldier was your disguis'd husband, dispute it not. That you see yonder, is but a shadow, an emptie chest containing nothing but aire. Stand not to gaze at it, tis true. This was a proiect of his owne contriuing to put your loialtie & constant vowes to the test; y'are warnd, be arm'd.

Exit.

Ero.

O fie a these perils.

Cyn.

O Ero! we are vndone.

Ero.

Nay, you'd nere be warn'd; I euer wisht you to withstand the push of that Souldiers pike, and not enter him too deep in∣to your bosom, but to keep sacred your widowes vowes made to Lysander.

Cyn.

Thou did'st, thou did'st.

Ero.

Now you may see th'euent. Well our safetie lies in our speed: heele doe vs mischiefe, if we preuent not his comming. Lets to your Mothers: and there cal out your mightiest friends to guard you from his furie. Let them begin the quarrell with him for practising this villanie on your sexe to intrappe your frailties.

Cyn.

Nay I resolue to sit out one brunt more; to trie to what aime heele enforce his proiect: were he some other man, vn∣knowne to me, his violence might awe me; but knowing him as I doe, I feare him not. Do thou but second me, thy strength and mine shall master his best force, if he should proue outra∣gious. Despaire they say makes cowardes turne couragious. Shut vp the Tomb.

Shut the Tomb.

Enter one of the Souldiers sent out before to seeke the Sentinell.

1.

All paines are lost in hunting out this Souldier; his fear (ad∣ding wings to his heeles) out-goes vs as farre as the fresh Hare the tir'd hounds. Who goes there?

Ent. 2. souldier another way

2.

A friend.

1.

O, your successe and mine touching this Sentinell, tells, I suppose, one tale; hee's farre enough I vn∣dertake by this time.

2.

I blame him not: the law's se∣uere (though iust and can not be dispenc'd.)

1.

Why should the lawes of Paphos, with more rigour, then other Citie lawes pursue offenders? that not appeas'd with their liues forfait, exact a iustice of them after death? And if a Soul∣dier in his watch forsooth lose one of the dead bodies, he must die for't: It seems the State needed no souldiers when that was made a law.

2.

So we may chide the fire for burning vs; or say the Bee's not good because she stings; Tis not the body the law respects, but the souldiers neglect; when the watch (the guard and safetie of the Citie) is left abandon'd to all hazards. But let him goe; and tell me if your newes sort with mine, for Lycus; apprehended they say, about Lysanders murther.

1.

Tis true; hee's at the Captaines lodge vnder guard, and tis my charge in the morning to vnclose the leaden coffin, and dis∣couer the bodie; The Captaine will assay an old conclusion of∣ten approu'd; that at the murtherers sight the bloud reuiues againe, and boiles a fresh; and euery wound has a condem∣ning voice to crie out guiltie gainst the murtherer.

2.

O world, if this be true; his dearest friend, his bed compa∣nion, whom of all his friends he cull'd out for his bosome!

1.

Tush man, in this topsie turuy world, friendship and bosom kindnes, are but made couers for mischief, meanes to compasse il. Near-allied trust, is but a bridge for treson. The presumptions

crie loud against him; his answeres found disiointed; crosse∣legd tripping vp one another. He names a Town whether he brought Lysander murther'd by Mountainers, thats false, some of the dwellers haue been here, and all disclaim it. Besides, the wounds he bears in show, are such as shrews closely giue their husbands, that neuer bleede, and finde to be counterfait.

2.

O that iade falshood is neuer sound of all; but halts of one legge still. Truth pace is all vpright; sound euery where. And like a die, sets euer on a square. And how is Lycus his bearing in this condition?

1.

Faith (as the manner of such desperate offenders is till it come to the point) carelesse, & confident, laughing at all that seeme to pittie him. But leaue it to th'euent. Night fellow Souldier, youle not meet me in the morning at the Tomb, and lend me your hand to the vnrigging of Lysanders herse.

2.

I care not if I do, to view heauens power in this vnbottomd seller. Bloud, though it sleep a time, yet neuer dies. The Gods on murtherers fixe reuengefull eies.

Exeunt Lysander solus with a crow of yron, and a halter which he laies downe and puts on his disguise againe.

COme my borrow'd disguise, let me once more Be reconcild to thee, my trustiest friend; Thou that in truest shape hast let me see That which my truer selfe hath hid from me, Helpe me to take reuenge on a disguise, Ten times more false and counterfait then thou. Thou, false in show, hast been most true to me; The seeming true; hath prou'd more false then her. Assist me to behold this act of lust, Note with a Scene of strange impietie. Her husbands murtherd corse! O more then horror! Ile not beleeue't vntri'd; If shee but lift A hand to act it; by the fates her braines flie out, Since shee has madded me; let her beware my hornes. For though by goring her, no hope be showne To cure my selfe, yet Ile not bleede alone.

He knocks.

Ero.

Who knocks? Lys The souldier; open.

she opēs & he enters

See sweet, here are the engines that must doo't,

Which with much feare of my discouerie I haue at last procur'd. Shall we about this worke? I feare the morne Will ouer-take's; my stay hath been prolong'd With hunting obscure nookes for these emploiments, The night prepares away; Come, art resolu'd.

Cyn.

I, you shall finde me constant.

Lys.

I, so I haue, most prodigiously constant, Here's a rare halter to hugge him with.

Ero.

Better you and I ioyne our handes and beare him the∣ther, you take his head.

Cyn.

I, for that was alwaies heauier then's whole bodie besides

Lys.

You can tell best that loded it.

Ero.

Ile be at the feet; I am able to beare against you I war∣rant you.

Lys.

Hast thou prepar'd weake nature to digest A sight so much distastfull; hastser'd thy heart I bleede not at the bloudie spectacle? Hast arm'd thy fearefull eies against th'affront Of such a direfull obiect? Thy murther'd husband ghastly staring on thee; His wounds gaping to affright thee; his bodie soild with Gore? fore heauen my heart shruggs at it.

Cyn.

So does not mine, Loue's resolute; and stands not to consult With pettie terrour; but in full carrier Runnes blind-fold through an Armie of misdoubts, And interposing feares; perhaps Ile weepe Or so, make a forc't face and laugh againe.

Lys.

O most valiant loue! I was thinking with my selfe as I came; how if this Brake to light; his bodie knowne; (As many notes might make it) would it not fixe Vpon thy fame, an vnremoued Brand Of shame, and hate; they that in former times Ador'd thy vertue; would they not abhorre Thy lothest memorie?

Cyn.

All this I know. But yet my loue to thee

Swallowes all this; or whatsoeuer doubts Can come against it. Shame's but a feather ballanc't with thy loue.

Lys.

Neither feare nor shame? you are steele toth' Proofe (but I shall yron you): Come then lets to worke. Alas poore Corps how many martyrdomes Must thou endure? mangl'd by me a villaine, And now expos'd to foule shame of the Gibbet? Fore, pietie, there is somewhat in me striues Against the deede, my very arme relents To strike a stroke so inhumane, To wound a hallow'd herse? suppose twere mine, Would not my Ghost start vp and flie vpon thee?

Cyn.

No, I'de mall it down againe with this.

She snatches vp the crow.

Lys.

How now?

He catches at her throat.

Cyn.

Nay, then Ile assay my strength; a Souldier and a raid of a dead man? A soft-r'ode milk-sop? come Ile doot my selfe.

Lys.

And I looke on? giue me the yron.

Cyn.

No, Ile not lose the glorie ant. This hand, &c.

Lys.

Pray thee sweet, let it not bee said the sauage act was thine; deliuer me the engine.

Cyn.

Content your selfe, tis in a fitter hand.

Lys.

Wilt thou first? art not thou the most.

Cyn.

Ill-destin'd wife of a transform'd monster; Who to assure him selfe of what he knew, Hath lost the shape of man.

Lys.

Ha? crosse-capers?

Cyn.

Poore Souldiers case; doe not we know you Sir? But I haue giuen thee what thou cam'st to seeke. Goe Satyre, runne affrighted with the noise Of that harsh sounding horne thy selfe hast blowne, Farewell; I leaue thee there my Husbands Corps, Make much of that.

Exit. cum Er.

Lys.

What haue I done? O let me lie and grieue, and speake no more.

Captaine, Lycus with a guard of three or foure Souldiers.

Cap.

BRing him away; you must haue patience Sir: If you can say ought to quit you of those presumptions

that lie heauie on you, you shall be heard. If not, tis not your braues, nor your affecting lookes can carrie it. We must acquite our duties.

Lyc.

Y'are Captaine a th' watch Sir.

Cap.

You take me right.

Lyc.

So were you best doe mee; see your presumptions bee strong; or be assured that shall proue a deare presumption, to brand me with the murther of my friend. But you haue beene suborn'd by some close villaine to defame me.

Cap.

Twill not be so put off friend Lycus, I could wish your soule as free from taint of this foule fact; as mine from any such vnworthy practise.

Lyc.

Conduct mee to the Gouernour him selfe; to confront before him your shallow accusations.

Cap.

First Sir, Ile beare you to Lysanders Tombe, to confront the murther'd body; and see what euidence the wounds will yeeld against you.

Lyc.

Y'are wise Captaine. But if the bodie should chance not to speake; If the wounds should bee tongue-tied Captaine; where's then your euidence Captaine? will you not be laught at for an officious Captaine?

Cap.

Y'are gallant Sir.

Lyc.

Your Captainship commands my seruice no further.

Cap.

Well Sir, perhaps I may, if this conclusion take not; weele trie what operation lies in torture, to pull confession from you.

Lyc.

Say you so Captaine? but hearke you Captaine, Might it not concurre with the qualitie of your office, ere this matter grow to the height of a more threatning danger; to winck a little at a by slip, or so?

Cap.

How's that?

Lyc.

To send a man abroad vnder guard of one of your sil∣liest shack-rags; that be may beate the knaue, and run's way. I meane this on good termes Captaine; Ile be thankfull.

Cap.

Ile thinke ont hereafter. Meane time I haue other em∣ploiment for you.

Lyc.

Your place is worthily replenisht Captaine. My dutie Sir; Hearke Captaine, there's a mutinie in your Armie; Ile go raise the Gouernour.

Exiturus.

Cap.

No hast Sir; heele soone be here without your summons.

Souldiers thrust vp Lysander from the Tomb.

1.

Bring forth the Knight ath' Tomb; haue we meet with you Sir?

Lys.

Pray thee souldier vse thine office with better tem∣per.

2.

Come conuay him to the Lord Gouernour, First afore the Captaine Sir. Haue the heauens nought else to doe, but to stand still, and turne all their malignant Aspects vpon one man?

2.

Captaine here's the Sentinell wee sought for; hee's some new prest Souldier, for none of vs know him.

Cap.

Where found you him?

1.

My truant was mich't Sir into a blind corner of the Tomb.

Cap.

Well said, guard him safe, bur for the Corps.

1.

For the Corps Sir? bare misprision, there's no bodie, no∣thing. A meere blandation; a deceptio visus. Vnlesse this soul∣dier for hunger haue eate vp Lysanders bodie.

Lyc.

Why, I could haue told you this before Captaine; The body was borne away peece-meale by deuout Ladies of Ve∣nus order, for the man died one of Venus Martys. And yet I heard since 'twas seene whole ath' other side the downes vp∣pon a Colestafe betwixt two huntsmen, to feede their dogges withall. Which was a miracle Captaine.

Cap.

Mischiefe in this act hath a deepe bottom; and requires more time to sound it. But you Sir, it seemes, are a Souldier of the newest stamp. Know you what tis to forsake your stand? There's one of the bodies in your charge stolne away; how answere you that? See here comes the Gouernour.

Enter a Guard bare after the Gouernour: Tharsalio, Ar∣gus, Clinias, before Eudora, Cynthia, Laodice, Sthenio, Ianthe, Ero, &c.

Guard.

STand aside there.

Cap.

Roome for a strange Gouernour. The perfect draught of a most brainelesse, imperious vpstart. O desert! where wert thou, when this woodden dagger was guilded o∣uer with the Title of Gouernour?

Guard.

Peace Masters; heare my Lord.

Thar.

All wisedome be silent; Now speakes Authoritie.

Gouer.

I am come in person to discharge Iustice.

Thar.

Of his office.

Gouer.

The cause you shall know hereafter; and it is this. A villaine, whose very sight I abhorre; where is he? Let mee see him.

Cap.

Is't Lycus you meane my Lord?

Gouer.

Goe to sirrha y'are too malipert; I haue heard of your Sentinells escape; looke too't.

Cap.

My Lord, this is the Sentinell you speake of.

Gouer.

How now Sir? what time a day ist?

Arg.

I can not shew you precisely, ant please your Honour.

Gouer.

What? shall we haue replications? Reioinders?

Thar.

Such a creature, Foole is, when hee bestrides the back of Authoritie.

Gouer.

Sirrha, stand you forth. It is supposed thou hast com∣mitted a most inconuenient murther vpon the body of Ly∣sander.

Lyc.

My good Lord, I haue not.

Gouer.

Peace varlet; dost chop with me? I say it is imagined thou hast murther'd Lysander. How it will be prou'd I know not. Thou shalt therefore presently bee had to execution, as iustice in such cases requireth. Souldiers take him away: bring forth the Sentinell.

Lyc.

Your Lordship will first let my defence be heard.

Gouer.

Sirrha; Ile no fending nor prouing. For my part I am satisfied, it is so: thats enough for thee. I had euer a Sympathy in my minde against him.

Let him be had away.

Thar.

A most excellent apprehension. Hee's able yee see to iudge of a cause at first sight, and heare but two parties. Here's a second Solon.

Eud.

Heare him my Lord; presumptions oftentimes, (Though likely grounded) reach not to the truth. And Truth is oft abus'd by likelyhood. Let him be heard my Lord.

Gouer.

Madam, content your selfe. I will doe iustice; I will not heare him. Your late Lord, was my Honourable Prede∣cessour: But your Ladiship must pardon me. In matters of iu∣stice I am blinde.

Thar.

Thats true.

Gouer.

I know no persons. If a Court fauourite write to mee in a case of iustice: I will pocket his letter, and proceede. If a Suiter in a case of iustice thrusts a bribe into my hand, I will pocket his bribe, and proceede. Therefore Madam, set your heart at rest: I am seated in the Throne of iustice; and I will doe iustice; I will not heare him.

Eud.

Not heare him my Lord?

Gouer.

No my Ladie: and moreouer put you in mind, in whose presence you stand; if you Parrat to me long; goe to.

Thar.

Nay the Vice must snap his Authoritie at all he meetes, how shalt else be knowne what part he plaies?

Gouer.

Your husband was a Noble Gentleman, but Alas hee came short, hee was no Statesman. Hee has left a foule Citie behinde him.

Thar.

I, and I can tell you twill trouble his Lordship and all his Honorable assistants of Seauingers to sweepe it cleane.

Gouer.

It's full of vices, and great ones too.

Thar.

And thou none of the meanest.

Gouer.

But Ile turne all topsie turuie; and set vp a new disci∣pline amongst you. Ile cut of all perisht members.

Thar.

Thats the Surgeons office.

Gouer.

Cast out these rotten stinking carcases for infecting the whole Citie.

Arg.

Rotten they may be, but their wenches vse to pepper them; and their Surgeons to perboile them; and that pre∣serues them from stinking, ant please your Honour.

Gouer.

Peace Sirrha, peace; and yet tis well said too. A good pregnant fellow yfaith. But to proceede. I will spew drun∣kennesse out ath' Citie.

Thar.

In to th' Countrie.

Gouer.

Shifters shall cheate and sterue; And no man shall doe good but where there is no neede. Braggarts shall liue at the head; and the tumult that hant Tauernes. Asses shall beare good qualities, and wise men shall vse them. I will whip le∣chefie out ath' Citie, there shall be no more Cuckolds. They that heretofore were errand Cornutos, shall now bee honest shop-keepers, and iustice shall take place. I will hunt ielousie

out of my Dominion.

Thar.

Doe heare Brother?

Gouer.

It shall be the only note of loue to the husband, to loue the wife: And none shall be more kindly welcome to him then he that cuckolds him.

Thar.

Beleeue it a wholsome reformation.

Gouer.

Ile haue no more Beggers. Fooles shall haue wealth, and the learned shall liue by their wits. Ile haue no more Banckrouts. They that owe money shall pay it at their best leisure: And the rest shall make a vertue of imprisonment; and their wiues shall helpe to pay their debts. Ile haue all yong widdowes spaded for marrying againe. For the old and wi∣ther'd, they shall be confiscate to vnthriftie Gallants, and de∣cai'd Knights. If they bee poore they shall bee burnt to make sope ashes, or giuen to Surgeons Hall, to bee stampt to salue for the French mesells. To conclude, I will Cart pride out ath' Towne.

Arg.

Ant please your Honour Pride ant be nere so beggarly will looke for a Coch.

Gouer.

Well said a mine Honour. A good significant fellow yfaith: What is he? he talkes much; does he follow your La∣diship?

Arg.

No ant please your Honour, I goe before her.

Gouer,

A good vndertaking presence; A well-promising fore head, your Gentleman Vsher Madam?

Eud.

Yours if you please my Lord.

Gouer.

Borne ith' Citie?

Arg.

I ant please your Honour, but begot ith' Court.

Gouer.

Tressellegg'd?

Arg.

I, ant please your Honour.

Gouer.

The better, it beares a bredth; makes roome a both sides. Might I not see his pace?

Argus stalkes.

Arg.

Yes ant please your Honour.

Gouer.

Tis well, tis very well. Giue me thy hand: Madame I will accept this propertie at your hand, and wil weare it thred∣bare for your sake. Fall in there, sirrha. And for the matter of Lycus Madam, I must tell you, you are shallow: there's a State point in't? hearke you: The Viceroy has giuen him, and

wee must vphold correspondence. Hee must walke; say one man goes wrongfully out ath' world, there are hundreds to one come wrongfully into th' world.

Eud.

Your Lordship will giue me but a word in priuate.

Thar.

Come brother; we know you well: what meanes this habite? why staid you not at Dipolis as you resolu'd, to take aduertisement for vs of your wiues bearing?

Lys.

O brother, this iealous phrensie has borne mee head∣long to ruine.

Thar.

Go to, be comforted; vncase your selfe; and discharge your friend.

Gouer.

Is that Lysander say you? And is all his storie true? Berladie Madam this iealousie will cost him deare: he vnder∣tooke the person of a Souldier; and as a Souldier must haue iustice. Madam, his Altitude in this case can not dispence. Ly∣cus, this Souldier hath acquited you.

Thar.

And that acquitall Ile for him requite; the body lost, is by this time restor'd to his place.

Soul.

It is my Lord.

Thar.

These are State points, in which your Lordships time has not yet train'd your Lordship; please your Lordships graces Nuptiall we haue now in hand.

Hylus and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stand together.

Twixt this yong Ladie and this Gentleman. Your Lordship there shall care the ample storie. And how the Asse wrapt in a Lyons skin Fearefully rord, but his large eares appeard And made him laught at, that before was feard.

Gouer.

Ile goe with you. For my part, I am at a non plus.

Eudora whispers with Cynthia!

Thar.

Come brother; Thanke the Countesse: shee hath suet to make your peace. Sister give me your hand. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brother let your lips compound the strife, And thinke you haue the only constant Wife.

Exeunt.