The humorous lieutenant, or, Generous enemies a comedy as it is now acted by His Majesties servants, at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane.

ACT V. SCENE I.

Enter Leontius, and Celia.

Leo.

I Know he do's not deserve ye; h'as us'd you poorly: and to redeem himself—

Cel.

Redeem?

Leo.

I know it—there's no way left.

Cel:

For Heavens sake do not Name him, do not think on him, Sir, he's so far from me in all my thoughts now, methinks I never knew him.

Leo.

But yet I would see him again.

Cel.

No, never, never.

Leo.

I do not mean to lend him any comfort; but to asslict him, so to tor∣ture him; that even his very Soul may shake within him; to make him know, though he be great and powerful, 'tis not within his aim to deal dis∣honourably, and carry it off, and with a Maid of your sort.

Cel.

I must confess, I could most spightfully asslict him; now, now, I could whet my anger at him; now, arm'd with bitterness, I could shoot through him; I long to vex him.

Leo.

And do it home, and bravely.

Cel.

Were I a Man?

Leo.

I'll help that weakness in ye: I honour ye, and serve ye.

Cel.

Not only to disclaim me, when he had seal'd his Vowes in Heaven, sworn to me, and poor believing I became his servant: but most maliciously to brand my Credit, stain my poor Name.

Leo.

I would not suffer it: see him I would again, and to his teeth too: Od's precious, I would ring him such a Lesson—

Cel.

I have done that already.

Leo.

Nothing, nothing: It was too poor a purge; besides, by this time he has found his fault, and feels the Hells that follow it. That, and your urg'd on anger to the highest, why, 'twill be such a stroak—

Cel.

Say he repent then, and seek with tears to soften, I am a Woman; a Woman that have lov'd him, Sir, have honour'd him: I am no more.

Leo.

Why, you may deal thereafter.

Cel.

If I forgive him, I am lost.

Leo.

Hold there then, the sport will be to what a poor submission—but keep you strong.

Cel.

I would not see him.

Leo.

Yes, you shall ring his Knell.

Cel.

How if I kill him?

Leo.

Kill him? why let him dye.

Cel.

I know 'tis sit so. But why should I that lov'd him once, destroy him? O had he scap't this sin, what a brave Gentleman—

Leo.

I must confess, had this not faln, a nobler, a handsomer, the whole VVorld had not show'd ye: And to his making such a mind—

Cel.

Tis certain: But all this I must now forget.

Leo.

You shall not if I have any art: go up sweet Lady, and trust my truth.

Cel.

But good Sir bring him not.

Leo.

I would not for the honour ye are born to, but you shall see him, and neglect him too, and scorn him.

Cel.

You will be near me then.

Leo.

I will be with ye; yet there's some hope to stop this gap, I'll work hard.

[Exit.

Scaene 2.

Enter Antigonus, Menip. two Gent. Lieutenant, and Lords.

Ant.

But is it possible this Fellow took it?

2 Gent.

It seems so by the violence it wrought with, yet now the fits ev'n off.

Men.

I beseech your Grace.

Ant.

Nay, I forgive thy Wife with all my heart, and am right-glad she drank it not her self, and more glad that the vertuous Maid escap't it, I would not for the VVorld 'thad hit: but that this Souldier, Lord how he looks, that he should take this Vomit; Can he make Rimes too?

2 Gent.

H'as made a thousand, Sir, and playes the burthen to 'em on a Jews-trump.

Ant.

He looks as though he were Bepist: Do you love me Sir?

Lieu.

Yes surely even with all my heart.

Ant.

I thank ye; I am glad I have so good a subject: But pray ye tell me, How much did ye love me, before ye drank this matter?

Lieu.

Even as much as a sober Man might; and a Souldier that your Grace owes just half a years pay to.

Ant.

Well remembred; And did I seem so young and amiable to ye?

Lieu.

Methought you were the sweetest youth—

Ant.

That's excellent.

Lieu.

I truly Sir: and ever as I thought on ye, I wished, and wished—

Ant.

What didst thou wish prithee?

Lieu.

Lv'n, that I had been a Wench of Fifteen for ye, a handsom Wench Sir.

Ant.

Why? God a Mercy Souldier: I seem not so now to thee.

Lieu.

Not all out: and yet I have a grudging to your Grace still.

Ant.

Thou wast never in love before.

Lieu.

Not with a King, and hope I shall never be again: Truly Sir, I have had such plunges, and such bickrings, and as it were such runnings atilt within me, for whatsoever it was provok't me toward ye.

Ant.

God a-mercy still

Lieu.

I had it with a vengeance, it plaid his prize.

Ant.

I would not have been a wench then, though of this age.

Lieu.

No sure, I should have spoil'd ye.

Ant.

Well, go thy ways, of all the lusty lovers that e're I saw— wilt have another potion?

Lieu.

If you will be another thing, have at ye.

Ant.

Ha, ha, ha: give me thy hand, from henceforth thou art my souldier, do bravely, I'll love thee as much.

Lieu.

I thank ye; but if you were mine enemy, I would not wish it ye: I beseech your Grace, pay me my charge.

2 Gent.

That's certain Sir; h'as bought up all that e're he found was like ye, or any thing you have lov'd, that he could purchase; old horses, that your Grace has ridden blind, and foundr'd; dogs, rotten kawks, and which is more than all this, has worn your Graces Gauntlet in his Bonnet.

Ant.

Bring in your Bills: mine own love shall be satisfi'd; and sarrah, for this potion you have taken, I'll point ye out a portion ye shall live on.

Men.

'Twas the best draught that e're ye drunk.

Lieu.

I hope so.

Ant.

Are the Princes come toth' Court?

Men.

They are all, and lodg'd Sir.

Ant.

Come then, make ready for their entertainment, which presently we'l give: wait you on me Sir.

Lieu.

I shall love drink the better whilst I live boyes.

Scaene 3.

Enter Demetrius, and Leontius.

Dem.

Let me but see her, dear Leontius; let me but dye before her.

Leo.

Would that would do it: if I knew where she lay now, with what honesty, you having flung so main a mischief on her, and on so innocent and sweet a Beauty, dare I present your visit?

Dem.

I'll repent all: and with the greatest sacrifice of sorrow, that ever Lover made.

Leo.

'Twill be too late Sir: I know not what will become of you.

Dem.

You can help me?

Leo.

It may be to her sight: What are you nearer? She has Sworn she will not speak to ye, look upon ye, and to Love ye again, O she cries out, and thunders, she had rather love— there is no hope—

Dem.

Yes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, there is a hope, which though it draw no Love to it, at least will draw her to lament my fortune, and that hope shall relieve me.

Leo.

Hark ye Sir, hark ye: say I should bring ye—

Dem.

Do not trifle with me?

Leo.

I will not trifle; both together bring ye, you know the wrongs ye' done.

Dem.

I do confess 'em.

Leo.

And if you should then jump into your fury, and have another Querk in your head.

Dem.

I'll dye first.

Leo.

You must say nothing to her; for 'tis certain, the nature of your crime will admit to excuse.

Dem.

I will not speak, mine eyes shall tell my Penance.

Leo.

You must look wondrous sad too.

Dem.

I need not look so, I am truly sadness self.

Leo.

That look will do it: stay here, I'll bring her to you instantly: but take heed how you bear your self: sit down there, the more humble you are, the more she'll take compassion. Women are per'lous thing to deal upon.

[Exit.

Dem.

What shall become of me? to curse my fortune were but to curse my Father; that's too impious; but under whatsoever fate I suffer, bless I beseech thee, Heaven, her harmless goodness.

Enter Leontius, and Celia.

Leo.

Now arm your self.

Cel.

You have not brought him?

Leo.

Yes Faith, and there he is: you see in what poor plight too, now you may do your will, kill him, or save him.

Cel.

I will go back.

Leo.

I will be hang'd then Lady, Are ye a Coward now?

Cel.

I cannot speak to him.

Dem.

O me.

Leo.

There was a Sigh to blow a Church down; So, now their eyes are fixt, the Small-shot plays, they will come toth' Battery anon.

Cel.

He weeps extreamly.

Leo.

Rail at him now.

Cel.

I dare not.

Leo.

I am glad on't.

Cel.

Nor dare believe his Tears.

Dem.

You may, blest Beauty, for those thick streams that troubled my Repentance, are crept out long ago.

Leo.

You see how he looks.

Cel.

What have I to do how he looks? How lookt he then, when with a poison'd Tooth he bit mine honour? It was your Counsel too, to scorn and slight him.

Leo.

I, if ye saw sit cause; and you confest too, except this sin, he was the bravest Gentleman, the sweetest, noblest. I take nothing from ye, nor from your anger; use him as you please: for to say truth, he has de∣serv'd your Justice; but still consider what he has been to you.

Cel.

Pray do not blind me thus.

Dem.

O Gentle Mistriss, If there were any way to expiate a sin so great as mine, by intercession, by prayers, by daily tears, by dying for ye: O what a joy would close these eyes that love ye.

Leo.

They say Women have tender hearts, I know not, I am sure mine melts.

Cel.

Sir, I forgive ye heartily, And all your wrong to me I cast behind me, And wish ye a sit beauty to your Vertues: Mine is too poor, in peace I thus part from you: I must look back: gods keep your grace: he's here still.

[Exit.

Dem.

She has forgiven me.

Leo.

She has directed ye: Up, up, and follow like a Man: away Sir, She lookt behind her twice: her heart dwells here Sir, ye drew tears from her too: she cannot freeze thus; the Door's set open too, Are ye a Man? are ye alive? Do ye understand her meaning? Have ye blood and spirit in ye?

Dem.

I dare not trouble her.

Leo.

Nay, and you will be nipt i'th' head with nothing, Walk whining up and down; I dare not, I cannot: Strike now or never: faint heart, you know what Sir— Be govern'd by your fear, and quench your fire out. A Devil on't, stands this door ope for nothing? So get ye together, and be naught: now to secure all, Will I go fetch out a more soveraign Plaister.

[Exeunt.

Scaene 4.

Enter Antigonus, Seleucus, Lysimachus, Ptolomy, Lieutenant, Gentlemen, Lords.

Ant.

This peace is fairly made.

Seleu.

Would your Grace wish us to put in more: take what you please, we yield it; the honour done us by your Son constrains it, your noble Son.

Ant.

It is sufficient, Princes; and now we are one again, one mind, one body, and one sword shall strike for us.

Lys.

Let Prince Demetrius but lead us on: for we are his vowed servants; against the strength of all the World we'll buckle.

Ptol.

And even from all that strength we'll catch at Victory.

Sel.

O had I now recover'd but the fortune I lost in Antioch, when mine Unckle perish'd; but that were but to surfeit me with blessings.

Lys.

You lost a sweet Child there.

Sel.

Name it no more Sir; this is no time to entertain such sorrows; Will your Majesty do us the honour, we may see the Prince, and wait upon him?

Ant.

I wonder he stays from us:

[Enter Leon.

How now Leonitus, Where's my Son?

Sel.

Brave Captain.

Lys.

Old valiant Sir.

Leo.

Your Graces are welcome: your son and't please you Sir, is new cashiered yonder, cast from his Mistris favour: and such a coil there is; such fending, and such proving; she stands off, and will by no means yield to composition: he offers any price; his body to her.

Sel

She is a hard Lady, denyes that caution.

Leo.

And now they whine, and now they rave: faith Princes, 'twere a good point of charity to piece 'em; for less than such a power will do just nothing: and if you mean to see him, there it must be, for there will he grow, till he be transplanted.

Sel.

Beseech your grace, let's wait upon you thither, that I may see that beauty dares deny him, that scornful beauty.

Ptol.

I should think it worse now; ill brought up beauty.

Ant.

She has too much reason sor't; which with too great a grief, I shame to think of, but we'll go see this game.

Lys.

Rather this wonder.

Ant.

Be you our guide Leontius, here's a new peace.

Exit.

Scaene 5.

Enter Demetrius and Celia.

Cel.

Thus far you shall perswade me, still to honour ye, still to live with ye, Sir, or near about ye; for not to lye, you have my first and last love but since you have conceiv'd an evil against me, an evil that so much concerns your honour, that honour aim'd by all at for a pattern: and though there be a false thought, and confest too, and much repentance faln in showrs to purge it; yet, whilest that great respect I ever bore ye, dwells in my blood, and in my heart that duty; had it but been a dream, I must not touch ye.

Dem.

O you will make some other happy?

Cel.

Never, upon this hand I'll seal that faith.

Dem.

We may kiss, put not those out o'th' peace too.

Cel.

Those I'll give ye, so there you will be pleas'd to pitch your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ultra, I will be merry with ye; sing, discourse with ye, be your poor Mistriss still: in truth I love ye.

Enter Leontius, Antigonus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Lysimachus, Ptolomie, Lieutenant, and Gentleman.

Dem.

Stay, who are these?

Lys.

A very handsome Lady.

Leo.

As 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you saw.

Sel.

Pity her heart's so cruel.

Lys.

How does your Grace? he stands still, will not hear us.

Ptol.

We come to serve ye, Sir, in all our fortunes.

Lys.

He bows a little now; he's strangely alter'd.

Sel.

Ha? pray ye a word Leontius, pray a word with ye, Lysimachus?

you both knew mine Enanthe, I lost in Antioch, when the Town was taken, mine Uncle slain, Antigonus had the sack on't?

Lys.

Yes, I remember well the Girl.

Sel.

Methinks now that face is wondrous like her: I have her picture, the same, but more years on her; the very same.

Lys.

A Cherry to a Cherry is not liker.

Sel.

Sook on her eyes.

Leo.

Most certain she is like her: many a time have I dandled her in these arms, Sir, and I hope who will more.

Ant.

What's that ye look at, Princes?

Sel.

This Picture, and that Lady, Sir.

Ant.

Ha! they are near: they only err in time.

Lys.

Did you mark that blush there? that came the nearest.

Sel.

I must speak to her.

Leo.

You'll quickly be resolved.

Sel.

Your name sweet Lady?

Cel.

Enanthe, Sir: and this to beg your blessing.

Sel.

Do you know me?

Cel.

If you be the King Seleucus, I know you are my Father.

Sel.

Peace a little, where did I lose ye?

Cel.

At the Sack of Antioch, where my good Uncle dy'd, and I was taken, by a mean Souldier taken: by this Prince, this noble Prince, redeem'd from him again, where ever since I have remain'd his Servant.

Sel.

My joys are now too full: welcome Enanthe, mine own, my dearest, and my best Enanthe.

Dem.

And mine too desperate.

Sel.

You shall not think so, this is a peace indeed.

Ant.

I hope it shall be, and ask it first.

Cel.

Most Royal Sir, ye have it.

Dem.

I once more beg it thus.

Sel.

You must not be deny'd, Sir.

Cel.

By me, I am sure he must not: sure he shall not; kneeling I give it too; kneeling I take it; and from this hour, no envious spight e're part us.

All.

The gods give happy joyes; all comforts to ye.

Dem.

My new Enanthe.

Ant.

Come, beat all the Drumes up, and all the noble instruments of War: let 'em sill all the Kingdom with their sounds: and those the brazen Arch of Heaven break through, while to the Temple we conduct these two.

Leo.

May they be ever loving, ever young, and ever worthy of those lines they sprung; may their fair issues walk with time along.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

And hang a Coward now; and there's my song.

Exeunt

FINIS.