Three new playes; viz. The [brace] bashful lover, Guardian, Very woman. As they have been often acted at the private-house in Black-Friers, by His late Majesties Servants, with great applause. / Written by Philip Massenger, Gent. Never printed before.

Act. 3. Scaen. 1.

Enter Durazzo, Caldoro, Servant.

Dur.

WAlk the Horses down the Hill, I have a little To speak in private.

Cald.

Good Sir, no more anger.

Duraz.

Love do you call it? Madness, wilful Madness; And since I cannot cure it, I would have you Exactly mad. You are a lover already, Be a drunkard too, and after turn small Poet, And then you are mad Katexikene, the Madman.

Cald.

Such as are safe on shore, may smile at tem∣pests, But I that am embarqu'd, and every minute Expect a shipwrack, rellish not your mirthe; To me it is unseasonable.

Duraz

Pleasing Viands, are made sharp by sick palats. I affect A handsom Mistress in my grey Beard, as well As any Boy of you all; and on good terms Will venture as far i'th' fire, so she be willing To entertain me; but ere I would dote As you do, where there is no flattering hope Ever t'enjoy her, I would forswear Wine, And kill this letcherous Itch with drinking Water, Or live like a Carthusian on Poor-John, Then bathe my self, night by night, in marble dew, And use no Soap but Camphir-Balls.

Cald.

You may (and I must suffer it) like a rough Surgeon, Apply these burning costicks to my wounds Already gangreen'd, when soft unguents would Better express an Uncle, with some feeling Of his Nephews torments.

Duraz.

I shall melt, and cannot Hold out if he whimper. O that this yong fellow, Who on my knowledge is able to beat a man, Should be baffel'd by this blinde imagin'd-Boy, Or fear his Bird-bolts.

Cald.

Y'have put your self already

To too much trouble in bringing me thus far: Now if you please, with your good wishes leave me To my hard fortunes.

Dur.

I'll forsake my self first. Leave thee? I cannot, will not; thou shalt have No cause to be weary of my company, For I'll be useful, and ere I see thee perish, Dispensing with my dignity and candor, I will do something for thee, though it savour Of the old Squire of Troy. As we ride, we will Consult of the means: Bear up.

Cal.

I cannot sink, Having your noble aids to buoy me up; There was never such such a Guardian.

Dur.

How's this? stale complements to me? when my work's done, Commend th'artificer, and then be thankful.

Exeunt.

Enter Caliste (richly habited) and Mirtilla (in her first gown.)

Cal.

How doest thou like my gown?

Mirt.

'Tis rich and Courtlike.

Cal.

The dressings too are suitable?

Mir.

I must say so, or you might blame my want of care.

Cal.

My mother Little dreams of my intended flight, or that These are my nuptial ornaments.

Mir.

I hope so.

Cal.

How dully thou repliest! thou dost not envy Adorio's noble change, or the good fortune That it brings to me?

Mir.

My endeavours that way can answer for me.

Cal

True, you have discharged

A faithful Servants duty, and it is By me rewarded like a liberal Mistress: I speak it not to upbraid you with my bounties, Though they deserve more thanks and ceremony Then you have yet express'd.

Mir.

The miseries which from your happiness I am sure to suffer, Restrain my forward tongue; and gentle Madam, Excuse my weakness, though I do appear A little daunted with the heavy burthen I am to undergo: when you are safe, My dangers like to roaring torrents will Gush in upon me; yet I would endure Your mothers cruelty; but how to bear Your absence, in the very thought confounds me: Since we were children, I have lov'd and serv'd you; I willingly learn'd to obey, as you Grew up to knowledg, that you might command me; And now to be divorc'd from all my comforts, Can this be borne with patience?

Cal.

The necessity of my strange fate commands it; but I vow By my Adorio's love, I pitty thee.

Cal.

Pitty me, Madam! a cold charity; You must do more, and help me.

Cal.

Ha! what said you? I must? is this fit language for a servant?

Mir.

For one that would continue your poor servant, And cannot live that day in which she is Deni'd to be so: Can Mirtilla sit Mourning alone, imagining those pleasures Which you this blessed Hymeneal night Enjoy in the embraces of your Lord, And my Lord too in being yours, (already As such I love and honor him) shall a stranger Sew you in a sheet to guard that maidenhead

You must pretend to keep, (and 'twill become you.) Shall another do those bridal offices Which time will not permit me to remember, And I pine here with envy? Pardon me, I must and will be pardon'd, for my passions Are in extreams, and use some speedy means That I may go along with you, and share In those delights, but with becoming distance; Or by his life, which as a Saint you swear by, I will discover all.

Calist.

Thou canst not be So treacherous and cruel, in destroying The building thou hast rais'd,

Mirt.

Pray you do not tempt me, for 'tis re∣solv'd.

Calist.

I know not what to think of't. In the discovery of my secrets to her, I have made my slave my Mistress, I must sooth her, There's no evasion else. Prethee Mirtilla, Be not so violent, I am strangely taken With thy affection to me, 'twas my purpose To have thee sent for.

Mirt.

When?

Calist.

This very night, and I vow deeply I shall be no sooner In the desir'd possession of my Lord; But by some of his servants I will have thee Convey'd unto us.

Mirt.

Should you break?

Calist.

I dare not: Come, clear thy looks, for instantly we'll prepare For our departure.

Mirt.

Pray you forgive my boldness, Growing from my excess of zeal to serve you.

Calist.

I thank thee for't.

Mirt.

You'll keep your word.

Calist.

Still doubtful?

Mirt.

'Twas this I aim'd at, and leave the rest to Fortune.

Exeunt.

Enter Adorio, Camillo, Lentulo, Donato, Cario, Servants.

Ador.

Haste you unto my Villa, and take all Provision along with you; and for use, And ornament, the shortness of the time Can furnish you; let my best Plate be set out, And costliest Hangings, and if't be possible With a merry dance to entertain the Bride, Provide an Epithaiamium.

Car.

Trust me for belly timber, and for a song I have A Paper blurrer; who on all occasions, For all times, and all seasons, hath such trinckets Ready i'th' deck. It is but altering The names, and they will serve for any Bride, Or Bridegroom in the Kingdom.

Ador.

But for the dance?

Car.

I will make one my self, and foot it finely, And summoning your Tenants at my Dresser, Which is indeed my Drum. Make a rare choice Of th'able youth, such as shall sweat sufficiently, And smell too, but not of Amber, which you know is The grace of the Country-hall.

Ador.

About it Cario, and look you be careful.

Car.

For mine own credit Sir.

Exit.

Ador.

Now noble friends confirm your loves, and think not Of the penalty of the Law, that does forbid The stealing away an Heir. I will secure you, And pay the breach of't.

Cam.

Tell us what we shall do, we'll talk of that hereafter.

Ador.

Pray you be carefull To keep the West-gate of the City open, That our passage may be free, and bribe the Watch With any sum; this is all.

Don.

A dangerous business.

Cam.

I'll make the Constable, Watch, and Porter drunk, Under a Crown.

Lent.

And then you may pass while they snore. Though you had done a murther.

Cam.

Get but your Mistress, And leave the rest to us.

Ador.

You much engage me, But I forget my self:

Cam.

Pray you in what, Sir?

Ador.

Yielding too much to my affection, Though lawful now; my wounded reputation And honor suffer: The disgrace in taking A blow in publike from Caldoro, branded With the infamous mark of Coward, in delaying To right my self, upon my cheek grows fresher, That's first to be consider'd

Cam.

If you dare Trust my opinion, (yet I have had Some practice and experience in duels) You are too tender that way: Can you answer The debt you owe your honor, till you meet Your Enemy from whom you may exact it? Hath he not left the City, and in fear Conceal'd himself, for ought I can imagine? What would you more?

Ador.

I should do.

Cam.

Never think on' Till fitter time and place invite you to it. I have read Caranza, and find not in his Grammar

Of Quarrels, that the injur'd man is bound To seek for reparation at an hour; But may, and without loss, till he hath setled More serious occasions that import him, For a day or two defer it.

Ador.

You'll subscribe Your hand to this?

Cam.

And justifie't with my life, Presume upon't.

Ador.

On then, you shall overrule me.

Exeunt.

Enter Jolante and Calypso.

Jol

I'll give thee a golden tongue, and have it hung up Ore thy tomb for a monument.

Cal.

I am not prepar'd yet To leave the world; there are many good pranks I must dispatch in this kind before I die: And I had rather, if your Honor please, Have the crowns in my purse.

Jol.

Take that.

Cal.

Magnificent Lady! May you live long, and every Moon love change, That I may have fresh imployment, You know what Remains to be done.

Jol.

Yes, yes, I will command My daughter and Mirtilla to their chamber:

Cal.

And lock'em up: Such liquorish Kitlings are not To be trusted with our cream. Ere I go, I'll help you To set forth the banquet, and place the candid Erin∣go's Where he may be sure to taste 'em. Then undress you, For these things are cumbersom, when you should be active:

A thine night mantle to hide part of your Smock, With your Pearl embroider'd Pantophles on your Feet, And then you are arm'd for service; nay, no tri∣fling, We are alone, and you know 'tis a point of folly To be coy to eat, when meat is set before you.

Exeunt:

Enter Adorio, and Servant.

Ador.

'Tis eleveu by my Watch, the hour ap∣pointed. Listen at the door; hears't thou any stirring?

Serv.

No Sir, all's silent here.

Ador.

Some cursed business keeps Her mother up. I'll walk a little circle, And shew where you shall wait us with the horses, And then return. This short delay afflicts me, And I presume, to her it is not pleasing.

Exeunt.

Enter Durazzo, Caldoro.

Dur.

What's now to be done? prethee let's to Bed, I am sleep. And here's my hand on't without more ado, By fair or foul play, we'll have her to morrow In thy possession.

Cald.

Good Sir give me leave To taste a little comfort in beholding The place by her sweet presence sanctifi'd. She may perhaps to take air, ope the Casement, And looking out, a new Star to be gaz'd on By me with adoration, bless these eyes. Ne'er happy but when she is made the Object.

Dur.

Is not here fine fooling.

Caldo.

Thou great Queen of Love, Or real or imagin'd, be propitious To me thy faithful Votary; and I vow T'erect a statue to thee, equal to Thy picture by Apelles skilful hand Left as the great example of his art; And on thy thigh I'll hang a golden Cupid, His torches flaming, and his quiver full, For further honour.

Dur.

End this waking dream, and let's away Mirtilla!

Enter Caliste and Mirtilla.

Cald.

'Tis her voice.

Cal.

You heard the horses footing.

Mirt.

Certainly.

Cal.

Speak low, my Lord Adorio:

Cald.

I am dumb.

Dur.

The darkness friend us too, most honour'd Madam, Adorio your servant.

Cal.

As you are so, I do command your silence till we are Further remov'd; and let this kiss assure you, (I thank the sable night that hides my blushes) I am wholly yours.

Dur.

Forward you micher.

Mirt.

Madam, think on Mirtilla.

[Goes in]

Dur.

I'll not now enquire The mysterie of this, but bless kind Fortune Favoring us beyond our hopes: yet now I think on't, I had ever a lucky hand in such smock night-work.

Exeunt.

Enter Adorio and Servant.

Ador.

This slowness does amaze me; she's not alter'd In her late resolution.

[Within jolant.]

Get you to bed, And stir not on your life, till I command you.

Ador.

Her mothers voice! listen.

Serv.

Here comes the daughter.

Enter Mirtilla.

Mirt.

Whither shall I flie for succor?

Ador.

To these arms, your castle of defence, im∣pregnable, And not to be blown up. How your heart beats! Take comfort, dear Caliste, you are now In his protection that will nere forsake you,

Adorio:

Your chang'd Adorio swears By your best self, an oath he dares not break, He loves you, loves you in a noble way, His constancie firm as the poles of heaven. I will urge no reply, silence becomes you, And I'll defer the musick of your voice Till we are in a place of safety.

Mirt.

O blest error!

Exeunt.

Enter Severino.

'Tis midnight: how my fears of certain death Being surpris'd, combat with my strong hopes Rais'd on my chaste wifes goodness! I am grown A stranger in this City, and no wonder, I have too long been so unto my self: Grant me a little truce, my troubled soul, I hear some footing, ha?

Enter Monteclaro and Calypso.

Calyp.

That is the house,

And there's the key; you'll find my Lady ready To entertain you: 'tis not fit I should Stand gaping by while you bill: I have brought you on, Charge home, and come off with honor.

Exit.

Sever.

It makes this way.

Mont.

I am much troubled, and know not what to think Of this design.

Sever.

It still comes on.

Mont.

The Watch! I am betraid.

Sever.

Should I now appear fearful, It would discover me; there is no retiring, My confidence must protect me, I'll appear As if I walk'd the round. Stand.

Mont.

I: am lost.

Sever.

The word?

Mont.

Pray you forbear; I am a stranger, And missing this dark stormy night my way To my lodging, you shall do a courteous office To guide me to't.

Sever

Do you think I stand here for a page or a porter?

Mont.

Good sir grow not so high, I can justifie my being abroad; I am No pilfering vagabond, and what you are Stands yet in supposition; and I charge you If you are an Officer, bring me before your Captain; For if you do assault me, though not in fear Of what you can do alone, I will cry murther And raise the streets.

Sever.

Before my Captain, ha? And bring my head to the block. Would we were parted, I have greater cause to fear the Watch then he.

Mont.

Will you do your duty?

Sever.

I must close with him: Truth sir, whatere you are, (yet by your language I ghess you a Gentleman) I'll not use the rigor

Of my place upon you; only quit this street, For your stay here will be dangerous, and good night.

Mont.

The like to you sir; I'll grope out my way As well as I can. O damn'd Bawd! fare you well sir.

Exit Monteclaro.

Sever.

I am glad he's gone; there is a secret passage Unknown to my wife, through which this key will guide me To her desired imbraces, which must be, My presence being beyond her hopes, most welcom.

Exit.

Enter Jolante (with a rich banquet, and tapers) (in a chair, behind a curtain.)

Jol.

I am full of perplexed thoughts: Imperious Blood, Thou only art a tyrant; Judgment, Reason, To whatsoever thy Edicts proclaim, With vassal fear subscribe against themselves, I am yet safe in the port, and see before me, If I put off, a rough tempestuous sea, The raging winds of infamy from all quarters Assuring my destruction; yet my lust Swelling the wanton sails, (my understanding (Stow'd under hatches) like a desperate Pilot Commands me to urge on: My pride, my pride, Self-love, and over-value of my self Are justly punish'd: I that did deny My daughters youth allow'd and lawful pleasures, And would not suffer in her those desires She suck'd in with my milk, now in my waning Am scorcht and burnt up with libidinous fire That must consume my fame; yet still I throw More fuel on it.

Enter Severino.

Sever.

'Tis her voice, poor Turtle;

She's now at her devotions praying for Her banished Mate: alas, that for my guilt Her innocence should suffer! But I do Commit a second sin in my deferring The extasie of joy that will transport her Beyond herself, when she flies to my lips, And seals my welcom. Jolante!

Jol.

Ha? good Angels guard me.

Sever.

What do I behold? Some sudden flash of lightning strike me blind, Or cleave the center of the earth, that I May living find a sepulchre to swallow Me and my shame together.

Jol.

Guilt and horror Confound me in one instant; thus surpris'd, The subtlety of all Wantons, though abstracted, Can shew no seeming colour of excuse To plead in my defence.

Sever.

Is this her mourning? O killing object! the imprison'd vapours Of rage and sorrow make an earthquake in me; This little world, like to a tottering tower, Not to be underpropp'd; yet in my fall I'll crush thee with my ruines.

Draws a poniard, she kneels.

Jol.

Good sir, hold: For, my defence unheard, you wrong your justice, If you proceed to execution, And will too late repent it.

Sever.

Thy defence? To move it, adds (could it receive addition) Ugliness to the loathsom leprosie That in thy being a Strumpet hath already Infected every vein, and spreads it self Over this carrion, which would poison Vulturs and dogs, should they devour it. Yet to stamp The seal of Reprobation on thy soul,

I'll hear thy impudent lyes borrow'd from hell And prompted by the Devil thy tutor, Whore, Then send thee to him. Speak.

Jol.

Your Gorgon looks Turn me to stone, and a dead palsie seises My silenc'd tongue.

Sever.

O fate, that the disease Were general in women; what a calm Should wretched men enjoy! Speak, and be brief, Or thou shalt suddenly feel me.

Jol.

Be appeas'd sir, Until I have deliver'd reasons for This solemn preparation.

Sever.

On, I hear thee.

Jol.

With patience ask your memory; 'twill in∣struct you, This very day of the moneth 17 years since You married me.

Sever.

Grant it, what canst thou urge from this?

Jol.

That day since your proscription sir, In the rembrance of it annually, The garments of my sorrow laid aside, I have with pomp observ'd.

Sever.

Alone!

Jol.

The thoughts of my felicity then, my misery now, Were the invited guests; Imagination Teaching me to believe that you were present And a partner in it.

Sever.

Rare! this real banquet To feast your fancie: Fiend, could Fancie drink off These flagons to my health? or th'idol Thought Like Baal devour-these delicates? the room Perfum'd to take his nostrils? this loose habit Which Messalina would not wear, put on To fire his lustful eyes? Wretch, am I grown So weak in thy opinion, that it can

Flatter credulity that these gross tricks May be foisted on me? Where's my daughter? where The Bawd your woman? answer me, Caliste, Mirtilla! they are dispos'd of, if not murther'd, To make all sure; and yet methinks your neighbour, Your whistle, agent, parasite Calypso, Should be within: Call when you hem to usher in The close Adulterer.

Jol.

What will you do?

Sever.

Not kill thee, do not hope it, I am not So near to reconcilement. Ha! this scarf Th'intended favor to your Stallion, now Is useful: do not strive; thus bound expect All studied tortures, my assurance, not My jealousie thou art false, can pour upon thee. In darkness howl thy mischiefs; and if rankness Of thy imagination can conjure The Ribaud, glut thy self with him: I will cry aim, and in another room Determine of my vengeance. Oh my heart-strings!

Exit (with tapers.)

Jol.

Most miserable woman! and yet sitting A Judge in mine own cause upon my self, I could not mitigate the heavy doom My incens'd husband must pronounce upon me. In my intents I am guilty, and for them Must suffer the same punishment, as if I had in fact offended.

[Calypso speaks at the door.]

Bore my eyes out If you prove me faulty: I'll but tell my Lady What caus'd your stay, and instantly present you. How's this? no lights? what new device? will she play At Blindman buff Madam?

Jol.

Upon thy life speak in a lower key:

Calyp.

The mysterie Of this sweet Lady; where are you?

Jol.

Here fast bound.

Calyp.

By whom?

Jol.

I'll whisper that into thine ear, and then fare∣well for ever.

Calyp.

How? my Lord, I am in a fever: Horns upon horns grow on him. Could he pick no hour but this to break a bargain Almost made up?

Jol.

What shall we do?

Calyp.

Betray him: I'll instantly raise the Watch.

Jol.

And so make me for ever infamous.

Calyp.

The Gentleman, the rarest Gentleman is at the door, Shall he lose his labour? since that you must perish, 'T will shew a womans spleen in you to fall Deservedly: give him his answer, Madam. I have on the sudden in my head a strange whimsie, But I will first unbind you.

Jol.

Now what follows?

Cal.

I will supply your place; and bound, give me Your mantle, take my night-gown, send away The Gentleman satisfied. I know my Lord Wants power to hurt you: I perhaps may get A kiss by the bargain, and all this may prove But some neat love-trick: If he should grow furious And question me, I am resolv'd to put on An obstinate silence. Pray you dispatch the Gent. His courage may cool.

Jol.

I'll speak with him; but if To any base or lustful end, may mercy At my last gasp forsake me.

Exit.

Calyp.

I was too rash, And have done what I wish undone: say he should kill me.

I have run my head in a fine nooze, and I smell The pickle I am in: 'las how I shudder Still more and more! would I were a she Priapus. Stuck up in a garden to fright away the Crows, So I were out of the house; she's at her pleasure Whatere she said, and I must endure the torture. He comes; I cannot pray, my fear will kill me.

Enter Severino (throwing open the doors violently) having a knife.

Sev.

It is a deed of darkness, and I need No light to guide me: there is something tels me I am too slow pac'd in my wreak, and trifle In my revenge. All hush'd? no sigh nor groan To witness her compunction? can guilt sleep, And innocence be open-ey'd? Even now Perhaps she dreams of the Adulterer, And in her fancie hugs him: Wake thou strumpet, And instantly give up unto my vengeance The villain that defiles my bed; discover Both what and where he is, and suddenly That I may bind you face to face, then sew you Into one sack, and from some steep rock hurl you Into the sea together: Do not play with The lightning of my rage; break stubborn silence. And answer my demands, will it not be? I'll talk no longer; thus I mark thee for A common strumpet.

Calyp.

Oh!

Sever.

Thus stab these arms That have stretch'd out themselves to grasp a stranger.

Calyp.

Oh!

Sever.

This is but an induction; I'll draw The curtains of the Tragedy hereafter: Howl on, 'tis musick to me.

Exit Severino.

Calyp.

He is gone, A kiss and love-tricks; he hath villainous teeth, May sublim'd Mercury draw 'em. If all dealers In my profession were paid thus, there would be A dearth of Cuckolds. Oh my nose! I had one, My arms, my arms! I dare not cry for fear: Cursed desire of gold, how art thou punish'd?

Enter Jolante.

Jol.

Till now I never truly knew my self, Nor by all principles and lectures read In Chastities cold school was so instructed As by her contrary. How base and deform'd Loose appetite is! as in a few short minutes This stranger hath, and feelingly, deliver'd. Oh that I could recall my bad intentions, And be as I was yesterday untainted In my desires, as I am still in fact (I thank his temperance) I could look undanted Upon my husbands rage, and smile at it; So strong the guards, and sure defences are Of armed Innocence; but I will endure The penance of my sin, the onely means, Is left to purge it. The day breaks, Calypso.

Calyp.

Here Madam, here:

Jol.

Hath my Lord visited thee?

Calyp.

Hell take such visits; these stab'd arms, and loss Of my nose, you left fast on, may give you a rellish What a night I have had of't, and what you had suffered, Had I not supplied your place.

Jol.

I truly grieve for't; did not my husband speak to thee?

Calyp.

Yes, I heard him

And felt him ecce signum, with a mischief. But he knew not me; like a true bred Spartan Fox With silence I endured it, he could not get One syllable from me.

Jol.

Something may be fashion'd From this invention: Help me, I must be sudden, Thou art free, exchange, quick, quick, now binde me sure, And leave me to my fortune.

Calyp.

Pray you consider, The loss of my nose; had I been but carted for you, Though wash'd with Mire and Chamber-ly, I had Examples to excuse me; but my nose, my nose dear Lady.

Exit.

Jol.

Get off, I'll send to thee. If so, it may take; if it fail, I must Suffer what ever follows.

Enter Severino (with a Taper.)

Sever.

I have searched In every corner of the house, yet finde not My daughter, nor her Maid, nor any print Of a mans footing, which this wet night would Be easily discern'd, the ground being soft, At his coming in or going out.

Jol.

'Tis he, and I am within hearing; Heaven forgive this feigning, I being forc'd to't to preserve my life, To be better spent hereafter.

Sever.

I begin to stagger, and my love if it knew how, Her piety heretofore, and same remembred, Would plead in her excuse.

Jol.

You blessed Guardians Of matrimonial faith, and just revengers Of such as do in fact offend against Your sacred rites and ceremonies; by all titles And holy attributes you do vouchsafe To be invok'd, look down with saving pitty Upon my matchless sufferings.

Sever.

At her devotions, affliction makes her re∣pent.

Jol.

Look down upon a wretched woman; and as I Have kept the knot of wedlock, in the Temple By the Priest fasten'd firm, (though in loose wishes I yield I have offended) to strike blind The eyes of Jealousie that see a crime I never yet committed, and to free me From the unjust suspition of my Lord, Restore my martyr'd face and wounded arms To their late strength and beauty.

Sever.

Does she hope to be cur'd by miracle?

Jol.

This minute I Perceive with joy my orisons heard and granted: You ministers of mercy, who unseen, And by a supernatural means have done This work of heavenly charity, be ever canoniz'd for't.

Sever.

I did not dream, I heard her, And I have eyes too, they cannot deceive me. If I have no belief in their assurance, I must turn sceptick. Ha? this is the hand? And this the fatal instrument? these drops Of blood, that gush'd forth from her face and arms, Still fresh upon the floor: This is something more Then wonder or amazement, I profess I am a∣stonish'd:

Jol.

Be incredulous still,

And go on in your barbarous rage, led to it By your false guide Suspition, have no faith In my so long try'd loyalty, nor believe That which you see; and for your satisfaction, My doubted innocence cleared by miracle, Proceed, these Veins have now new blood, if you Resolve to let it out.

Sever.

I would not be fool'd With easiness of belief, and faintly give

Aside.

Credit to this strange wonder? 'tis now thought on In a fitter place and time, I'll sound this fur∣ther.

Unties her.

How can I expect my sin? or hope, Though now I write my self thy slave, the service Of my whole life can win thee to pronounce Despair'd of pardon? shall I kneel? that's poor, Thy mercy must urge more in my defence, Then I can fancy; wil't thou have revenge? My heart lies open to thee.

Jol.

This is needless to me, who in the duty of a wife, Know I must suffer.

Sever.

Thou art made up of goodness, And from my confidence that I am alone, The object of thy pleasures, until death Divorce us, we will know no separation Without inquiring why (as sure thou wilt not, Such is thy meek obedience) thy Jewels And choicest ornaments pack'd up, thou shalt Along with me; and as a Queen be honor'd. By such a stile me Soveraign, already My banishment is repeal'd, thou being present: The Neapolitan Court a place of exile When thou art absent; my stay here is mortal Of which thou art to sensible, I perceive it. Come dearest Jolante, with this breath

All jealousie is blown away:

Jol.

Be constant.

Exeunt.