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. 5. Scaen. 1.

Enter Claudio, and all the Banditi (making a guard) Severino and Jolante (with Oaken leav'd garlands) and Singers.

Sever.

HEre, as a Queen, share in my sove∣raignty: The iron toils pitch'd by the Law to take The forfeiture of my life, I have broke through, And secure in the guards of these few subjects Smile at Alphonsus fury, though I grieve for The fatal cause in your good brothers loss That does compell me to his course.

Jol.

Revive not A sorrow long since dead, and so diminish The full fruition of those joys, which now I stand possess'd of: Womanish fear of danger That may pursue us, I shake off, and with A masculine spirit.

Sev.

'Tis well said.

Jol.

In you sir I live; and when, or by the course of nature, Or violence you must fall, the end of my Devotions is, that one and the same hour May make us fit for heaven.

Sev.

I join with you In my votes that way: But how, Jolante, You that have spent your past days slembring in The doun of quiet, can endure the hardness

And rough condition of our present being, Does much disturb me.

Jol.

These woods, Severino, Shall more then seem to me a populous City; You being present, here are no allurements To tempt my frailty, nor the conversation Of such, whose choice behaviour or discourse May nourish iealous thoughts.

Sev.

True, Jolante, Nor shall suspected chastity stand in need here To be clear'd by miracle.

Jol.

Still on that string? it yields harsh discord.

Sev.

I had forgot my self, And wish I might no more remember it. The day wears, sirs, without one prize brought in As tribute to your Queen. Claudio, divide Our Squadron in small parties, let 'em watch All passages, that none escape without The payment of our Customs

Claud.

Shall we bring in the persons with the pillage?

Sev.

By all means, Without reply about it, we'll retire

Ex. Claudio and the rest.

Into my Cave, and there at large dis∣course Our fortunes past, and study some apt means To find our daughter; since she well dispos'd of, Our happiness were perfect.

Jol.

We must wait with patience Heavens plea∣sure.

Sev.

'Tis my purpose.

Exeunt.

Enter Lentulo and Camillo.

Lent.

Let the horses graze, they are spent,

I am sure I am sleepy, And nodded as I rode: here was a jaunt I'th' dark through thick and thin, and all to no pur∣pose: What a dulness grows upon me.

[They sit down]

Lent.

I can hardly Hold ope mine eyes to say so. How did we lose A∣dorio?

Cam.

He, Donato, and the Wench That cleaves to him like bird-lime, took the right hand, But this place is our rendevouz.

Lent.

No matter, we'll talk of that anon, — heigh ho.

[Sleeps]

Cam

He's fast already, Lentuio; I'll take a nap too.

[Sleeps]

Enter Adorio, Mirtilla, Donato.

Ador.

Was ever man so crost?

1 Wom.

So blest. This is the finest Wild-goose chase.

Ador.

What's that you mutter?

Mirt.

A short prayer, that you may find Your wish'd for love, though I am lost for ever.

Don.

Pretty fool, who have we here?

Ador.

This is Camillo.

Mirt.

This Signior Lentulo

Ador.

Wake 'em.

Don.

They'll not stir, Their eye-lids are glu'd, and mine too; by your favour, I'll follow their example.

[Lies down]

Ador.

Are you not weary?

Mirt.

I know not what the word means, while I travel To do you service.

Ador.

Y ue ect to reap The harvest of your flattery; but your hopes Will be blasted, I assure you.

Mirt.

So you give leave To sow it as in me a sign of duty, Though you deny your beams of gratious favor To ripen it with patience I shall suffer.

Ador.

No more; my resolution to finde Caliste, by what accident lost, I know not, Binds me not to deny my self what nature Exacteth from me. To walk alone a foot (For my Horse is tir'd) were madness, I must sleep; You could lie down too.

Mirt.

Willingly; so you please to use me.

Ador.

Use thee?

Mirt.

As your pillow Sir, I dare presume no fareuer, noble Sir. Do not too much condemn me; generous feet, Spurn not a fawning Spaniel.

Ador.

Well! sit down.

Mirt.

I am ready Sir.

Ador.

So nimble?

Mirt.

Love is active; Nor would I be a slow thing: Rest secure Sir On my maiden-head, I'll not ravish you.

Ador.

For once, so far I'll trust you.

Lies down on her Lap.

Mirt.

All the joys of rest Dwell on your eye-lids; let no dream disturb Your soft and gentle slumbers I cannot sing, But I'll talk you asleep: And I beseech you Be not offended, though I glory in

My being thus employ'd; a happiness That stands for more then ample satisfaction For all I have, or can endure. He snores, And does not hear me; would his sense of feeling Were bound up too: I should — I am all fire. Such heaps of treasure offer'd as a prey, Would tempt a modest theef; I can no longer Forbear. I'll gently touch his Lips, and leave Kisses him. No print of mine. Ah! I have heard of Nectar; But till now never tasted it: These Rubies Are not clouded by my breath. If once agen I steal, from such a full Exchequer, trifles Kisses agen. Will not be miss'd, I am entranc'd: our fancy Some say in sleep works stronger, I will prove How far my —

Sleeps.

Enter Durazzo.

Dur.

My bones ake, I am exceeding cold too, I must seek out A more convenient Truckle-bed. Ha! Do I dream? No, no, I wake, Camillo, Lentulo, Donato this; and as I live, Adorio In a handsom wenches lap, a whoreson; you are The best accommodated, I will call My Nephew, and his Mistris to this Pageant. The object may perhaps do more upon her, Then all Caldoro's rhetorick. With what Security they sleep! sure Mercury Hath travel'd this way with his charming rod. Nephew, Caliste. Madam.

Enter Caldoro and Caliste.

Cald.

Here Sir, is your man return'd with Horses.

Dur.

No Boy, no; but here are some you thought not of.

Calist.

Adorio.

Dur.

The Idol that you worshipped.

Calist.

This Mirtilla? I am made a stale:

Dur.

I knew 'twould take.

Calist.

False man; But much more treacherous woman, 'tis apparent, They joyntly did conspire against my weakness, And credulous simplicity, and have Prevail'd against it.

Cald.

I'll not kill 'em sleeping; But if you please, I'll wake 'em first, and after Offer them as a fatal sacrifice, to your just anger.

Dur.

You are a fool, reserve your blood for bet∣ter uses.

Calist.

My fond love, is chang'd to an extremity of hate, His very sight is odious.

Dur.

I have thought of A pretty punishment for him, and his Comrades, Then leave him to his harlotry: If she prove not Torture enough, hold me an Ass Their horses Are not far off, I'll cut the Girts and Bridles, Then turn 'em into the Wood; if they can run Let 'em follow us as footmen. Wilt thou fight For what's thine own already?

Calist.

In his Hat He wears a Jewel, which this faithless Strumpet As a salary of her Lust, deceiv'd me of, He shall not keep't to my disgrace, nor will I

Stir till I have it.

Dur.

I am not good at niming; And yet that shall not hinder us, by your leave Sir, 'Tis restitution, pray you all bear witness I do not steal it; here 'tis.

Calist.

Take it not As a Mistris favor, but a strong assurance I am your wife.

Cald

O Heaven.

Duraz.

Pray i'th' Church. Let us away, Nephew a word: have you not Been billing in the brakes? Ha, and so deserv'd This unexpected favor.

Cald.

You are pleasant.

Exeunt Durazzo, Caldoro, Caliste.

Ador.

As thou art a Gentle∣man, kill me not basely, Starts up; the rest wake. Give me leave to draw my Sword.

Camil.

Ha? what's the matter?

Lent.

He talk'd of's Sword.

Donat.

I see no enemy near us, That threatens danger.

Mirt.

Sure 'twas but a dream.

Ador.

A fearful one. Me thought Caldoro's sword Was at my throat, Caliste frowning by, Commanding him, as he desir'd her favor, To strike my head off.

Camil.

Meer imagination of a disturbed fancy:

Mirt.

Here's your Hat Sir.

Ador.

But where my Jewel?

Camil.

By all likelihood lost, this troublesome night.

Donat.

I saw it when we came unto this place.

Mirt.

I look't upon't my self, when you re∣pos'd.

Ador.

What is become of it? Restore it, for thou hast it, do not put me To the trouble to search you.

Mirt.

Search me?

Ador.

You have been Before your Lady gave you entertainment, A night-walker in the streets.

Mirt.

How, my good Lord?

Ador.

Traded in picking pockets, when tame gulls Charm'd with your prostituted flatteries, Dain'd to embrace you.

Mirt.

Love give place to anger. Charge me with theft, and prostituted baseness? Were you a Judge, nay more, the King; thus urg'd, To your teeth I would say, 'Tis false.

Ador.

This will not do.

Camil.

Deliver it in private.

Mirt.

You shall be In publick hang'd first, and the whole gang of you. I steal what I presented.

Lent.

Do not strive.

Ador.

Though thou hast swallow'd it, I'll rip thy entrail, But I'll recover it.

Mirt.

Help, help.

Ador.

A new plot.

Enter Claudio, and two Banditi, (presenting their Pistols.)

Claud.

Forbear, libidinous Monsters; if you offer The least resistance, you are dead: if one But lay his hand upon his sword, shoot all.

Ador.

Let us fight for what we have, and if you can Win it, enjoy it.

Claud

We come not to try Your valor, but for your money; throw down your sword, Or I'll begin with you: So if you will Walk quietly without bonds, you may, if not We'll force you; thou shalt have no wrong, But justice against these.

1. Bandit.

We'll teach your Sir To meddle with wenches in our walks.

2. Bandit.

It being against our Canons.

Camil.

Whether will you lead us?

Claud.

You shall know that hereafter: Guard 'em sure.

Exeunt:

Enter Alphonso, Monteclaro, Captain.

Alpho.

Are all the passages stopp'd?

Gap

And strongly man'd, They must use wings, and flie, if they escape us.

Monte.

But why, great Sir, you should expose your person To such apparent danger, when you may Have'em brought bound before you; is beyond My apprehension.

Alpho.

I am better arm'd Then you suppose: besides it is confirm'd By all that have been robb'd, since Severino Commanded these Banditi; though it be Unusual in Italy, imitating The courteous English Theeves, for so they call 'em, They have not done one murther: I must adde too, That from a strange relation I have heard Of Severino's Justice, in disposing

The preys brought in, I would be an eye-witness Of what I take up now but on report: And therefore 'tis my pleasure that we should As soon as they encounter us, without A shew of opposition yield.

Mont.

Your will is not to be disputed.

Alph.

You have plac'd Your ambush so, that if there be occasion They suddenly may break in.

Capt.

My life upon't.

Alph.

We cannot travail far, but we shall meet With some of these good fellows; and be sure You do as I command you.

Mont.

Without fear, sir.

Exeunt.

Enter Severino and Jolante.

Sev.

'Tis true, I did command Caliste should not Without my knowledg and consent, assisted By your advice, be married: but your Restraint, as you deliver it, denying A grown up Maid the modest conversation Of Men, and warrantable pleasures, relish'd Of too much rigor, which no doubt hath driven her To take some desperate course:

Jol.

What then I did, was in my care thought best.

Sev.

I so conceive it; But where was your discretion to forbid Access and fit approaches, when you knew Her Suiters noble, either of which I would Have wish'd my son in law? Adorio, However wild, a young man of good parts, But better fortunes: his Competitor Caldoro, for his sweetness of behaviour, Staidness and temperance, holding the first place Among the Gallants most observ'd in Naples;

His own revenues of a large extent, But in the expectation of his Uncles And Guardians entrata's, by the course Of nature to descend on him, a Match For the best Subjects blood, I except none Of eminence in Italy.

Jol.

Your wishes, Howe'r a while delaid, are not I hope Impossibilities.

Sev.

Though it prove so, Yet 'tis not good to give a check to Fortune When she comes smiling to us.—

[Cornet within]

Hark, this Cornet Assures us of a prize; there sit in state, 'Tis thy first tribute.

Jol.

Would we might enjoy our own as Subjects:

Sev.

What's got by the sword, Is better then inheritance: All those Kingdoms Subdu'd by Alexander, were by force extorted, Though gilded ore with glorious stiles of conquest; His victories but royal robberies, And his true definition a Thief; When circled with huge Navies to the terror Of such as plough'd the Ocean, as the Pirate Who from a narrow Creek puts off for prey In a small Pinace, from a second place New spoil brought in, — from a third party, brave! This shall be registred a day of triumph Design'd by fate to honor thee.— — Welcome Claudio; Good booty, ha?

Enter Claudio, Banditi, Adorio, Lentulo, Donato, Camillo, Mirtilla, (at one door) Banditi, Durazo, Caldoro, Caliste, (at another;) Alphonso, Mon∣teclaro, Captain, and Banditi.

Clau.

Their outsides promise so, But yet they have not made discovery Of what they stand possest of.

Sev.

Welcome all Good boys; you have done bravely, if no blood Be shed in the service.

1 Band.

On our lives no drop sir.

Sev.

'Tis to my wish.

Jol

My Lord!

Sev.

No more, I know 'em:

Jol.

My daughter and her woman too!

Sev.

Conceal your joys.

Dur.

Faln in the Devils mouth.

Cal.

My father, And mother! to what fate am I reserv'd?

Cald.

Continue masqu'd; or grant that you be known, From whom can you expect a gentle sentence, If you despair a Fathers?

Ador.

Now I perceive which way I lost my Jewel.

Mirt.

I rejoice I am clear'd from theft; you have done me wrong, But I unask'd forgive you.

Dur.

'Tis some comfort yet The rivals, men and women, friends and foes, are Together in one toil.

Sev.

You all look pale,

And by your private whisperings and soft murmurs Express a general fear: pray you shake it off; For understand you are not faln into The hands of a Busiris or a Cacus, Delighted more in blood then spoil; but given up To the power of an unfortunate Gentleman, Not born to these low courses, howsoere My fate, and just displeasure of the King Design'd me to it: you need not to doubt A sad captivity here, and much less fear For profit to be sold for slaves, then ship'd Into another Country; in a word, You know the proscrib'd Severino, he Not unacquainted, but familiar with The most of you: Want in my self I know not, But for the pay of these my Squires, who eat Their bread with danger purchas'd, and must be With others fleeces cloth'd, or live expos'd To the summers scorching heat and winters cold; To these before you be compell'd, (a word I speak with much unwillingness) deliver Such coin as you are furnish'd with.

Duraz.

A fine method! This is neither begging, borrowing, nor robbery, Yet it hath a twang of all of them. But one word Sir.

Sever.

Your pleasure.

Duzar.

When we have thrown down our Muck, what follows?

Sever.

Liberty, with a safe convoy, to any place you chuse.

Duraz.

By this hand you are A fair fraternity; for once I'll be The first example to relieve your Covent. There's a thousand crowns, my Vintage, Harvest, Profits

Arising from my Herds, bound in one Bag, Share it among you.

Sever.

You are still the jovial, and good Durazzo.

Duraz.

To the Offering, nay, No hanging an arse, this is their wedding day. What you must do spight of your hearts, do freely For your own sakes.

Camil.

There's mine.

They all throw down their purses.

Lent.

Mine.

Donat.

All that I have.

Cald.

This to preserve my Jewel.

Ador.

Which I challenge; Let me have justice, for my coin I care not;

Mont.

I will not weep for mine.

Capt.

Would it were more.

Sev.

Nay you are priviledg'd; but why old father Art thou so slow? thou hast one foot in the grave; And if desire of gold do not increase With thy expiring lease of life, thou shouldst Be forwardest.

Alph.

In what concerns my self, I do acknowledge it, and I should lie, (A vice I have detested from my youth) If I deny'd my present store, since what I have about me now, weighs down in value Almost a hundred sold, what ever these Have laid before you, see I do groan under Throws down three bags. The burthen of my treasure; nay 'tis Gold, And if your hunger of it be not sated With what already I have shewn unto you, Here's that shall glut it. In this Casket are Inestimable Jewels, Diamonds Of such a piercing lustre, as struck blinde Th'amazed Lapidary, while he labor'd

To honor his own art in setting 'em. Opens the Casket. Some orient Pearls too, which the Queen of Spain Might wear as Earings, in remembrance of The day that she was crown'd.

Sever.

The spoils I think of both the Indies.

Duraz.

The great Sultans poor, If parallel'd with this Craessus.

Sever.

Why dost thou weep?

Alpho.

From a most fit consideration of My poverty, this though restor'd, will not Serve my occasions.

Sever.

Impossible.

Duraz.

May be he would buy his pasport up to Heaven, And then this too little, though in the journey It were a good Viaticum.

Alpho.

I would make it A means to help me thither; not to wrong you With tedious expectation, I'll discover What my wants are, and yield my reasons for 'em: I have two sons, twins, the true images Of what I was at their years; never father Had fairer, or more promising hopes in his Posterity: But alas, these sons ambitious Of glittering honor, and an after-name Atchiev'd by glorious, and yet pious actions, (For such were their intentions) put to sea: They had a well rigg'd Bottom, fully mann'd, An old experienc'd Master, lusty Sailers, Stout Land-men, and what's something more then rare, They did agree, had one design, and that was In charity to redeem the Christian slaves Chain'd to the Turkish servitude.

Sev.

A brave aim.

Dur.

A most heroique enterprise; I languish To hear how they succeeded.

Alph.

Prosperously At first, and to their wishes: divers Gallies They boarded, and some strong Forts near the shore They suddenly surpriz'd, a thousand Captives Redeem'd from th'oar, paid their glad vows & prayrs For their deliverance, their ends acquir'd; And making homeward in triumphant manner, (For sure the cause deserv'd it.)

Dur.

Pray you end here, The best I fear is told, and that which follows Must conclude ill.

Alph.

Your fears are true, and yet I must with grief relate it; prodigal fame In every place with her loud trump proclaiming The greatness of the action; the Pyrates Of Tunis and Argiers laid wait for 'em At their return: To tell you what resistance They made, and how my poor sons fought, would but Increase my sorrow, and perhaps grieve you To hear it passionately describ'd unto you In brief they were taken, and for the great loss The enemy did sustain their victory, Being with much blood bought, they do endure The heaviest captivity, wretched men Did ever suffer, O my sons? my sons? To me for ever lost, lost, lost for ever.

Sever.

Will not these heaps of Gold added to thine, Suffice for ransome?

Alpho.

For my sons it would, But they refuse their liberty, if all That were engaged with them, have not their Irons With theirs struck off, and set at liberty with them, Which these heaps cannot purchase.

Sever.

Ha? the toughness

Of my heart melts? be comforted old Father I have some hidden treasure, and if all, I and my Squires, these three years have laid up, Can make the sum up, freely take it.

Duraz.

I'll sell my self to my shirt, lands, move∣ables, and thou Shalt part with thine too Nephew, rather then Such brave men shall live slaves.

2. Bandit.

We will not yeeld to't:

3. Bandit.

Nor loose our parts.

Sever.

How's this?

2: Bandit.

You are fitter far To be a Churchman, then to have command over good-fellows.

[Strikes 'em down.]

Sever.

Thus I ever use Such saucy Rascals, second me Claudio. Rebellious? do you grumble? I'll not leave One rouge of 'em alive.

[He discovers himself.]

Alpho.

Hold, give the sign

All.

The King.

Sever.

Then I am lost.

Claud.

The Woods are full of armed men.

Alpho.

No hope of your escape Can flatter you.

Sever.

Mercy dread Sir.

Alpho.

Thy carriage in this unlawful course ap∣pears so noble, Especially in this last tryal, which I put upon you, that I wish the mercy You kneel in vain for, might fall gently on you. But when the holy Oyl was pour'd upon My head, and I anointed King, I swore Never to pardon murther, I could wink at Your robberies, though our Laws call 'em death; But to dispense with Monteclaro's blood Would ill become a King, in him I lost

A worthy subject, and must take from you A strict accompt of't; 'tis in vain to move, My doom's irrevocable.

Monte.

Not dread Sir, if Monteclaro live.

Alpho.

If? good Laval.

Monte.

He lives in him Sir, that you though Laval. Three years have not so altered me, but you may Remember Monteclaro.

Dur.

How.

Jol.

My Brother.

Calist.

Uncle.

Monte.

Give me leave, I was Left dead in the field, but by the Duke Montpensier, Now General at Millain, taken up, And with much care recovered.

Alpho.

Why liv'd you so long conceal'd?

Monte.

Confounded with the wrong I did my Brother, in provoking him To fight. I spent the time in France that I Was absent from the Court, making my exise The punishment impos'd upon my self For my offence.

Jol.

Now Sir, I dare confess all This was the ghest invited to the Banquet, That drew on your suspition.

Sever.

Your intent, Though it was ill in you, I do forgive, The rest I'll hear at leisure, Sir, your sentence.

Alpho.

It is a general pardon unto all Upon my hopes, in your fair lives hereafter You will deserve it.

Sever.

Claud. &c. Long live great Alphonso.

Dur.

Your mercy shewn in this, now if you please Decide these lovers difference

Alpho.

That is easie.

I'll put it to the womens choice, the men Consenting to it.

Calist.

Here I fix them, never to be remov'd.

Cald.

'Tis my nil ultra Sir.

Mirt.

O that I had the happiness to say So much to you, I dare maintain my love Is equal to my Ladies.

Ador.

But my minde A pitch above yours. Marry with a servant Of no descent or fortune:

Sever.

You are deceiv'd, How ere she has been train'd up as a servant, She is the daughter of a noble Captain, Who in his voyage to the Persian Gulph, Perish'd by shipwrack, one I dearly lov'd. He to my care intrusted her, having taken My word, if he return'd not like himself, I never should discover what she was, But it being for her good, I will dispense with it. So much Sir for her blood, now for her portion. So dear I hold the memory of my friend, It shall rank with my daughters:

Ador.

This made good I will not be perverse.

Duraz.

With a kiss confirm it.

Ador.

I sign all concord here, but must to you Sir For reparation of my wounded honor, The justice of the King consenting to it, Denounce a lawful war.

Alpho.

This in our presence:

Ador.

The cause dread Sir commands it, though your Edicts Call private Combats, Murthers, rather then Sit down with a disgrace, arising from A blow; the Bonds of my obedience shook of,

Ill right my self.

Cald.

I do confess the wrong, Forgetting the occasion, and desire Remission from you, and upon such terms As by his sacred Majesty shall be judged Equal on both parts.

Ador.

I desire no more.

Alpho.

All then are pleas'd, it is the glory of A King to make, and keep his subjects happy; For us we do approve the Roman Maxim, To save one Citizen is a greater prize, Then to have kill'd in War ten Enemies.

Exeunt.