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. I. Scaen. I.

Enter Pedro and Leonora:

Ped.

MY worthiest Mistress! this day cannot end But prosperous to Pedro, that begins With this so wish'd encounter.

Leo.

Only, Servant, To give you thanks in your own Courtly language, Would argue me more ceremonious Then heartily affected; and you are Too well assur'd, or I am miserable, Our equal loves have kept one rank too long To stand at distance now.

Ped.

You make me happy In this so wise reproof, which I receive As a chaste favor from you, and will ever Hold such a strong command o're my desires, That though my Blood turn Rebel to my Reason, I never shall presume to seek ought from you, But what (your honor safe) you well may grant me, And Vertue sign the Warrant.

Leo.

Your love to me So limited, will still preserve your Mistress Worthy her servant, and in your restraint Of loose affections, bind me faster to you: But there will be a time when we may welcome Those wish'd for pleasures, as Heavens greatest blessings; When that the Vice-roy your most noble father, And the Duke my uncle, and to that, my Guardian, Shall by their free consent confirm them lawful.

Ped.

You ever shall direct, and I obey you: Is my sister stirring yet?

Leo.

Long since.

Ped.

Some business With her, join'd to my service to your felf, Hath brought me hither; pray you vouchsafe the favor T'acquaint her with so much.

Leo.

I am prevented.

Enter Almira and two women.

Alm.

Do the rest here; my Cabinet is too hot, This room is cooler. Brother!

Ped.

Morrow sister, Do I not come unseasonably?

Al.

Why good brother?

Ped.

Because you are not yet fully made up, Nor fit for visitation. There are Ladies And great ones, that will hardly grant access On any terms to their own Fathers, as They are themselves, nor willingly be seen Before they have ask'd councel of their Doctor, How the Cervize will appear, newly laid on When they ask blessing.

Al.

Such indeed there are That would be still young, in despight of time, That in the wrinkled winter of their age Would force a seeming April of fresh beauty, As if it were within the power of art To frame a second nature: But for me, And for your Mistress, I dare say as much; The faces, and the teeth you see, we slept with.

Ped.

Which is not frequent, sister, with some Ladies.

Al.

You spie no sign of any night, — Mask here, (Tie on my Carkanet) nor does your nosthril Take in the scent of strong perfumes, to stifle The sourness of our breaths as we are fasting: You are in a Ladies chamber, gentle Brother, And not in your Apothecaries shop. We use the women, you perceive, that serve us, Like servants, not like such as do create us: 'Faith search our pockets, and if you find there Comfits of Amber-greece to help our kisses, Conclude us faulty.

Ped.

You are pleasant, sister, And I am glad to find you so dispos'd, You will the better hear me.

Al.

What you please, Sir.

Ped.

I am entreated by the Prince of Tarent Don John Antonio.

Al.

Would you would choose Some other subject.

Ped.

Pray you give me leave, For his desires are fit for you to hear, As for me to prefer. This Prince of Tarent (Let it not wrong him, that I call him friend) Finding your choice of Don Cardenes lik'd of By both your fathers, and his hopes cut off, Resolves to leave Palermo.

Al.

He does well, That I hear gladly.

Ped.

How this Prince came hither, How bravely furnish'd, how attended on, How he hath borne himself here, with what charge He hath continued; his magnificence In costly Banquets, curious Masques, rare Presents, And of all sorts, you cannot but remember.

Al.

Give me my Gloves.

Ped.

Now, for reward of all His cost, his travel, and his dutious service, He does intreat that you will please he may Take his leave of you, and receive the favor Of kissing of your hands.

Al.

You are his friend, And shall discharge the part of one to tell him That he may spare the trouble; I desire not To see, or hear more of him.

Ped.

Yet grant this, Which a meer stranger in the way of Courtship Might challenge from you.

Al.

And obtain it sooner.

Ped.

One reason for this would do well.

Al.

My will Shall now stand for a thousand; shall I lose The priviledge of my sex, which is my Will, To yield a Reason like a man? or you

Deny your Sister that which all true women Claim as their first prerogative, which Nature Gave to them for a law? and should I break it, I were no more a woman.

Ped.

Sure a good one You cannot be, if you put off that vertue Which best adorns a good one, Courtesie And affable behaviour. Do not flatter Yourself with the opinion that your birth, Your beauty, or whatever false ground else You raise your pride upon, will stand against The censure of just men.

Al.

Why let it fall then, I still shall be unmov'd.

Leo.

And pray you be you so.

Al.

What Jewel's that?

Wo.

That which the Prince of Tarent —

Al.

Left here, and you receiv'd without my know∣ledge; I have use of't now. Does the Page wait without, My Lord Cardenes sent t'enquire my health?

Wo.

Yes Madam.

Al.

Give it him, and with it pray him To return my service to his Lord, and mine.

Ped.

Will you so undervalue one that has So truly lov'd you, to bestow the pledge Of his affection (being a Prince) upon The servant of his Rival?

Leo.

'Tis not well, 'Faith, were it Lady? send gold to the Boy. 'Twill please him better.

Al.

Do as I command you, I will keep nothing that may put me in mind Don John Antonio ever lov'd, or was, Being wholly now Cardenes.

Ped.

In another

This were meer barbarism, sister, and in you (For I'll not sooth you) at the best 'tis rudeness.

Al.

Rudeness?

Ped.

Yes rudeness, and what's worse, the want Of civil manners, nay ingratitude Unto the many and so fair deservings Of Don Antonio: does this express Your breeding in the Court, or that you call The Vice-roy father? A poor peasants daughter That ne'r had conversation but with beasts (Or men bred like them) would not so far shame Her education.

Al.

Pray you leave my chamber; I know you for a Brother, not a Tutor.

Leo:

You are too violent, Madam.

Al.

Were my Father Here to command me, (as you take upon you Almost to play his part) I would refuse it. Where I love, I profess it; where I hate, In every circumstance I dare proclaim it: Of all that wear the shapes of men, I loath That Prince you plead for; no antipathie Between things most averse in nature, hold A stronger enmity then his with mine: With which rest satisfied; if not, your anger May wrong your self, not me.

Leo.

My Lord Cardenes!

Ped.

Go; in soft terms, If you persist thus, You will be one.

Al.

What one? pray you out with it:

Ped.

Why, one that I shall wish a stranger to me, That I might curse you: but—

Enter Martino.

Mar.

Whence grows this heat?

Ped.

Be yet advis'd, and entertain him fairly, For I will send him to you, or no more Know me a Brother.

Al.

As you please.

Ped.

Good morrow.

Exit.

Mar.

Good morrow, and part thus? you seem mov'd too: What desperate sool durst raise a tempest here To sink himself?

Al

Good sir, have patience; The cause (though I confess I am not pleas'd) No way deserves your anger:

Mar.

Not mine, Madam? As if the least offence could point at you, And I not feel it: 'As you have vouchsaf'd me The promise of your heart, conceal it not, Whomsoever it concerns.

Al.

It is not worth So serious an enquiry: My kind Brother Had a desire to learn me some new Courtship Which I distasted, that was all.

Mar.

Your Brother, In being yours, with more security He might provoke you; yet if he hath past A Brothers bounds—

Leo.

What then, my Lord?

Mar.

Believe it, I'll call him to accompt for't.

Leo.

Tell him so.

Al.

No more.

Leo.

Yes, thus much; though my modesty Be call'd in question for it, in his absence I will defend him: He hath said nor done But what Don Pedro well might say or do. Mark me, Don Pedro! in which understand As worthy, and as well as can be hop'd for

Of those that love him best, from Don Gardenes.

Mar.

This to me Cousin?

Al.

You forget your self.

Leo.

No, nor the cause, in (which you did so Lady) Which is so just, that it needs no concealing On Pedro's part.

Al.

What mean you.

Leo.

I dare speak it, If you dare hear it, Sir: He did perswade Almira, your Almira, to vouchsafe Some little conference with the Prince of Tarent Before he left the Court; and that the world Might take some notice, thoūgh he prosper'd not In his so lov'd design, he was not scorn'd, He did desire the kissing of her hand, And then to leave her; this was much:

Mar.

'Twas more Then should have been urg'd by him, well deni'd On your part, Madam, and I thank you for't. Antonio had his answer, I your grant: And why your Brother should prepare for him An after enterview, or private favor, I can finde little reason.

Leo.

None at all. Why you should be displeas'd with't.

Mar

His respect To me, as things now are, should have weigh'd down His former friendship, 'twas done indiscreetly, I would be loth to say maliciously, To build up the demolish'd hopes of him That was my Rival: What had he to do (If he view not my happiness in your favor, With wounded eies) to take upon himself An office so distasteful?

Leo.

You may ask As well, what, any Gentleman has to do With civil courtesie

Al.

Or you with that, Which at no part concerns you: Good my Lord Rest satisfied, that I saw him not, nor will. And that, nor Father, Brother, nor the world Can work me unto any thing, but what You give allowance too; in which assurance With this, I leave you.

Leo.

Nay take me along, You are not angry too?

Al.

Presume on that.

Exeunt:

Mar:

Am I assur'd of her, and shall again Be tortur'd with suspition to loose her, Before I have enjoy'd her? the next Sun Shall see her mine; why should I doubt then? yet To doubt is safer, then to be secure But one short day: Great Empires in less time Have suffer'd change; she's constant, but a woman, And what a lovers vows, perswasions, tears, May in a minute work upon such frailty. There are too many, and too sad examples. The Prince of Tarent gone, all were in safety; Or not admitted to solicite her, My fears would quit me; 'tis my fault, if I Give way to that, and let him ne'er desire To own what's hard, that dares not guard it. Who waits there?

Enter Servants and Page.

Serv.

Would your Lordship might?

Mar.

'Tis well You are so neer.

Enter Don John, and Servant.

John.

Take care all things be ready For my remove.

Serv.

They are.

Mar.

We meet like Friends, No more like Rivals now: my emulation Puts on the shape of love and service to you.

John.

It is return'd:

Mar.

'Twas rumor'd in the Court You were to leave the City, and that wan me To find you out: Your Excellence may wonder That I that never saw you till this hour, But that I wish'd you dead, so willingly Should come to wait upon you to the Ports, And there, with hope you never will look back, Take my last farewell of you.

John.

Never look back?

Mar.

I said so, neither is it fit you should; And may I prevail with you as a friend, You never shall, nor while you live hereafter Think of the Viceroy's Court, or of Palermo, But as a grave, in which the Prince of Tarent Buried his honor.

John.

You speak in a language I do not understand.

Mar.

No? I'll be plainer. What mad-man, that came hither with that pomp Don John Antonio did, that exact Courtier Don John Antonio, with whose brave fame only Great Princesses have faln in love, and dy'd; That came with such assurance as young Paris Did to fetch Helen, being sent back, contemn'd, Disgrac'd and scorn'd, his large expence laugh'd at, His bravery scoff'd, the Lady that he courted Left quietly in possession of another (Not to be nam'd that day a Courtier Where he was mention'd, the scarce known Cardenes, And he to bear her from him) that would ever Be seen again (having got fairly off)

By such as will live ready witnesses Of his repulse, and scandal?

John.

The grief of it, Believe me, will not kill me. All mans honor Depends not on the most uncertain favor Of a fair Mistris.

Mar.

Troth, you bear it well. You should have seen some that were sensible Of a disgrace, that would have rag'd, and sought To cure their honor, with some strange revenge: But you are better temper'd; and they wrong The Neapolitans in their report, That say they are fiery spirits, uncapable Of the least injury, dangerous to be talk'd with After a loss, where nothing can move you. But, like a Stoick, with a constancy, Words nor affronts, can shake, you still go on And smile when men abuse you.

John.

If they wrong Themselves, I can: yet I would have you know, I dare be angry.

Mar.

'Tis not possible. A taste of't would do well: And I'd make tryal What may be done. Come hither Boy, you have seen This Jewel, as I take it.

John.

Yes, 'tis that I gave Almira.

Mar.

And in what esteem She held it, coming from your worthy self, You may perceive, that freely hath bestowed it Upon my Page.

John.

When I presented it, I did not indent with her, to what use She should employ it. See the kindness of

A loving soul; who, after this neglect, Nay gross contempt, will look again upon her, And not be frighted from it.

John.

No indeed Sir, Nor give way longer: Give way, do you mark, To your loose wit, to run the Wilde-goose chace, Six syllables further: I will see the Lady, That Lady, that dotes on you, from whose hate My love increases, though you stand elected Her Porter, to deny me.

Mar.

Sure you will not.

John.

Yes, instantly: Your prosperous success Hath made you insolent; and for her sake I have thus long forborne you; and can yet Forget it, and forgive it, ever provided, That you end here, and for what is past recalling, That she make intercession for your pardon, Which at her suit, I'll grant.

Mar.

I am much unwilling To move her for a triffle; bear that too, And then she shall speak to you.

John.

Men and Angels, Take witness for me, that I have endur'd More then a man:— O do not fall so soon, Stand up; take my hand, so: When I have printed For ever contumelious word, a wound here, Then sink for ever.

Mar.

O! I suffer justly.

Serv.

Murther, murther, murther.

Exe. Servants.

2. Serv.

Apprehend him.

3. Serv.

We'll all joyn with you.

John.

I do wish you more, My fury will be lost else, if it meet not Matter to work on; one life is too little For so much injury.

Enter Almira, Leonora, Servants.

Al.

O my Cardenes, Thou dead, still my Cardenes: Villains, cowards, What do ye check at? can one arm, and that A murtherers, so long guard the curs'd Master, Against so many swords, made sharp with Justice?

1. Serv.

Sure he will kill us all; he is a devil.

2. Serv.

He is invulnerable.

Al.

Your base fears Beget such fancies in you: Give me a sword, This my weak arm, made strong in my revenge, Shall force a way to't.

John.

Would it were deeper Madam, The thrust; which I would not put by, being yours Of greater force, to have peirc'd through that heart Which still retains your figure: Weep still Lady, For every tear that flows from those griev'd eyes, Some part of that which maintains life, goes from me. And so to die, were in a gentle slumber To pass to Paradise; but you envy me So quiet a departure from my world, My world of miseries; therefore take my sword, And having kill'd me with it, cure the wounds It gave Cardenes.

Enter Pedro.

Ped.

'Tis too true: Was ever Valor so ill employ'd?

John.

Why stay you Lady? Let not soft pity work on your hard nature: You cannot do a better office to The dead Cardenes, and I willingly Shall fall a ready sacrifice, to appease him, Your fair hand offering it.

Al.

Thou couldst ask nothing But this, which I would grant:

Lev.

Flint-hearted Lady!

Ped.

Are you a woman, Sister?

Al.

Thou art not A Brother, I renounce that title to thee: Thy hand is in this bloody act; 'twas this For which that savage homicide was sent hither. Thou equal Judge of all things, if that blood, And innocent blood —

Al.

Oh Cardenes, How is my soul rent between rage and sorrow, That it can be, that such an upright Cedar Should violently be torn up by the roots, Without an earthquake in that very moment To swallow them that did it.

John.

The hurt's nothing, But the deep wound is in my conscience, friend, Which sorrow in death only can recover.

Ped.

Have better hopes.

Enter Viceroy, Messina, Captain, Guard, and Servants.

Mess.

My son, is this the marriage I came to celebrate? false hopes of man, I come to find a grave here.

Al.

I have wasted My stock of Tears, and now just Anger help me To pay in my Revenge the other part Of duty which I owe thee. O great Sir, Not as a Daughter now, but a poor Widow, Made so before she was a Bride, I flie To your impartial justice; the offence Is death, and death in his most horrid form: Let not then title, or a Princes name

(Since a great crime is in a great man greater) Secure the Offender.

Mess.

Give me life for life, As thou wilt answer it to the great King Whose Deputy thou art here.

Al.

And speedy Justice.

Mess.

Put the damn'd wretch to torture.

Al.

Force him to Reveal his curs'd Confederates, which spare not, Although you find a Son among them.

Vice.

How?

Mess.

Why bring you not the Rack forth?

Al.

Wherefore stands the Murtherer unbound?

Vice.

Shall I have hearing?

Mess.

Excellent Lady, in this you express Your true love to the dead.

Al.

All love to mankind from me, ends with him.

Vice.

Will you hear me yet? And first to you; you do confess the fact With which you stand charg'd?

John.

I will not make worse What is already ill, with vain denial.

Vice.

Then understand, though you are Prince of Tarent, Yet being a Subject to the King of Spain, No priviledge of Sicily can free you Being convict by a just form of Law, From the municipal Statutes of that Kingdom, But as a common man, being found guilty, Must suffer for it.

John.

I prize not my life So much, as to appeal from any thing You shall determine of me.

Vice.

Yet despair not To have an equal hearing; the exclaims Of this g iev'd Father, nor my Daughters tears

Shall sway me from my self; and where they urge To have you tortur'd, or led bound to prison, I must not grant it.

Mess.

No?

Vice.

I cannot sir; For men of his rank are to be distinguish'd From other men, before they are condemn'd, From which (his cause not heard) he yet stands free: So take him to your charge, and as your life See he be safe.

Capt.

Let me die for him else.

Exe. Ped. John, Cap. & guard.

Mess.

The guard of him should have been given to me.

Al.

Or unto me.

Mess.

Bribes may corrupt the Captain.

Al.

And our just wreak, by force or cunning practice, With scorn prevented

Mar.

Oh!

Al.

What groan is that?

Vice.

They'r apparent signs of life yet in him.

Al.

Oh that there were! that I could pour my blood Into his veins!

Mar.

Oh, oh!

Vice.

Take him up gently.

Mess.

Run for Physitians.

Al.

Surgeons.

Mess.

All helps else.

Vice.

This care of his recovery, timely practis'd, Would have express'd more of a Father in you, Then your impetuous clamors for revenge. But I shall find fit time to urge that further Hereafter to you; 'tis not fit for me To add weight to oppress'd calamitie.

Exeunt.