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. 2. Scaen. 1.

Enter Matilda, Beatrix, and two Women.

NO matter for the Ring I ask'd you for: The Boy not to be found?

Bea.

Nor heard of, Madam:

1 Wo.

He hath been sought and searcht for, house by house, Nay, every nook of the City, but to no purpose.

2 Wo.

And how he should escape hence, the Lord Manfroy Being so vigilant ore the guards, appears A thing impossible.

Mat.

I never saw him Since he swouned in the presence, when my Father Gave audience to the Ambassador: but I feel A sad miss of him; on any slight occasion He would find out such pretty arguments To make me sport, and with such witty sweetness Deliver his opinion, that I must Ingeniously confess his harmless mirth, When I was most opprest with care, wrought more In the removing of it, then musick on me.

Bea.

An't please your Excellence, I have observ'd him Waggishly witty; yet sometimes on the sudden He would be very pensive, and then talk So feelingly of love, as if he had Tasted the bitter sweets of't.

1 Wo.

He would tell too a pretty tale of a sister that had been

Deceiv'd by her Sweetheart; and then weeping swear He wonder'd how men could be false

2 Wo.

And that when he was a Knight, he would be the Ladies Champion, And travel ore the world to kill such Lovers As durst play false with their Mistresses:

Mat.

I am sure I want his company

Enter Manfroy (with a Letter.)

There are Letters, Madam, In post come from the Duke; but I am charg'd By the careful bringer, not to open them But in your presence.

Mat.

Heaven preserve my Father! Good news, an't be thy will!

Manf.

Patience must arm you against what's ill.

Mat.

I'll hear 'em in my Cabinet:

Exeunt.

Enter Galeazo and Ascanio (with a Ring.)

Gal

Why have you left the safety of the City And service of the Princess, to partake The dangers of the Camp? and at a time too When the Armies are in view, and every minute The dreadful charge expected.

Asc.

You appear so far beyond your self, as you are now Arm'd like a soldier, (though I grant your presence Was ever gracious) that I grow enamour'd Of the profession, in the horror of it There is a kind of majesty.

Gal.

But too heavy to sit on thy soft shoulders, Youth; retire

To the Dukes tent that's guarded.

Asc.

Sir, I come To serve you: Knights adventurers are allow'd Their Pages; and I bring a will that shall Supply my want of power.

Gal.

To serve me, boy! I wish (believe it) that 'twere in my nerves To do thee any service; and thou shalt If I survive the fortune of this day, Be satisfied I am serious.

Asc.

I am not To be put off so, sir: since you do neglect My offer'd duty, I must use the power I bring along with me, that may command you: You have seen this Ring.

Gal.

Made rich by being worne upon the Princess finger.

Asc.

'Tis a favour To you, by me sent from her: view it better; But why coy to receive it?

Gal.

I am unworthy Of such a blessing, I have done nothing yet That may deserve it; no Commanders blood Of th'adverse party hath yet dy'd my sword Drawn out in her defence. I must not take it. This were a triumph for me when I had Made Florence Duke my prisoner, and compell'd him To kneel for mercy at her feet.

Asc.

'Twas sent, sir, To put you in mind whose cause it is you fight for; And as I am her creature, to revenge A wrong to me done.

Gal.

By what man?

Asc.

Alonzo.

Gal.

Th'Ambassador?

Asc.

The same:

Gal.

Let it suffice, I know him by his armor and his horse; And if we meet — I am cut off, the Alarum Commands me hence: sweet Youth, fall off.

Asc.

I must not; you are too noble to receive a wound Upon your back; and following close behind you, I am secure, though I could wish my bosom Were your defence.

Gal.

Thy kindness will undo thee.

Exeunt

Enter Lorenzo, Alonzo, Pisano, Martino.

Lor.

We'll charge the main Battalia, fall you Upon the Van, preserve your Troops intire To force the Rear: he dies that breaks his ranks, Till all be ours and sure.

Pisa.

'Tis so proclaim'd.

Exeunt.

Enter Galeazzo, Ascanio, and Alonzo.

Gal.

'Tis he, Ascanio: Stand!

Alon.

I never shunn'd A single opposition; but tell me Why in the battel, of all men, thou hast Made choice of me?

Gal.

Look on this Youth; his cause Sits on my sword

Alon.

I know him not.

Gal.

I'll help your memory.

Fight

Asc.

What have I done? I am doubtful To whom to wish the victory; for still My resolution wavering, I so love The enemy that wrong'd me, that I cannot Without repentance wish success to him That seeks to do me right. — Alas he's faln. Alonzo falls. As you are gentle, hold sir! or if I want

Power to perswade so far, I conjure you By her lov'd name I am sent from.

Gal.

'Tis a charm Too strong to be resisted: He is yours. Yet why should you make suit to save that life Which you so late desir'd should be cut off For injuries receiv'd, begets my wonder.

Asc.

Alas, we foolish spleenful boys would have We know not what: I have some private reasons, But now not to be told.

Gal.

Shall I take him prisoner?

Asc.

By no means, sir; I will not save his life To rob him of his honor: when you give, Give not by halves: One short word, and I follow.

Exit Galeazo.

My Lord Alonzo, if you have receiv'd A benefit, and would know to whom you owe it, Remember what your entertainment was At old Octavio's house, one you call'd friend, And how you did return it.

Exit.

Alon.

I remember I did not well; but it is now no time To think upon't; my wounded honor calls For reparation, I must quench my fury For this disgrace in blood, and some shall smart for't.

Exit.

Enter Vberti, Farneze(wounded.)

Far.

O Prince Vberti, valour cannot save us; The body of our Army's pierc'd and broken, The wings are routed, and our scattered Troops Not to be rallied up.

Vber

'Tis yet some comfort, The enemy must say we were not wanting In courage or direction; and we may Accuse the powers above us partial, when

A good cause, well defended too, must suffer For want of fortune.

Far.

All is lost; the Duke Too far engag'd, I fear, to be brought off: Three times I did attempt his rescue, but With odds was beaten back: Only the stranger (I speak it to my shame) still follow'd him, Cutting his way; but 'tis beyond my hopes That either should return.

Uber.

That noble stranger, Whom I in my proud vanity of greatness As one unknown contemn'd, when I was thrown Out of my saddle by the great Dukes lance, Hors'd me again in spight of all that made Resistance; and then whisper'd in mine ear, Fight bravely Prince Uberti, there's no way else To the fair Matilda's favour.

Far.

'Twas done nobly.

Uber.

In you, my bosom friend; I had call'd it noble: But such a courtesie from a Rival, merits The highest attribute.

Enter Galeazo and Gonzaga.

Far.

Stand on your guard, we are pursu'd.

Uber.

Preserv'd! wonder on wonder.

Far.

The Duke in safety?

Gon.

Pay your thanks, Farneze, To this brave man, if I may call him so, Whose acts were more then humane: if thou art My better Angel, from my infancie Design'd to guard me, like thy self appear, For sure thou art more then mortal.

Gal.

No, great sir, A weak and sinful man, though I have done you Some prosperous service, that hath found your favour, I am lost to my self; but lose not you The offer'd opportunity to delude The hot pursuing enemy: these woods Nor the dark vail of night cannot conceal you, If you dwell long here: You may rise again, But I am faln for ever.

Far.

Rather borne up To the supreme sphere of honor.

Uber.

I confess my life your gift.

Gon.

My liberty: You have snatch'd The wreath of conquest from the Victors head, And do alone in scorn of Lorenzo's fortune Though we are slav'd, by true heroick valour Deserve a triumph.

Uber.

From whence then proceeds this poor dejection?

Gal:

In one suit I'll tell you, Which I beseech you grant: — I lov'd your daughter, But how? as beggers in their wounded fancie Hope to be Monarchs: I long languish'd for her, But did receive no Cordial, but what Despair my rough Physitian prescrib'd me. At length her goodness and compassion found it. And whereas I expected, and with reason, The distance and disparity consider'd Between her birth and mine, she would contemn me, The Princess gave me comfort.

Gon.

In what measure?

Gal.

She did admit me for her Knight and servant, And spurr'd me to do something in this battel Fought for her liberty, that might not blemish So fair a favour.

Gonza.

This you hrve perform'd to th'height of admiration.

Uber.

I subscribe to't, that am your Rival.

Gal.

You are charitable: But how short of my hopes, nay the assurance Of those atchievements which my love and youth Already held accomplisn'd, this days fortune Must sadly answer. What I did, she gave me The strength to do; her piety preserv'd Her Father; and her gratitude for the dangers You threw your self into for her defence, Protected you by me her instrument: But when I came to strike in mine own cause, And to do somthing so remarkable, That should at my return command her thanks And gracious entertainment, then alas I fainted like a coward; I made a vow too (And it is registred) ne'r to presume To come into her presence, if I brought not Her fears and dangers bound in fetters to her, Which now's impossible. — Hark, the enemy Makes his approaches: save your selves, this only Deliver to her Sweetness; I have done My poor endeavours, and pray her not repent Her goodness to me: May you live to serve her, This loss recover'd, with a happier fate, And make use of this sword: Arms I abjure, And conversation of men; I'll seek out Some unfrequented cave, and die Loves martyr.

Exit

Gonza.

Follow him.

Uber.

'Tis in vain; his nimble feet Have born him from my sight.

Gonza.

I suffer for him:

Far.

We share in it, but must not sir forget Your means of safety.

Uber.

In the war I have serv'd you, And to the death will follow you.

Gonz.

'Tis not fit, We must divide our selves. My daughter, if I retain yet A Soveraigns power ore thee, or friends with you, Do, and dispute not; by my example change Your habits: As I thus put off my purple, Ambition dies; this garment of a shepherd Left here by chance will serve; in lieu of it I leave this to the owner. Raise new forces, And meet me at S. Leo's Fort; my daughter, As I commanded Manfroy, there will meet us. The City cannot hold out, we must part, Farewell, thy hand —

Far.

You still shall have my heart.

Exeunt.

Enter Lorenzo, Alonzo, Pisano, Martino, Captains, Soldiers.

Loren.

The day is ours, though it cost dear; yet 'tis not Enough to get a victory, if we lose The true use of it. We have hitherto Held back your forward swords, and in our fear Of ambushes, deferr'd the wish'd reward Due to your bloody toil: But now give freedom, Nay, licence to your fury and revenge; Now glut your selves with prey, let not the night Nor these thick woods give sanctuary to The fear-struck Hares our Enemies: fire these trees, And force the wretches to forsake their holes, And offer their scorch'd bodies to your swords,

Or burn'em as a sacrifice to your angers. Who brings Gonzaga's head, or takes him prisoner, (Which I incline to rather) that he may Be sensible of those tortures, which I vow T'inflict upon him, for denial of His daughter to our bed) shall have a Blank With our hand and signet made authentical, In which he may write down himself, what wealth Or honors he desires

Alon.

The great Dukes will shall be obeyed

Pisa.

Put it in execution.

Mar.

Begirt the wood, and fire it.

Sold.

Follow, follow.

Exeunt.

Enter Farneze (with a Florentine soldiers coat.)

Uberti, Prince Uberti! O my friend Dearer then life! I have lost thee. Cruel fortune, Unsatisfied with our sufferings! We no sooner Were parted from the Duke, and even then ready To make a mutual farewel, when a troop Of the enemies horse fell on us: we were forc'd To take the woods again, but in our flight Their hot pursuit divided us: we had been happy If we had died together; to survive him To me is worse then death, and therefore should not Embrace the means of my escape, though offer'd. When nature gave us life, she gave a burthen, But at our pleasure not to be cast off, Though weary of it; and my reason prompts me, This habit of a Florentine which I took From a dying soldier, may keep me unknown Till opportunity mark me out a way For flight, and with security.

Enter Uberti.

Was there ever such a night of horror?

Far.

My friends voice! I now In part forgive thee, fortune.

Uber.

The wood flames, The bloody sword devours all that it meets, And death in several shapes rides here in triumph. I am like a Stag clos'd in a toil; my life As soon as found, the cruel Huntsmans prey: Why fliest thou then what is inevitable? Better to fall with manly wounds before Thy cruel Enemy, then survive thine honor: And yet to charge him, and die unreveng'd, Meer desperation.

Far.

Heroick spirit!

Uber.

Mine own life I contemn, and would not save it But for the future service of the Duke And safety of his daughter; having means, If I escape, to raise a second Army, And what is nearest to me, to enjoy My friend Farneze.

Far.

I am still his care:

Uber.

What shall I do? If I call loud, the foe That hath begirt the wood, will hear the sound. Shall I return by the same path? I cannot, The darkness of the night conceals it from me: Something I must resolve.

Far.

Let friendship rouze Thy sleeping soul, Farneze: wilt thou suffer Thy friend, a Prince, nay one that may set free Thy captiv'd Country, perish, when 'tis in Thy power with this disguise to save his life? Thou hast liv'd too long, therefore resolve to die;

Thou hast seen thy Country ruin'd, and thy Master Compell'd to shameful flight, the fields and woods Straw'd ore with carkasses of thy fellow-soldiers: The miseries thou art faln in, and before Thy eyes the horror of this place, and thousand Calamities to come; and after all these Can any hope remain? shake off delays, Dost thou doubt yet? To save a Citizen, The conquering Roman in a General Esteem'd the highest honor; can it be then Inglorious to preserve a Prince? thy friend? Uberti, Prince Uberti, use this means Of thy escape; conceal'd in this thou maist Pass through the enemies guards: the time denies Longer discourse; thou hast a noble end, Live therefore mindful of thy dyng friend:

Exit.

Uber.

Farneze, stay thy hasty steps: Farneze! Thy friend Uberti cals thee: 'tis in vain, He's gone to death an Innocent, and makes life The benefit he confers on me, my guilt. Thou art too covetous of anothers safety, Too prodigal, and careless of thine own: 'Tis a deceit in friendship to enjoin me To put this garment on, and live, that he May have alone the honor to die nobly. O cruel piety, in our equal danger To rob thy self of that thou givest thy friend! It must not be, I will restore his gift And die before him. How? where shall I find him? Thou art orecome in friendship; yield Uberti To the extremity of the time, and live: A heavy ransom, but it must be paid. I will put on this habit: pittying Heaven As it loves goodness, may protect my friend, And give me means to satisfie the debt I stand engag'd for; if not, pale despair

I dare thy worst, thou canst but bid me die, And so much I'll force from an enemie.

Exit.

Enter Alonzo, Pisano, Farneze (bound) Soldiers (with torches) Farneze's sword in one of the Soldiers hands.

Alon.

I know him, he's a man of ransom.

Pisa.

True, but if he live 'tis to be paid to me:

Alon.

I forc'd him to the woods.

Pisa.

But my art found him, Nor will I brook a partner in the prey My fortune gave me.

Alon.

Render him, or expect the point of this.

Pisa.

Wer't lightning, I would meet it Rather then be outbrav'd.

Alon.

I thus decide the difference.

Pisa.

My sword shall plead my title.

They fight

Enter Lorenzo, Martino, two Captains.

Lor.

Ha! where learn'd you this discipline? my Commanders Oppos'd 'gainst one another? what blind fury Brings forth this brawl? Alonzo and Pisano At bloody difference! hold, or I tilt At both as enemies. Now speak, how grew This strange division?

Pisa.

Against all right; By force Alonzo strives to reap the harvest Sown by my labour.

Alon.

Sir, this is my prisoner, The purchase of my sword, which proud Pisano That hath no interest in him, would take from me.

Pisa.

Did not the presence of the Duke forbid me, I would say —

Alon.

What?

Pisa.

Tis false.

Lor.

Before my face! Keep 'em asunder. And was this the cause Of such a mortal quarrel? this the base To raise your fury on? the tyes of blood, Of fellowship in arms, respect, obedience To me your Prince and General, no more Prevailing on you? this a price for which You would betray our victory, or wound Your reputation with mutinies? Forgetful of your selves, allegiance, honor? This is a course to throw us headlong down From that proud height of empire, upon which We were securely seared: shall division Oreturn what concord built? If you desire To bath your swords in blood, the enemy Still flies before you: Would you have spoil? the Country Lies open to you. O unheard of madness! What greater mischief could Gonzaga wish us, Then you pluck on our heads? no, my brave Leaders, Let unity dwell in our tents, and discord Be banish'd to our enemies

Alon.

Take the prisoner, I do give up my title.

Pisa.

I desire your friendship, and will buy it: He is yours.

[They embrace.]

Alon.

No man's a faithful Judg in his own cause; Let the Duke determine of him, we are friends sir.

Lor.

Shew it in emulation to oretake The flying foe; this cursed wretch dispos'd of, With our whole strength we'll follow.

Exe. Alonz. and Pisa, embracing.

Far.

Death at length Will set a period to calamity.

I see it in this Tyrants frowns haste to me.

Enter Uberti like a soldier, and shuffles in among 'em.

Lor.

Thou machine of this mischief, look to feel Whate're the wrath of an incensed Prince Can pour upon thee: With thy blood I'll quench (But drawn forth slowly) the invisible flames Of discord, — by thy charms first fetch'd from Hell, Then forc'd into the breasts of my Commanders. — Bring forth the tortures.

Vber.

Hear, victorious Duke, The story of my miserable fortune, Of which this Villain (by your sacred tongue Condemn'd to die) was the immediate cause: And if my humble suit have justice in it, Vouchsafe to grant it.

Lor.

Soldier be brief; our anger can brook no long delay.

Vber.

I am the last Of three sons, by one father got, and train'd up With his best care for service in your wars: My father dyed under his fatal hand, And two of my poor brothers. Now I hear Or fancie wounded by my grief, deludes me, Their pale and mangled ghosts, crying for ven∣geance On perjury and murther. Thus the case stood. — My father (on whose face he he durst not look In equal mart) by his fraud circumvented, Became his Captive: we his sons lamenting Our old sires hard condition, freely offer'd Our utmost for his ransom. That refus'd, The subtile Tyrant for his cruel ends, (Conceiving that our piety might insnare us)

Propos'd my Fathers head to be redeem'd, If two of us would yield our selves his slaves. We upon any terms resolv'd to save him, Though with the loss of life which he gave to us; With an undaunted constancie drew lots (For each of us contented to be one) Who should preserve our Father: I was exempted, But to my more affliction; my brothers Delivered up; the perjur'd Homicide Laughing in scorn, and by his hoary locks Pulling my wretched Father on his knees, Said thus, Receive the Father you have ransom'd; And instantly struck off his head.

Lor.

Most barbarous!

Far.

I never saw this man.

Lor.

One murmur more, I'll have thy tongue pull'd out. Proceed.

Uber.

Conceive, sir, How thunder-struck we stood, being made spectators Of such an unexpected tragedy: Yet this was a beginning, not an end To his intended cruelty; for pursuing Such a revenge, as no Hircanian tigress Rob'd of her whelps durst aim at, in a moment Treading upon my Fathers trunk, he cut off My pious Brothers heads, and threw'em at me. Oh what a spectacle was this! what mountain Of sorrow overwhelm'd me! My poor heartstrings As tenter'd by his tyrannie, crack'd; my knees Beating 'gainst one another, groans and tears Blended together followed; not one passion Calamity ever yet express'd, forgotten. Now mighty sir, (bathing your feet with tears) Your suppliants suit is, that he may have leave With any cruelty revenge can fancie, To sacrifice this Monster, to appease

My Fathers ghost and Brothers.

Lor.

Thou hast obtain'd it; choose any torture; let the memory Of what thy Father and thy Brothers suffer'd Make thee ingenious in it, such a one As Phalaris would wish to be call'd his. Martino, guarded with your soldiers, see The execution done; but bring his head On forfeiture of your own, to us: Our presence Long since was elswhere look'd for.

Ex. cum suit.

Mar.

Soldier to work; take any way thou wils for thy revenge, Provided that he die: his body's thine, But I must have his head.

Uber.

I have already Concluded of the manner: O just heaven, The instrument I wish'd for offer'd me!

Mar.

Why art thou rapp'd thus?

Uber:

In this soldiers hand I see the murtherers own sword, I know it, Yes, this is it by which my Father and My brothers were beheaded: Noble Captain Command it to my hand. Stand forth and tremble; This weapon of late drunk with innocent blood Shall now carouse thine own. Pray, if thou canst; For though the world shall not redeem thy body, I would not kill thy soul.

Far.

Canst thou believe There is a heaven, or hell, or soul? thou hast none. In death to rob me of my fame, my honor, With such a forged lye? tell me thou hangman, Where did I ever see thy face? or when Murder'd thy sire or brothers? look on me And make it good: thou dar'st not.

Uber.

Yes I will

[Unbinds his arms]

In one short whisper, and that told thou art dead.

I am Uberti; take thy sword, fight bravely, We'll live or die together.

Mar.

We are betraid.

Far.

And have I leave once more, brave Prince, to ease

Mar. struck down, the soldiers run away.

My head on thy true bosom?

Uber.

I glory more To be thy friend, then in the name of Prince Or any higher title.

Far.

My preserver!

Uber.

The life you gave to me, I but return; And pardon, dearest friend, the bitter language Necessity made me use.

Far.

O sir, I am Outdone in all; but comforted, that none But you can wear the laurel,

Uber.

Here's no place Or time to argue this; let us flie hence.

Far.

I follow.

Exeunt.

Mar.

A thousand Furies keep you company! I was at the gate of — but now I feel My wounds not mortal; I was but astonish'd, And coming to my self, I find I am Reserv'd for the gallows: there's no looking on Th'enraged Duke, excuses will not serve, I must do something that may get my pardon: If not, I know the worst, a halter ends all.

Exit.