Two new playes ... written by Tho. Middleton, Gent.

Act. 4.

Scaen. 1.

Enter Andrugio.

Andr.

NOw Fortune shew thy self the Friend of Love, Make her way plain, and safe; cast all their eyes That guard the Castle, into a thicker blindness then thine own, Darker then Ignorance or Idolatry, That in that shape, my love may pass unknown, And by her freedom, set my comforts free. This is the place appointed for our meeting, Yet comes she, I am coveteous of her sight; That Gipsey habit alters her so far From knowledge that our purpose cannot erre; She might have been here now, by this time largely And much to spare: I would not miss her now In this plight, for the loss of a years joy. She's ignorant of this house, nor knows she where, Or which way to bestow her self through fear.

Enter Lactantio with a Guard.

Lact.

Close with him Gentlemen. In the Dutch∣ess name We do attach your body.

Andr.

How, my body! What means this rudeness?

Lact.

You adde to your offences, Calling that rudeness, that is fair command, Immaculate Justice, and the Dutchess pleasure.▪

Andr.

Seignior Lactantio, Oh are you the Speak∣er?

Lact.

I am what I am made.

Andr.

Shew me my crime.

Lact.

I fear you'll have too many shewn you Sir.

Andr.

The Father of untruths possesses thy spi∣rit, As he commands thy tongue: I defie fear, But in my love, it onely settles there.

Lact.

Bring him along.

Andr.

Let Laws severest browe Bend at my deeds, my innocence shall rise A shame to thee, and all my enemies:

Lact.

Y'are much the happier man.

Andr.

Oh my hard crosses; Grant me the third part of one hours stay.

Lact.

Sir, not a minute.

Andr.

Oh she's lost.

Lact.

Away.

Exeunt:

Scaen. 2.

Enter Aurelia like a Gipsey.

Aur.

I'm happily escap'd, not one pursues me, This shape's too cunning for 'em; all the sport was

The Porter would needs know his fortune of me As I past by him: 'Twas such a plunge to me, I knew not how to bear my self; at last I did resolve of somewhat, look'd in's hand, Then shook my head, bad him make much on's eyes, He would lose his sight clean, long before he dies, And so away went I, he lost the sight of me quickly. I told him his fortune truer for nothing, then some Of my Complexion, that would have couzen'd him of his money. This is the place of meeting; where's this man now, That has took all this care and pains for nothing? The use of him is at the last cast now, Shall onely bring me to my former face again, And see me somewhat cleanlier at his cost, And then farewel Andrugio; when I am handsome I'm for another straight: I wonder troth That he would miss me thus, I could have took Many occasions besides this, to have left him, I'm not in want, he need not give me any; A womans will has still enough to spare To help her friends, and need be: What, not yet? What will become of me in this shape then? If I know where to go, I'm no dissembler; And I'll not lose my part in one woman so, For such a triffle, to forswear my self▪ But comes he not indeed?

Enter Dondolo.

Dond▪

Oh ex'lent, by this light here's one of them. I thank my Stars: I learnt that phrase in the Half-Moon Tavern. By your leave good Gipsey, I pray how far off is your company?

Aur.

Oh happiness! This is the merry Fellow My love Seignior Lactantio takes delight in;

I'll send him away speedily, with the news Of my so strange and fortunate escape, And he'll provide my safety at an instant. My friend, thou serv'st Seignior Lactantio.

Dond.

Who I serve? Gipsey, I scorn your moti∣on; and if the rest of your company give me no better words, I will hinder 'em the stealing of more Pully then fifty Poulterers were ever worth, and prove a heavier enemy to all their Pig-booties; they shall travel like Jews, that hate Swines flesh, and never get a Sowe by th'ear all their life time. I serve Lactantio? I scorn to serve any Body, I am more Gipsey-minded then so; though my face look of a Christian colour, if my belly were ript up, you shall finde my heart as black as any patch about you. The truth is, I am as arrant a theif, as the proudest of your company, I'll except none: I am run away from my Master in the state of a Fool, and till I be a perfect knave, I never mean to return again.

Aur.

I'm nev'r the happier for this Fortune now, It did but mock me.

Dond.

Here they come: Here they come.

Enter a company of Gipseys, Men and Women, with Booties of Hens, and Ducks, &c. singing.

Musick.

SONG.

Cap.

Come my dainty Doxes, My Dells, my Dells most deer. We have neither House nor Land, Yet never want good cheer.

All.

We never want good cheer▪

Cap.

We take no care for Candle, Rents,

2:

We lie.

3.

We snort.

Cap.

We sport in Tents. Then rouze betimes, and steal our dinners. Our store is never taken Without Pigs, Hens, or Bacon, And that's good meat for sinners▪ At Wakes and Fairs we cozen, Poor Country folks by dozen▪ If one have money, be disburses, Whilst some tell fortunes, some pick purses▪ Rather then be out of use We'll steal Garters, Hose, or Shoes, Boots, or Spurs with gingling Rowels, Shirts or Napkins, Smocks or Towels. Come live with us, come live with us, All you that love your eases; He that's a Gipsey, May be drunk or tipsey, At what hour he pleases.

All.

We laugh, we quaff, we roar, we scuffle. We cheat, we drab, we filtch, we shuffle.

Dond.

Oh sweet! they deserve to be hang'd for ravishing of me.

Aur.

What will become of me, if I seem fearful now, Or offer sudden flight? then I betray my self; I must do neither.

Cap. Gips.

Ousabel, camcheteroon, puscatelion, hows-drows.

2.

Rumbos stragadelion Alla piskitch in Sows-clows. Oh, Oh!

Dond.

Piskitch in howse-clout.

I shall nev'r keep a good tongue in my head, till I get this Language.

Cap.

Umbra fill kevolliden, magro-pye.

Dond.

He calls her Magot o' pie.

Aur.

I love your Language well, but understand it not.

Cap.

Hah.

Aur.

I am but lately turn'd to your profession, Yet from my youth, I ever lov'd it deerly, But never could attain to't: Steal I can; It was a thing I ever was brought up to, My Father was a Miller, and my Mother A Taylors widow.

Dond.

She's a theif on both sides.

Cap.

Give me thy hand, thou art no Bastard born, We have not a more true bred theif amongst us.

All.

Not any Captain.

Dond.

I pray take me into some grace amongst you too, for though I claim no goodness from my parents to help me forward into your Society, I had two Uncles that were both hang'd for robberies, if that will serve your turn, and a brave cut-purse to my Cozen-german: If kinred will be taken, I am as neer a kin to a theif as any of you that had Fathers and Mothers.

Cap.

What is it thou requirest, noble Cozen?

Dond.

Cozen! nay, and we be so near a kin al∣ready, now we are sober, we shall be sworn Brothers when we are drunk: The naked truth is Sir, I would be made a Gipsey as fast as you could devise.

Cap.

A Gipsey!

Dond.

I with all the speed you can Sir; the very sight of those stoln Hens, eggs me forward horri∣bly

Cap.

Here's dainty Ducks too Boy.

Dond.

I see 'em but too well; I would they were all rotten rosted, and stuft with Onions.

Cap.

Lov'st thou the common food of Eygpt, Onions?

Dond.

I, and Garlick too: I have smelt out many a Knave by't; but I could never smell mine own breath yet, and that's many a mans fault; he can smell out a Knave in another sometimes three yards off, yet his Nose standing so nigh his mouth, he can never smell out himself.

Cap.

A pregnant Gipsey.

All.

A most witty sinner.

Cap.

Stretch forth thy hand Coz; art thou for∣tunate?

Dond.

How? fortunate! nay, I cannot tell that my self; wherefore do I come to you but to learn that? I have sometimes found money in old shooes, but if I had not stoln more then I have found, I had had but a scurvy thin-cheek'd fortune on't.

Cap.

Here's a fair Table.

Dond.

I, so has many a man, that has given over house-keeping, a fair Table, when there's neither cloth, nor meat upon't.

Cap.

What a brave line of life's here, look you Gipseys.

Dond.

I have known as brave a live end in a halter.

Cap.

But thou art born to pretious fortune.

Dond.

The Devil I am.

Cap.

Bette, Bucketto.

Dond.

How, to beat Bucks?

Cap.

Stealee Bacono.

Dond.

Oh, to steal Bacon, that's the better fortune o'th' two indeed.

Cap.

Thou wilt be shortly Captain of the Gip∣seys.

Dond.

I would you'ld make me Corporal i'th' mean time; Or Standard-bearer to the Womens Regiment.

Cap.

Much may be done for love.

Dond.

Nay here's some money: I know an Of∣fice comes not all for love; a Pox of your Lime∣twigs, you hav't all already.

Gap.

It lies but here in cash for thine own use Boy.

Dond.

Nay an't lie there once, I shall hardly come to the fingring on't in haste; yet make me an apt Scholler, and I care not: Teach me but so much Gipsey, to steal as much more from another, and the Devil do you good of that.

Cap.

Thou shalt have all thy heart requires: First, here's a Girl for thy desires, This Doxey fresh, this new come Dell Shall lie by thy sweet side and swell: Get me Gipseys brave and tauny; With Cheek full plump, and Hip full brauny. Look you prove industrious dealers To serve the Commonwealth with stealers, That th'unhous'd race of Fortune-tellers May never fail to cheat Town-dwellers; Or to our universal grief, Leave Country Fairs without a Theif. This is all you have to do, Save ev'ry hour a filch or two, Be it money, cloth or pullen, When the ev'nings browe looks sullen. Loose no time, for then 'tis pretious, Let your sleights be fine, facetious; Which hoping you'll observe, to try thee With rusty Bacon, thus I Gipsifie thee.

Dond.

Do you use to do't with Bacon.

Cap.

Evermore:

Dond.

By this light, the Rats will take me now for some Hogs Cheek, and eat up my face when I am asleep; I shall have nev'r a bit left by to morrow morning; and lying open mouth'd as I use to do, I shall look for all the world like a Mouse-trap baited with Bacon.

Cap.

Why here's a face like thine, so done, Onely grain'd in by the Sun, and this, and these.

Dond.

Faith, then there's a company of Bacon faces of you, and I am one now to make up the number: We are a kinde of conscionable people, and 'twere well thought upon for to steal Bacon, and black our faces with't; Tis like one that commits sin, and writes his faults in his forehead.

Cap.

Wit whether wilt thou?

Dond.

Marry to the next pocket I can come at; and if it be a Gentlemans, I wish a whole quarters rent in't: Is this my in dock, out nettle. What's Gipsey for her?

Cap.

Your doxey she.

Dond.

Oh right, are you my doxey sirra.

Aur.

I'll be thy doxey, and thy dell. With thee I'll live, for thee I'll steal: From Fair to Fair, from Wake to Wake, I'll ramble still for thy sweet sake.

Dond.

Oh dainty fine doxey; she speaks the Lan∣guage as familiarly already, as if sh'ad been begot of a Canter. I pray Captain, what's gipsey for the hind quarter of a Woman?

Cap.

Nosario.

Dond▪

Nosario: Why what's gipsey for my Nose then?

Cap.

Why Arsinio.

Dond.

Arsinio? Faith 'me thinks you might have devised a sweeter word for't.

Enter Father and Governor.

Cap.

Stop, stop, fresh booties, Gentle folks, Seignioroes, Calavario, Fulkadelio.

2 Gip.

La gnambrol a tumbrel.

Dond.

How: Give me one word amongst you, that I may be doing too.

Aur.

Yonder they are again, Oh guiltiness, Thou put'st more trembling fear into a Maid Then the first wedding night. Take courage wench Thy face cannot betray thee with a blush now.

Fath.

Which way she took her flight Sir, none can ghess, Or how she scap't:

Govern.

Out at some Window certainly.

Fath.

Oh 'tis a bold daring Baggage.

Govern.

See good fortune Sir, The Gipseys, they're the cunningst people living.

Fath.

They cunning? what a confidence have you Sir, No wiseman's faith was ever set in fortunes.

Govern.

You are the wilfulst man against all learn∣ing still: I will be hang'd now, if I hear not news of her a∣mongst this company.

Fath.

You are a Gentleman of the flatt'ring'st hopes That ev'r lost woman yet.

Govern.

Come hither Gipsey.

Aur.

Luck now, or I'm undone,—What says my Master, Bless me with a silver cross, And I will tell you all your loss.

Govern.

Lo you there Sir, all my loss, at first word too,

There is no cunning in these Gipseys now.

Fath

Sure I'll hear more of this.

Govern.

Here's silver for you.

Aur.

Now attend your fortunes story, You lov'd a Maid.

Govern.

Right.

Aur.

She never lov'd you. You shall finde my words are true.

Govern.

'Mass I am afraid so.

Aur.

You were about To keep her in, but could not do't. Alas the while she would not stay The cough o'th' Lungs blew her away; And which is worse, you'll be so crost, You'll never finde the thing that's lost; Yet oftentimes your sight will fear her, She'll be near you, and yet you nev'r the nearer. Let her go, and be the gladder; She'ld but shame you, if you had her. Ten Counsellors could never school her, She'is so wilde, you could not rule her.

Govern.

In troth I am of thy minde, yet Il'ld fain finde her.

Aur.

Soonest then, when you least minde her; But if you mean to take her tripping, Make but haste, she's now a shipping.

Govern.

I ever dreamed so much.

Fath.

Hie to the Key, We'll mar your voyage, you shall brook no Sea.

Exit Father and Governor.

Cap.

Cheteroon: High Gulleroon▪

Dond.

Filcheroon, pursse-fulleroon: I can say some∣what too.

All.

Excellent Gipsey, witty rare Doxey:

Dond.

I would not change my Dell for a dozen of black Bell-weathers.

Cap.

Our wealth swells high my Boys.

Dond.

Our wealth swells high my Boys.

Cap.

Let ev'ry Gipsey Dance with his Doxey, And then drink, drink for joy.

Dond.

Let ev'ry Gipsey Dance with his Doxey, And then drink, drink for joy:

All.

And then drink, drink for joy.

Exit with a strange wilde fashion'd dance to the Hoboys or Cornets.

Scaen 3.

Enter Dutchess, Lord Cardinal, and other Lords, Celia.

L. Card.

That which is meerly call'd a will in wo∣man, I cannot always title it with a vertue.

Dutch.

Oh good Sir spare me.

L. Card.

Spare your self, good Madam. Extreamest Justice is not so severe To great offenders, as your own forc'd strictness To beauty, youth and time; you'll answer for't.

Dutch.

Sir settle your own peace, let me make mine.

L. Card.

But here's a heart must pity it, when it thinks on't, I finde compassion, though the smart be yours.

1 Lord.

None here but do's the like.

2 Lord.

Believe it Madam, You have much wrong'd your time.

1 Lord.

Nay, let your Grace But think upon the barrenness of succession.

2 Lord.

Nay more, a Vow enforc'd.

Dutch.

What do you all Forsake me then, and take part with you man; Not one friend have I left I do they all fight

Under th'inglorious banner of his censure, Serve under his opinion?

L. Card.

So will all Madam, Whose judgments can but taste a rightful cause, I look for more force yet; nay, your own women Will shortly rise against you, when they know The war to be so just and honorable As marriage is: You cannot name that woman, Will not come ready arm'd for such a cause: Can Chastity be any whit impair'd By that which makes it perfect? Answer Madam, Do you profess constancy, and yet live alone? How can that hold! y'are constant then to none. That's a dead vertue, goodness must have practice, Or else it ceases; then is woman said To be love chaste, knowing but one mans bed: A mighty vertue; beside, fruitfulness Is part of the salvation of your sex; And the true use of Wedlocks time and space, Is womans exercise for Faith and Grace.

Dutch.

Oh what have you done my Lord?

L. Card.

Laid the way plain To knowledge of your self and your Creation, Unbound a forced Vow, that was but knit By the strange jealousie of your dying Lord, Sinful i'th' fastning.

Dutch.

All the powres of Constancy Will curse you for this deed.

L. Card.

You speak in pain Madam, And so I take your words, like one in sickness That rails at his best friend: I know a change Of disposition has a violent working In all of us; 'tis fit it should have time And councel with it self: May you be fruitful Ma∣dam In all the blessings of an honor'd love.

1 Lord.

In all your wishes fortunate, and I The cheif of 'em my self.

L. Card.

Peace be at your heart Lady.

1 Lord.

And love, say I.

L. Card.

We'll leave good thoughts now, to bring in themselves.

Exit Lords.

Dutch.

O there's no art like a religious cunning, It carries away all things smooth before it. How subtilly has his wit dealt with the Lords To fetch in their perswasions, to a business That stands in need of none, yeilds of it self As most we women do, when we seem farthest? But little thinks the Cardinal he's requited After the same proportion of deceit As he sets down for others.

Enter Page.

Oh here's the pretty Boy, he preferr'd to me, I never saw a meeker, gentler youth Yet made for mans beginning: How unfit Was that poor fool, to be Lactantio's Page, He would have spoil'd him quite, in one year utterly, There had been no hope of him. Come hither childe, I have forgot thy name.

Page.

Antonio, Madam.

Dutch.

Antonio! so thou toldst me; I must chide thee, Why didst thou weep, when thou cam'st first to serve me?

Page.

At the distrust of mine own merits Ma∣dam, Knowing I was not born to those deserts To please so great a Mistress.

Dutch.

'Las poor Boy,

That's nothing in thee, but thy modest fear Which makes amends faster then thou canst erre: It shall be my care to have him well brought up As a youth apt for good things. Celia—

Cel.

Madam.

Dutch.

Has he bestow'd his hour to day for Mu∣sick?

Cel

Yes, he has Madam.

Dutch.

How do you finde his voice?

Cel.

A pretty womanish faint sprawling voice Madam, But 'twill grow strong in time, if he take care To keep it when he has it from fond exercises.

Dutch.

Give order to the dancing School-master, Observe an hour with him:

Cel.

It shall be done Lady; He is well made for dancing, thick i'th' Chest Madam, He will turn long and strongly.

Dutch.

He shall not be behinde a quality, That aptness in him or our cost can purchase, And see he lose no time.

Cel.

I'll take that order Madam.

Page.

Singing and dancing! 'las my case is worse, I rather need a Midwife, and a Nurse.

Exit Celia and Page.

Dutch.

Lactantio, my procurer not return'd yet? His malice, I have fitted with an office, Which he takes pleasure to discharge with rigor: He comes, and with him, my hearts Conqueror, My pleasing thraldom's near.

Enter General, Lactantio and the Guard.

Andr.

Not know the cause?

Lact.

Yes, you shall soon do that now, to the ruine

Of your neck-part, or some nine years imprison∣ment, You meet with mercy, and you scape with that; Beside your Lands all begg'd and seis'd upon; That's admirable favor. Here's the Dutchess.

Dutch.

Oh Sir y'are welcome.

Lact.

Marry bless me still From such a welcome.

Dutch.

You are hard to come by, It seems Sir by the guilt of your long stay.

Andr.

My guilt good Madam.

Dutch.

Sure y'had much a do To take him, had you not? speak truth Lactantio, And leave all favor, were you not in danger?

Lact.

Faith something neer it Madam: He grew head-strong, Furious and fierce; but 'tis not my condition To speak the worst things of mine enemy Madam, Therein I hold mine honor: But had fury Burst into all the violent storms that ever Plaid over anger in tempestuous man. I would have brought him to your Graces presence, Dead or alive.

Dutch.

You would not Sir?

Andr.

What pride Of pamper'd blood has mounted up to this puckfoist? If any way uncounsel'd of my judgment, My ignorance has stept into some error, (Which I could heart'ly curse) and so brought on me Your great displeasure, let me feel my sin In the full weight of Justice, vertuous Madam, And let it wake me throughly. But chaste Lady, Out of the bounty of your Grace, permit not This perfum'd parcel of curl'd powder'd hair To cast me in the poor rellish of his censure.

Dutch.

It shall not need good Sir; we are our self Of power sufficient to judge you, nev'r doubt it Sir. Withdraw Lactantio; carefully place your Guard I'th' next Room.

Lact.

You'll but fare the worse; You see your niceness spoils you; you'll go nigh now To feel your sin indeed.

Exit Lactantio and Guard:

Andr.

Hell-mouth be with thee. Was ever malice seen yet to gape wider For mans misfortunes?

Dutch.

First Sir, I should think You could not be so impudent to deny, What your own knowledge proves to you.

Andr.

That were a sin Madam, More gross then flattery spent upon a villain.

Dutch.

Your own confession dooms you Sir.

Andr.

Why Madam.

Dutch.

Do not you know I made a serious vow At my Lords death, never to marry more?

Andr.

That's a truth Madam, I'm a witness to.

Dutch.

Is't so Sir? you'll be taken presently, This man needs no accuser. Knowing so much, How durst you then attempt so bold a business As to sollicite me (so strictly setled) With tempting Letters, and loose lines of love?

Andr.

Who I do't Madam?

Dutch.

Sure the man will shortly Deny he lives, although he walks and breath.

Andr.

Better destruction snatch me quick from sight Of humane eyes, then I should sin so boldly.

Dutch.

'Twas well I kept it then from rage or fire, For my truths credit: Look you Sir, read out,

You know the hand and name:

Andr.

Andrugio!

Dutch.

And if such things be fit, the world shall judge!

Andr.

Madam.

Dutch.

Pish; that's not so; it begins otherwise Pray look again Sir; how you'ld slight your know∣ledge.

Andr.

By all the reputation I late won.

Dutch.

Nay, and you dare not read Sir, I am gone.

Andr.

Read? most fair Dutchess.

Dutch.

Oh, have you found it now? There's a sweet flatt'ring phrase for a beginning, You thought belike, that would o'rcome me.

Andr.

I Madam?

Dutch.

Nay on Sir, you are slothful▪

Andr.

The report of your Vow shall not fear me.

Dutch.

No? are you so resolute? 'Tis well for you Sir:

Andr.

I know y'are but a woman.

Dutch.

Well, what then Sir?

Andr.

And what a woman is, a wiseman knows.

Dutch.

Let him know what he can, he's glad to get us.

Andr.

Perhaps my condition may seem blunt to you.

Dutch:

Well; we finde no fault with your blunt∣ness.

Andr.

But no mans love can be more sharp set.

Dutch.

I there's good stuff now.

Andr.

And I know desires in both sexes have skill at that weapon.

Dutch.

Weapon! You begin like a Flatterer, and end like a Fencer. Are these fit lines now to be sent to us?

Andr.

Now by the honor of a man, his truth Madam, My name's abus'd.

Dutch.

Fie, fie, deny your hand! I will not deny mine; here take it freely Sir, And with it my true constant heart for ever. I never disgrac'd man that sought my favor.

Andr.

What mean you Madam?

Dutch.

To requite you Sir By curtesie, I hold my reputation, And you shall taste it: Sir, in as plain truth As the old time walk'd in, when love was simple And knew no art, nor guile, I affect you; My heart has made her choice. I love you Sir Above my vow; the frown that met you first, Wore not the livery of anger Sir, But of deep policy: I made your enemy The Instrument for all; there you may praise me, And 'twill not be ill given.

Andr.

Here's a strange Language! The constancy of love bless me from learning on't, Although ambition would soon teach it others. Madam, the service of whole life is yours. But—

Dutch.

Enough; thou'rt mine for ever. Within there.

Enter Lactantio, and the Guard.

Lact.

Madam.

Dutch.

Lay hands upon him, bear him hence, See he be kept close prisoner in our Pallace, The time's not yet ripe for our Nuptial Sollace.

Exit.

Lact.

This you could clear your self.

Andr.

There's a voice that wearies me More then mine own distractions.

Lact.

You are innocent?

Andr.

I have not a time idle enough from passion, To give this Devil an answer: Oh she's lost! Curst be that love, by which a better's crost. There my heart's setled.

Lact.

How is he disgrac'd, And I advanc'd in love? Faith he that can Wish more to his enemy, is a spightful man, And worthy to be punish'd.

Exeunt.