Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

ACT III.

Scene 15.

Enter the General, and Affectionata.

LOrd Singularity.

Affectionata, Were you never bred to the Discipline of War?

Affectionata.

Never, my Lord, but what I have been since I came to you.

Lord Singularity.

Why, thou didst speak at the Council of War, as if thou hadst been an old experienced souldier, having had the practice of fourty years, which did so astonish the grave Senators and old Souldiers, that they grew dumb, and for a while did only gaze on thee.

Affectionata.

Indeed, my Lord, my young years, and your grave Counsel did not suit together.

Lord Singularity.

But let me tell thee, my boy, thy rational and wise spee∣ches, and that grave counsels was not mis-match'd.

Affectionata.

Pray Heaven I may prove so, as your favours, and your love may not be thought misplaced.

Lord Singularity.

My Love thinks thee worthy of more than I can give thee, had I more power than Caesar had.

Exeunt.

Scene 16.

Enter some Commanders.

1. COmmander.

I hear that the Duke of Venice is so taken with our Ge∣nerals adopted Son, as he will adopt him his Son.

2. Commander.

Hay-day! I have heard that a Father hath had many Sons, but never that one Son hath had so many Fathers; but contrary, many Sons wants fathering.

3. Commander.

'Tis true, some Sons hath the misfortune not to be owned, but let me tell you Lieutenant, there be few children that hath not many such Fathers; as one begets a childe, a second owns the childe, a third keeps the childe, which inherits as the right Heir; and if a fourth will adopt the childe; a fift, or more may do the like, if they please.

1. Commander.

So amongst all his Fathers, the right Father is lost.

3. Commander.

Faith, the right Father of any childe is seldome known, by reason that women takes as much delight in deceiving the World, and dissem∣bling with particular men, as in the cuckolding their Husbands.

2. Commander.

The truth is, every several Lover cuckolds one another.

1. Commander.

Perchance that is the reason that women strives to have so many Lovers; for women takes pleasure to make Cuckolds.

3. Commander.

And Cuckolds to own children.

Exeunt.

Scene 17.

Enter Affectionata, then enters to him, two or three Venetian Gen∣tlemen, as Embassadors from the Duke of Venice.

1. GEntleman.

Noble Sir, the great Duke of Venice hath sent us to let you know he hath adopted you his Son, and desires your com∣pany.

Affectionata.

Pray return the great Duke thanks, and tell him those favours are too great for such a one as I; but if he could, and would adopt me, as Augustus Caesar did Tiberius, and make me master of the whole World; by Heaven I would refuse it, and rather chose to live in a poor Cottage, with my most Noble Lord.

2. Gentleman.

But you must not deny him; Besides, he will have you.

Affectionata.

I will dye first, and rather chose to bury my self in my own tears, than build a Throne with ingratitude.

1. Gentleman.

But it is ungratefull to deny the Duke.

Affectionata.

O no, but I should be the ingrate of ingratitude, should I leave my Noble Lord, who from a low despised poor mean degree, advanced me to Respect and Dignity:

Whose favours I will keep close in my heart, And from his person I will never part. For though I dye, my soul will still attend, And wait upon him, as his faithfull friend.

He offers to go away in a melancholly posture and humour, so as not considering the Gentlemen. Whereupon one of them follows him, and catches hold of his Cloak.

2. Gentleman.

Noble Sir, will not you send the Duke an answer?

Affectionata.

Have not I answered? Then pray present my thanks in the most humblest manner to the great Duke, and tell him he may force the pre∣sence of my person, but if he doth, it will be but as a dead carcase without a living soul; for tell him, when I am from my Lord,

I withering vade, as flowers from Sun sight; His presence is to me, as Heavens light.

Affectionata Exit.

1, Gentleman.

'Tis strange that such an honour cannot perswade a boy!

2. Gentleman.

That proves him a boy, for if he had been at mans estate, he would not have refused it, but have been ambitious of it, and proud to re∣ceive it.

1. Gentl.

Indeed youth is foolish, and knows not how to chose.

2. Gentl.

When he comes to be a man, he will repent the folly of his youth.

Exeunt.

Scene 18.

Enter the Lady Bashfull, and Lady VVagtail not knowing Sir Seri∣ous could speak.

LAdy Wagtail.

Pray Madam, let me perswade you, not to cast your self away, to marry a dumb man; for by my troth, all those that are dumb, are meer fools; for who can be witty or wise that cannot speak, or will not speak, which is as bad.

Lady Bashfull.

Why Madam? wisdom nor wit, doth noth not live not lye in words, for prudence, fortitude and temperance, expresses wisdom and ca∣pacity; ingenuity and fancie expresseth wit, and not words.

Lady Wagtail.

But let me advise you to chose Sir Humphry Bold, he is worth a thousand of Sir Serious Dumb; besides, he is a more learned man by half, and speaks several Languages.

Lady Bashfull.

Perchance so, and yet not so wise; for Parrots will learn Languages, and yet not know how to be wise, nor what wisdom is, which is to have a found judgement, a clear understanding, and a prudent forecast.

Lady Wagtail.

Faith all the World will condemn you to have no forecast, if you marry Sir Serious Dumb.

Lady Bashfull.

Let them speak their worst, I care not, as not fearing their censures.

Lady Wagtail.

You were fearfull and bashfull.

Lady Bashfull.

'Tis true, but now am grown so confident with honest love, I care not if all the World did know of it; nay, I wish it were published to all ears.

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The Lady Bashfull offers to go away.

Lady Wagtail.

Nay, you must not go, until you have granted my suit in the behalf of Sir Humphry Bold.

Lady Bashfull.

Pray let me go, for I hate him more, than Heaven hates Hell.

Lady Wagtail.

Nay, then I will leave you.

Exeunt.

Scene 19.

Enter Affectionata, who weeps. Enter the Lord Singularity.

LOrd Singularity.

Why weepest thou Affectionata?

Affectionata.

Alas, my Lord, I am in such a passion, as I shall dye, un∣less it flows forth thorough mine eyes, and runs from off my tongue.

For like as vapours from the Earth doth rise, And gather into clouds beneath the skies; Contracts to water, swelling like moist veins, When over-fill'd, falls down in showering rains: So thoughts, which from a grieved mind are sent, Ariseth in a vaporous discontent. Contracts to melancholly, which heavy lies Untill it melts, and runs forth through the eyes; Unless the Sun of comfort, dry doth drink Those watery tears that lyes at the eyes brink; Or that the rayes of joy, which streams bright out With active heat disperseth them about.

Lord Singularity.

Faith Affectionata, I am no good Poet, but thy passion moves so sweetly in numbers and stops, so just with rhimes, as I cannot but an∣swer thee,

Like as the Sun beauty streams rayes about, A smiling countenance like day breaks out: And though a frown obscures sweet beauties sight, Yet beauties beams makes cloudy frowns more bright: But melancholly beauty doth appear As pleasing shades, or Summers evenings clear.

So doth thine Affectionata, but prethee do not wast thy breath into sighs, nor distill thy life into tears.

Affectionata.

I wish I might here breath my last, and close my eyes for ever.

Lord Singularity.

I perceive Affectionata, you take it unkindly I did per∣swade you to take the Dukes offer; But if you think I did it out of any other design than a true affection to you; By Heaven, you do me wrong by false in∣terpretation.

Affectionata.

If you, my Lord, did love but half so well as I, you would ra∣ther chose to dye, than part with me.

Lord Singularity.

I love thee beyond my own interest or delight, for what is best for thee, I account as the greatest blessing, should it bring me any other wayes a curse.

Affectionata.

Then let me still live with you, for that is best for me.

Lord Singularity.

Here I do vow to Heaven, to do my indeavour with my life to keep thee with me, or to be alwayes where thou art.

Affectionata.

O! what a weight you have taken from my soul, wherein my thoughts like wer-winged-birds sate heavy; my senses like as blinking Lamps which vaporous damps of grief had neer put out.

Lord Singularity.

Let me tell thee Affectionata, I have travelled far, obser∣ved much, and have had divers incounters, but I never met such vertue, found such truth, nor incountered such an affection as thine.

imbraces him.

And thus I do imbrace thee, and do wish our souls may twine, As our each bodyes thus together joyn.

Exeunt.

Scene 20.

Enter Sir Serious Dumb, and his Mistriss the Lady Bashfull.

SIr Serious Dumb.

Dear Mistriss, do not you repent your favours, and wish your promise were never made; doth not your affection vade?

Lady Bashfull.

No, it cannot, for never was any love placed upon a Nobler soul than my love is, which is on yours, insomuch, as I do glory in my af∣fection, and grow self-conceited of its judgement.

Sir Serious Dumb.

And will you be constant?

Lady Bashfull.

Let not your humble thoughts raise a doubt of jealousie; for I am fixt, as time is to eternity.

Sir Serious Dumb.

Then I thank nature for your Creation, honour for your Breeding, and heaven for your Vertue, and fortune that hath given you to me, for I can own nothing of that worth that could deserve you.

Lady Bashfull.

I cannot condemn jealousie, because it proceeds from pure love, and love melts into kinds on a constant heart, but flames like Oyle on a false one, which sets the whole life on fire.

Sir Serious Dumb.

But now I cannot doubt your love nor constancies, since you have promised your heart to me; for true Lovers are like the light and the Sun, inseparable.

Exeunt.

Scene 21.

Enter some Commanders.

1. COmmander.

Come fellow-souldiers, are you ready to march?

2. Commander.

Whether?

1. Commander.

Into our own native Country, for our General is sent sol home.

3. Commander.

Except there be wars in our own Country, we cannot go with him.

1. Commander.

I know not whether there be wars or peace, but he obeys, for he is preparing for his journey.

2. Commander.

Who shall be General when he is gone?

3. Commander.

I know not, but I hear the States offers to make our young Lieutenant-General, General, but he refuseth it.

2. Commander.

Would they would make me General?

3. Commander.

If thou wert General, thou wouldst put all method out of order.

1. Commander.

Faith Gentlemen, I would lead you most prudently, and give you leave to plunder most unanimously.

1. Commander.

And we would fight couragiously, to keep what we plun∣der.

2. Commander.

Come, let us go, and inquire how our affairs goeth.

Exeunt.

Scene 22.

Enter the Lord Singularity, and Affectionata.

LOrd Singularity.

Now Affectionata, we have taken our leave of the States: I hope thy mind is at peace, and freed from fears of being staid.

Affectionata.

Yes my my Lord.

Lord Singularity.

They did perswade thee much to stay.

Affectionata.

They seemed much troubled for your Lordships depar∣ture.

Lord Singularity.

Truly I will say thus much for my self, that I have done them good service, and I must say thus much for them, that they have rewar∣ded me well.

Affectionata.

I have heard, my Lord, that States seldom rewards a service done; wherefore I believe, they hope you will return again, and sees you for that end.

Lord Singularity.

I shall not be unwilling when my Country hath no im∣ployment for me.

Affectionata.

Methinks, my Lord, since you have gotten afame abroad, you should desire to live a setled life at home.

Lord Singularity.

A setled life would seem but dull to me that hath no wife nor children.

Affectionata.

You may have both, If you please, my Lord.

Lord Singularity.

For children I desire none, since I have thee, and wives I care not for, but what are other mens.

Enter a Messenger with a Letter to the Lord Singularity.

Lord Singularity.

From whence comest thou friend?

Messenger.

From Rome, my Lord.

Lord Singularity.

If you please to stay in the next room, I shall speak to you presently.

Messenger Exit.

The Lord Singularity breaks up the Letter and reads.

Lord Singularity.

Affectionata, From whence do you think this Letter comes?

Affectionata.

I cannot guess, my Lord.

Lord Singularity.

From the Pope, who hath heard so much of thy youth, vertue, wit and courage, as he desires me to pass thorough Rome im my jour∣ney home, that he might see thee.

Affectionata.

Pray Heaven his Holynesse doth not put me into a Monaste∣ry, and force me to stay behind you.

Lord Singularity.

If he should, I will take the habit, and be incloistered with thee; but he will not inforce a youth that hath no will thereto.

Affectionata.

Truly my Lord, I have no will to be a Fryer.

Lord Singularity.

Indeed it is somewhat too lazie a life, which all heroick Spirits shames, for those loves liberty and action: But I will go and dispatch this Messenger, and to morrow we will begin our journey.

Exeunt.

Scene 23.

Enter the Lady Wagtail, and the Lady Amorous

LAdy Wagtail.

Faith Amorous, it had been a victory indeed worth the brag∣ging off, if we could have taken Sir Peaceable Studious Loves prisoner, and could have infettered him in Cupid's bonds.

Lady Amorous.

It had been a victory indeed, for I will undertake to inslave five Courtiers, and ten Souldiers, sooner, and in less time than one studious Scholar.

Lady Wagtail.

But some Scholars are more easily taken than the luxurious Courtiers, or deboist Souldiers.

Lady Amorous.

O no! for Luxurie and Rapine begets lively Spirits, but a study quenches them out.

Lady Wagtail.

One would think so by Sir Peaceable Studious, but not by some other Scholars that I am acquainted with.

Lady Amorous.

But confess, Lady Wagtail, do not you find a studious Scho∣lar dull company, in respect of a vain Courtier, and a rough Souldier.

Lady Wagtail.

I must confess, they that study Philosophy, are little too much inclined to morality, but those that study Theologie, are not so restrin∣gent.

Lady Amorous.

Well, for my part, since I have been acquainted with Sir Peaceable Studious, I hate all Scholars.

Exeunt.

Scene 24.

Enter three Men, as the Inhabitants of Rome.

1.

TIs a wonder such a youth as the Lord Singularity's Son is, should have so great a wit, as to be able to dispute with so many Cardinals.

2. Man.

The greater wonder is, that he should have the better of them!

1. Man.

'Tis said the Pope doth admire him! and is extreamly taken with him.

2. Man.

If Iove had so much admired him, he would have made him his Ganimed.

1. Man.

He offered to make him a living Saint, but he thanked his Holy∣ness, and said, he might Saint him, but not make him holy enough to be a Saint, for said he, I am unfit to have Prayers offered to me, that cannot offer Prayers as I ought, or live as I should; then he offered him a Cardinals hat, but he refused it; saying he was neither wise enough, nor old enough for to accept of it; for said he. I want Ulisses head, and Nestors years to be a Car∣dinal, for though less devotion will serve a Cardinal than a Saint, yet politick wisdom is required.

3. Man.

Pray Neighbours tell me which way, and by what means I may see this wonderfull youth; for I have been out of the Town, and not heard of him.

2. Man.

You cannot see him now, unless you will follow him where he is gone.

1. Man.

Why, whether is he gone?

2. Man.

Into his own Country, and hath been gone above this week.

3. Man.

Nay, I cannot follow him thither.

Exeunt.

Scene 25.

Enter the Lord Singularity, and Affectionata, as being in the Country.

Lord Singularity.

Affectionata, you have promised me to be ruled by me in every thing, so that you may not part from me.

Affectionata.

I have, my Lord, and will obey all your commands, so far as I am able.

Lord Singularity.

Then I am resolved now I am returned into my own Country, to get thee a wife, that thy fame and worthy acts may live in thy Po∣sterity.

Affectionata.

Iove bless me, a wife! by Heaven, my Lord, I am not man enough to marry!

Lord Singul.

There is many as young as you, that have been Fathers, and have had children.

Affectionata.

If they were such as I am, they might father Children, but never get them.

Lord Singularity.

Thou art modest, Affectionata, but I will have you marry, and I will chose thee such a wife, as modest as thy self.

Affectionata.

Then we never shall have children, Sir.

Lord Singul.

Love and acquaintance will give you confidence; but tell me truly, Affectionata, didst thou never court a Mistriss?

Affectionata.

No truly, Sir.

Lord Singularity.

Well, I will have you practice Courtship, and though I will not directly be your Band or Pimp, yet I will send you amongst the effe∣minate Sex, where you may learn to sport with Ladies, as well as fight with Turks.

Affectionata speaks softly to her self; pray Jove they do not search me.

Exeunt.

Scene 26.

Enter the Lady Wagtail, and the Lady Amorous.

LAdy Wagtail.

I can tell you news?

Lady Amorous.

What news?

Lady Wagtail.

Sir Serious Dumb can speak again!

Lady Amorous.

I am sorrow for that, for now he may tell tales out of School.

Lady Wagtail.

If he do, we will whip him with the rods of tongues, which is more sharp than the rods of wyer.

Lady Amorous.

We may whip him with words, but we our selves shall feel the smart of reproch.

Lady Wagtail.

How simply you talk, as if reproch could hurt a woman; when reproch is born with us, and dyes with us.

Lady Amorous.

If reproch have no power of our Sex, why are all women so carefull to cover their faults, and so fearfull to have their crimes di∣vulged.

Lady Wagtail.

Out of two reasons; first, because those of the masculine Sex, which have power, as Fathers, Uncles, Brothers and Husbands; would cut their throats, if they received any disgrace by them; for disgrace belongs more to men than women; The other reason is, that naturally women loves secrets; yet there is nothing they can keep secret, but their own particular faults, neither do they think pleasure sweet, but what is stollen.

Lady Amorous.

By your favour, women cannot keep their own faults se∣cret.

Lady Wagtail.

O yes, those faults that may ruine them if divulged, but they cannot keep a secret that is delivered to their trust; for naturally women are unfit for trust, or council.

Lady Amorous.

But we are fit for faction.

Lady Wagtail.

The World would be but a dull World, if it were not for industrious factions.

Lady Amorous.

The truth is, that if it were not for faction, the World would lye in the cradle of Peace, and be rock'd into a quiet sleep of secu∣rity.

Lady Wagtail.

Pr••thee talk not of quiet, and peace, and rest, for I hate them as bad as death.

Lady Amorous.

Indeed they resemble death, for in death there is no wars nor noise.

Lady Wagtail.

Wherefore it is natural for life, neither to have rest nor peace, being cantrary to death.

Exeunt.