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

A COMEDY OF THE APOCRIPHAL LADIES

ACT I.

Scene 1.

Enter the Unfortunate Dutchess, and her Woman.

Woman.

DEar Madam, why doth your Highness weep?

Unfortunate Dutchess.

As fear frights tears from the Eyes, so grief doth send them forth.

Woman.

Why should your Highness grieve?

Unfortunate Dutchess.

Have I not cause, when I am married to a person which doth not love, but rather hate me?

Woman.

Certainly he hath reason to love you, and he were worse than a Devil if he should hate you; as first to love you for your virtue and sweet disposition; next for the honour, dignity, and Kingdome, he hath got by his marring you: for he hath no right to the Dukedome but by your High∣ness, and by your Highness he is become an absolute Prince, and injoyes a rich Kingdome.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

But he hath taken the power from me, and strives to disposess of me of my right.

Woman.

He cannot, the Kingdome will never suffer him, for your title is so just, as he can make no pretence to disposess your Highness from your Princely Throne.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

But I being his Wife, he takes the power of a Hus∣band, and by that power, the power of my Kingdome, and those that have the power can frame their titles as they please, none dare oppose them.

Woman.

The truth is, Madam, that might overcomes right.

Exeunt.

Scene 2.

Enter two Gentlemen.

1 GEnt.

The Factions and divisions that are in this Kingdome will be a means to deliver it into the power of the Enemy.

2 Gent.

This Duke is young, wild, deboist and inconstant, wherefore there is but little hopes it should be better governed.

1 Gent.

But the Dutchess who is the true owner of it, is discreet, wise, and virtuous, and having more years than he, she might help to rule and or∣der state affairs.

2 Gent.

But neither her discretion, wisdome, nor virtue hath power, for marriage hath inthralled her, for she is become her Husbands Slave, who ought to be his Soveraign, but he laughs and doth despise her, because she is somewhat elder than himself.

1 Gent.

Heaven will revenge her wrongs.

Exeunt.

Scene 3.

Enter the Duke of Inconstancy, and a Gentleman.

DUke Inconstancy.

Have you been with the Lady I sent you to?

Gentleman.

Yes.

Duke Inconstancy.

And doth she listen to Loves Sute?

Gentleman.

She seems well pleased to hear her Beauty praised, but will not hear of Amorous imbracements as yet.

Duke Inconstancy.

But it is a good Omen when as a Lady will nimblingly bite at a bait of flattery; but did you see her Husband?

Gentleman.

No Sir.

Duke Inconstancy.

Well, you must go again, and present her with a Letter, and a present from me; for Ladies must be plied though they deny, yet most do yield upon a treaty, they cannot long hold out loves fierce assaults.

Gentleman.

Indeed the Female Sex is tender and weak, although they are delicate and sweet.

Duke Inconstancy.

They are false and oft betray themselves.

Exeunt.

Scene 4.

Enter the Unfortunate Dutchess, and her Woman; then enters another as running in haste.

1 WOman.

O Madam, Madam, news is come that the Enemy hath got into the heart of the Kingdome; wherefore sweet Lady fly, for they will possess themselves of this City soon.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

I will not fly, for I cannot meet a worse Enemy than the Duke himself, should worse than Mankind Conquer it; but I wish my Sister were safe.

Woman.

The young Princess I hear is fled to the Dukes Brother.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

I am glad of it, for he is discreetly temperate, al∣though his Brother is not.

Exeunt.

Scene 5.

Enter the Duke of Inconstancy, and a Gentleman.

GEntleman.

Sir, what will your Highness do?

Duke Inconstancy.

I will go and oppose the Enemy.

Gentleman.

Alass Sir you have no forces to oppose them withall, you may go to be destroyed, but not to destroy; wherefore you with your small forces had better fly than fight.

Duke Inconstancy.

Whither shall I go?

Gentleman.

To any Prince that will receive you into pay, by which you may maintain your self, and live with some respect and same abroad, though you have lost your Kingdome; whereas if you stay, you will lose your self and Kingdome too.

Duke Inconstancy.

Your Counsel I will take.

Gentleman.

But what will your Highness do with your Dutchess?

Duke Inconstancy.

Let her do what she will with her self, I care not now, for since her Kingdome is lost, I have no use of her.

Gentleman.

Not as concerning the Kingdome Sir, but yet she is your Highnesses Wife, and as a Husband you ought to regard her.

Duke Inconstancy.

She will follow me, for Wives stick so close to their Husbands as they cannot be shaken off.

Exeunt.

Scene 6.

Enter the Creating Princess, and her Woman.

VVOman.

Pray Madam do not marry so much below your self.

Creat. Princess.

Why? what matter whom I marry, since I can cre∣ate my Husband to Honour.

Woman.

But Madam, that Honour will do him no good, nor will it take off your disgrace; for none will give your Husband, if he be an inferiour person, the Place and Respect that is due to Great Princes Titles.

Creat. Princess.

No, but he shall take Place, and my Servants shall give him the Respect and Homage that is due to great Titles: For I will make him a Prince; and who dare call him any other, but Prince?

Woman.

There is none will call him Prince, unless your own Servants; and none will give him Place, that are above the degree of his Birth: no, nor he durst not take it of Gallant Noble Men; for if he offers thereat, they will beat him back, and force him to give way, and to be only a Prince in his own House, and not abroad, is no better than to be a Farmer, nay, a Cobler, or a Tayler, or any the like are Kings in their own Houses, although they be but thatch'd, if they have but a Servant subject, or Subject Ser∣vant.

Creat. Princess.

Well, say what you will, I will make him a Prince.

Exeunt.

Scene 7.

Enter the Duke of Inconstancy, and a Gentleman.

GEntleman.

Sir, doth not your Highness hear that your Dutchess is gone with your Enemies into the Countrey?

Duke.

Yes, and though I might curse my Enemies for dispossessing me of the Kingdom I injoyed, yet I give them thanks for carrying my Wife away with them: for now I have more room and liberty to Wooe and Court my Mistress.

Enter another Gentleman.

Gent.

Sir, the Lady Beauties Husband's dead.

Duke.

So I perceive Fortune will be my Friend some waies, although she is my Foe other waies: for she will Crown me with Love, although she uncrowns me with Power: wherefore return presently back to my Mistriss, and tell her, that now her Husband is dead, and my Wife gone into another Country, We may marry.

Ex.

1. Gent.

But your Highness cannot marry, as long as the Dutchess is alive.

Duke.

I mean to be like the Great Turk, have many VVives.

1. Gent.

VVhy, the Great Turk hath but one chief VVife, the rest are but as Concubines: for only the Sons of that chief Queen shall be Successors to the Emperor, unless she hath none; neither can his other Children inherit,

unless he be Right and Lawfull Emperor: So, that unless your Highness had been Duke by Inheritance, as an Inhereditary Duke, no Children, by any other Lady, can be Inheritors, nor indeed Princes, unless they were begot on the Right Owner to that Title.

Duke.

VVell, since I have no Power, but only an empty Title, I cannot disadvantage my self, or children: for I have no children as yet, and I have neither Power, nor Kingdom now: VVherefore, if I can injoy her upon these tearms, as the name of VVife, it will be well.

Gent.

But Sir, this part of the VVorld allows but of one wife, wherefore if you should marry this Lady, the Clergy will excommunicate you, as an Adulterer, and the Lady, as an Adulteress, out of the Church.

Duke.

I had rather be in the Ladies bed, than in the Church: But I have money, although I have lost my Dukedom, and that will help me.

Gentleman.

But not make your Marriage lawfull.

Duke.

I care not; for if the marrying, and the name of wife will satisfie the Lady, I care not whether it be Good or Bad, Lawfull or unlawfull, VVife or Concubine, 'tis all one to me; for I willl marry a hundred women, if they will marry me, and let me lye with them.

Exeunt.

Scene 8.

Enter the Unfortunate Dutchess, and her Woman.

VVOman.

Your Highness bears afflictions more couragiously than I thought your Highness would have done.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

Truly, I find I am more happy since I am amongst my Enemies (if they may be termed so) than I was in my own Country with an unkind Husband: for they allow me a Noble and Princely Pension: and I live Free, Easily and Peaceably, which I did not before.

Woman.

I hear your Sister is marryed to the Dukes Brother.

Unf. Dutchess.

I wish she may be more happy with her Husband, than I have been with mine.

Woman.

If they have Children, and your Highness none, they will be Heirs to the Dukedom.

Unf. Dutchess.

They will so, but there is no Dukedom now to heir, 'tis made now a Province.

Woman.

But times may change.

Exeunt.

Scene. 9.

Enter the Comical Dutchess, and her Woman.

VVOman.

Now you are an absolute Dutchess, you must carry your self in State, and live Magnificently, like as an Absolute Princess as you are.

Comical Dutchess.

Yes, but it is a great affliction for the Duke and I to be banished, and driven out of our Kingdom.

Woman.

Alass Madam, great Princes have many times great misfortunes; but you must bear your misfortunes with a Princely magnaminity.

Comical Dutchess.

But if I have Children, alass what shall they do?

Woman.

But those that did never injoy the possession, cannot repine, nor grieve for the loss.

Comical Dutchess.

You say true.

Exeunt.

Scene 10.

Enter the Creating Princess, and her Woman.

WOman.

Pray Madam do not marry so meanly, for you cannot intitle him a Prince.

Creating Princess.

Well, well, say what you will, I will make him a Prince; for why may not I as well make my Husband lawfully a Prince, as well as the Duke of Inconstancy makes the Lady Beauty a Dutchess, and yet hath another Wife?

Woman.

Introth it will be just like a poor Begger Woman in Engl. being mad she said she was Queen Elizabeth of Engl., and all the Boys, Girls, and Common people would run after her, and call her Queen Elizabeth in sport and jest; the like was a poor mad Begger Man in France, which said he was King Henry the 4^th. of France; but the only difference will be, that you and the Comical Dutchess have means and wealth enough to live in Principy, and they had none, but were so poor they were forced to beg, so could not Act their parts.

Creating Princess.

You are a bold rude wench, therefore get you out of my service.

Woman.

Truly I would not stay in it if I might, for I should be ashamed.

Exeunt.

Scene 11.

Enter the Unfortunate Dutchess, and her Woman.

WOman.

Madam, doth your Highness here of the Apocriphal Dutchess?

Unfortunate Dutchess.

What Apocriphal Dutchess?

Woman.

Why the Duke hath married another Lady.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

That he cannot, untill I dye, 'tis true a Mistriss may take the name of a VVife, but cannot possess the right of a VVife.

Woman.

She will be as a Dutchess in a Play, she will only act the part of greatness.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

Indeed most Stage-Players are Curtizans.

Woman.

And most Curtizans are good Actors.

Unfortunate Dutchess.

I make no question but she will now have enough Spectators.

Woman.

But I hope they will hiss her from off the Stage.

Exeunt.

Scene 12.

Enter the Creating Princess, and her Husband.

CReating Princess.

Have I married you who was a mean fellow, and have not I made you a Prince, and you to deny to pay my Debts?

Husband.

But I thought you would have rather inricht me, than have made me poorer than I was.

Creating Princess.

Have I not inriched you with Titles? do not all my Ser∣vants call you Prince? and do not all the Trades-men where we buy all our Commodities, when they come to our Palace do the same, call you Prince, and doe you reverence?

Husband.

Yes for hopes of gain.

Creating Princess.

I am sure you will gain little reputation or respect if you carry your self so sneakingly as you do, whereas you should carry your self like a Prince, bravely.

Husband.

Put when all our money is gone we shall be but poor Princes: I had better have keep to my Trade than to have been a Prince, where if I had I should have been rich, now I shall be a Beggar.

Creating Princess.

You are so mean a fellow as you cannot be sensible of the honour and dignity I have bestowed upon you.

Exeunt.

Scene 13.

Enter the Comical Dutchess big with Child, she sits under her Canopy in a Chair of state, her Attendants by her wait on her.

1 ATtendant.

All the great Ladies are so envious at your Highness, as there will none of them come neer you.

Comical Dutchess.

I like the Company of Bourgers Wives better, for they are my Slaves.

2 Attendant.

Yes Madam, but your Highness is forced I think to present them with some presents now and then; for the World is so wicked, that they will not give true honour it's due, unless they are bribed.

3 Attendant.

You say true, but men will give Ladies their due right.

4 Attendant.

Yes, men are more generous and bountifull to Ladies; but yet they must be bribed with hopes of obtaining some favours, other∣wayes, I fear me they would be as reserved, and retired from your High∣nesses Court as the great Ladies are.

Comical Dutchess.

I wonder they should, I being an absolute Princess.

2 Attendant.

Yes, but since your Titles, Rights and Marriage is re∣nounced against, they are not so civil, dutifull, and obedient as they were, not considering as they ought to do, that right cannot be renounced against.

3. Attendant.

But her Highness doth shew them their error, and that she shews them it cannot be taken from her; for she keeps the same State she did, and is as Merry, Gay and Frollick, to let the World see, she understands her own Greatness best.

1. Attendant.

But yet there are but few of any Nation, but the inferior sort, that come to her Highness Court, unless it be the Red Oker Knights and Ladies, and if it were not for them, this Court would be empty.

Comical Dutchess.

Indeed I am obliged to them more than any other Na∣tion, for they give me all the due Respects and Homage to my Great∣ness; for which I love that Nation very well.

2. Attendant.

You have reason, but I do observe there is nothing doth keep up a Court more than Dancing, and several sorts and kinds of merry pastime; for wheresoever there is Dancing and Sport, Company will flock together.

3. Attendant.

You say true.

Comical Dutchess.

I find my self full of pain; I believe I shall fall in La∣bour.

4. Attendant.

I hope then we shall have a young Prince, or Princess soon.

Exeunt.

Scene 14.

Enter three Gentlemen.

1. Gent.

I Saw Prince Shaddow.

2. Gent.

What Prince is he?

1. Gent.

Why he is the Creating Princess's Husband, who made him a Prince.

3. Gent.

I thought no women could give Title to their Husbands, unless they had been Soveraigns.

2. Gent.

O yes, all women can give their Husbands Titles, if they please.

3. Gent.

What Title?

2. Gent.

Why the title of Cuckolds.

1. Gent.

Indeed most women do magnifie their Husbands by those Ti∣tles.

2. Gent.

But let me tell you, that those women that have Inheritary Ho∣nours, although not Soveraigns, may indue their Husbands with the same Honour: but it is not generally so; but his Children begot on her are in∣dued, and not the Husband, yet some Husbands are. As for Example; a Lord, Vicoun••, Earl, Marquiss, Duke, King, or Emperor, if the Honour, as Title, goeth to the Female, for default of a Male, in some Nations their Husbands are indued with their Titles, but not commonly known to be so in England; as a VVife with her Husband, which is only during life, and not Inhereditary: but if their Titles are only during life, and not Inhereditary, it cannot derive to another, that i•• not an Successor•• for Inhereditary Ho∣nour goe like Intailed Lands, it goeth only to the next Heir; but those that are the dignified, are like those that have Joynters, or Annuitles for life; so when a Husband receives a Dignity from a VVife, or a VVife from a Husband, it is but so much Honour for life.

1. Gentleman.

But if they have Children, those Children inherit the Ho∣nour.

2. Gentleman.

Yes, as having a right from that Parent that is the Digni∣fyer, but if there be none of the line of the Dignifyer, the Honour dies, nei∣ther is the root of the Honour left to any more than one: for though the branches of Honour spread to all the Children, yet the root remains but with one: For, say a King have many Children, they are all Princes, but yet there can be but one that can inherit the Crown and Royaltie: So if a Marquiss, or Duke have many Children, they are all Lords and Ladies, if they be lawfully, and in true VVedlock born, otherwise they are not: neither doth any more but one of the Legitimate Children inherit the Root, as to be Marquess or Duke, Dutchess or Marchioness: neither do the Daughters inherit, if there be Sons.

1. Gent.

But cannot a Dukes Daughter make her Husband a Prince?

2. Gent.

No, not except she hath the Inhereditary Honour: for if a Kings Daughter should marry a private Gentleman, he would remain as only in the Title of a Gentleman, unless the King did create a Title for him, or be∣stow a Title on him.

1. Gent.

VVhy? put case the Inhereditary Honour lay in the people, and they elect a King, hath that King no power to Create, or to give Ho∣nour?

2. Gent.

No, they may chuse Officers, but not give Titles, unless the peo∣ple did dispossess them of their hereditary power, and give it to any man, and then the root of Honour lyes in him.

1. Gent.

Nor doth his Children receive no Titles from their Father?

2. Gent.

No, for the Title he hath, is none of his, he hath it but during life, unless the people will give a Lease, as for two or three Lives, yet they nominate those two or three Lives: So neither can they dispose of their Leases, or alter them, but at the peoples pleasure; like as those that are made Governors, they cannot dispose of their Governments to whom they please, as without the leave of those that placed them in the Government, neither do his Children receive any Titles therefrom; like as a Lord Mayor, his Son is not my Lord Mayor after him, unless he is made one; nor his chil∣dren have no place by his Office, and an elective Prince, is but as a Lord Mayor, or rather like as a Deputy Governor, who as I said, may dispose of Places or Offices, but not give Dignities, Honours, or Titles.

1. Gent.

I thank you for your Information, for I was so ignorant, as I knew nothing of Heraldry.

Exeunt.

Scene 15.

Enter two Gentlemen.

1. Gent.

HAve you seen the Imaginary Queen yet?

2. Gent.

What Imaginary Queen?

1. Gent.

VVhy a Great Queen, that every one goeth to kiss her hand.

2. Gent.

From what parts of the VVorld came she?

1. Gent.

From the North parts.

2. Gent.

And doe so many go to kisse her hand?

1. Gent.

Yes, throngings of Common people.

2 Gent.

They would kiss the Dogs Tail if it were turned up and presen∣ted to them: but do any of the Nobles and Gentry kiss her hand?

1 Gent.

Some few that are newly come out of the Country to see sights in the City.

2 Gent.

Pish, in this Age there are so many of these kind of Bedlams, as I am weary to hear of them, as the Comical Dutchess, the Creating Princess, and the Created Prince, Prince Shaddow, and now the Imaginary Queen.

1 Gent.

Why Faith it is as good a sight as to see a Play.

2 Gent.

A puppet Play you mean; but the truth is, it is a disgrace to all noble persons, and great dignities, and true titles, to be thus mocked by imi∣tators, it is a sign that all Europe is imbroiled in Wars so much as every one doth what they list.

1 Gent.

VVhy they are so far from being checkt or discountenanced for it, as there are many true Princes, great and noble persons as give the same respect and homage as if they were real Princes indeed and in truth.

2 Gent.

Then it if it were in my power I would divest those that had the right, and true dignities, and titles, and put them upon those that only acted princely and royal parts, since the Actors bear up so nobly, and the Specta∣tors do creep and crouch so basely: but indeed both sides are Actors, both the Spectators and Players, only the one side Acts noble parts, the other side base parts, the one Acts the parts of Princes, the other of Servants; but I am sorrow to see True Honour wounded as it is.

1 Gent.

The truth of it is, True Honour lies a bleeding, and none doth offer to power in Balsimum.

Exeunt.

Scene 16.

Enter the Imaginary Queen, her Gentleman Usher bare headed leads her, her Page holds up her Train, her Woman follows her, and that is all her Train, a Company of people flock to see her, and kneel to kiss her hand, she brideling in her Chin, as thinking that doth advance her state, they kneeling she gives them her hand to kiss, they pray God bless her Royalty, she nods them thanks, and then passes away.

1 VVOman.

Faith Neighbour methinks a Queen is not such a brave and glorious thing as I did imagine it.

2 Woman.

I will tell you truly Neighbour, that if I had thought a Queen had been no finer a sight than this Queen is, I would have stayed in my house.

3 Woman.

And so would I, I tell you truly Neighbour.

4 Woman.

I perceive Queens are no finer Creatures than other wo∣men are.

Exeunt.

Scene 17.

Enter two Gentlemen.

1 GEnt.

Lord what a ridiculous sight it is to see the Imaginary Queen act the part of Majesty?

2 Gent.

Faith she is so far from Majesty, as she cannot act the part, for she appears like a good Country Huswife.

1 Gent.

She is but a Gentlewoman, and that is all.

2 Gent.

We may see the difference of true Greatnesse, and that which is forced, there was the Queen Masculine; what a natural Majestie did she appear with? for all she had given up her Crown and Kingdome, yet her Royal Birth was seen in her Princely Carriage.

2 Gent.

It was a generous Act: But was it in her power to dispossesse her self of her natural Inheritance?

1 Gent.

It seems so; and it seems by her actions that she had rather see the World abroad, than rule a Kingdome at home, for she hath travelled most of all Europe over.

2 Gent.

She appears to be a Royal Lady.

Exeunt.

Scene 18.

Enter two or three of the Comical Dutchess's Women, and two or three Burgers Wives.

1 WOman.

The Comical Dutchess is brought to bed or the sweetest Prin∣cesse that ever was bore.

1 Wife.

Indeed it is the sweetest Princesse that ever was born.

2 Wife.

We are glad we hope her Highnesse will sleep well to night.

1 Wife.

Pray present our most humble and obedient duty to her High∣nesse.

1 Woman.

VVill you not go in and see her, and kisse the young Princesses hand?

1 Wife.

If we may be so much honoured, we shall be very proud of that Grace and Honour.

2 Woman.

Come, come, we will preferr you to that Grace and Favour.

Exeunt.

Scene 19.

Enter two Scriveners Wives.

1. Wife.

VVElcome Mistriss Ink-pot, whether are you going so hastily?

2. Wife.

Truly Mistriss Paper, I am going to her Highness the Comical Dutchess, for I hear she is brought abed of a sweet young Princess.

1. Wife.

Is she so? I am glad her Highness pain is past, with all my heart.

2. Wife.

So am I, for now we shall have Dancing again, as soon as her Month is past.

1. Wife.

Yes, for she will send for us all, as soon as she is able to dance.

2. Wife.

Yes that she will, and give us all Favours to wear for her sake.

1. Wife.

But to some she gives her Picture too.

2. Wife.

Yes, but those she gives her Picture too, are of a higher De∣gree.

1. Wife.

By your favour, we are of as high a Degree as most that visit her.

2. Wife.

Yes, of the female Sex, but not of the Masculine Sex; for there are great Persons that visit her.

1. Wife.

Very few, but only of the Red Oker Nation, or some Strangers that are Travellers, that visit her, as they pass other waies, else the men that visit her, are of as inferior degree as we, as Fidlers, Dancers, Players, and the like.

2. Wife.

By your favour, there are sometimes Burgers and Gentlemen.

1. Wife.

Yes sometimes, when she sends for to invite them to dance, or intreats them to come and visit her; and then she presents them with her Co∣lours.

Exeunt.

Scene. 20.

Enter the Lady True Honour, and Madam Inquirer.

MAdam Inquirer.

Lord, Madam, I was ask'd to day, why your Ho∣nour doth not visit the Comical Dutchess, nor the Imaginary Queen?

Lady True Honour.

Why, should I that am Intituled with True Honour, and Princely Dignity, which Titles were created from an Absolute and Divine Power, give place to mock Honours, and feigned Dignities? shall Princes in Royal Courts, give place to Princes in Playes?

Madam Inquirer.

But every one doth not rightly understand a Princely Dignity.

Lady True Honour.

I will instruct you in the degrees of Princes, and their derivation; but first, let me tell you, the Princely Arms, or Seal, is a Crown; for a Crown is the General Arms, or Seal of all Princely Dignities, and eve∣ry

degree is known and distinguished by the several fashions of their Crowns; for a Vicounts Crown, which is the first degree of a Prince, is not like the Earls Crown, which is the second degree; nor an Earls Crown is not like a Marquisses Crown, which is the third degree; that is, t••ere is some dif∣ference in the Crown; nor a Marquisses Crown is not like a Dukes Crown, which is the fourth degree; nor a Dukes Crown is not like a close Imperi∣al Crown, which is the last and highest degree; that is, there is some dif∣ference in the Crown of each degree: Now there are Absolute Princes, Tributary, and Subject Princes, but none can be wholly call'd Absolute Prin∣ces, but those that have the Imperial Crown, which are Absolute Kings and Emperors, being the only chosen of God, and by that the only Creators of Titles; for they only are the Fountain, or Springs of Honour.

Madam Inquirer.

How comes it that Subjects are made Princes?

Lady True Honour.

By Adoption: for all Subject Princes are Princes by Adoption: that is, they are adopted to their Princely Dignity, so that by Adoption, they are the Cosens to Royaltie, and are called by their Sove∣raigns, Kings Cosens, and are adorn'd with Royal Robes, indued with Roy∣al Power, and observed with Royal Ceremony, and are allowed some Cu∣stoms and Imposts out of the Revenue of the Kingdom, and many privileges which belong to the Princely Dignities: Thus Kings call their Subject Princes, Cosens, as being adopted to their Princely Royaltie, like as all Ab∣solute Monarchs call each other Brother, as in relation to each others Roy∣alty: and being all of them Gods annointed, and appointed Deputies on Earth, for Government and Honour, they are the sacred Magistrates of God, the divine Fountains of Honour: Thus true Honour is derived from Heaven, and ought to be respected, and bowed too, as being divine: but in this age Honour is used, or abused, as other divine things are: this is the reason I will not visit the Apocriphal Ladies: for my Honour is derived from the sacred Spring of Honour, and is not a self-given Honour and Dig∣nity, which ought to be punished as a Presumption and Usurpation: but I have so much Honour, as not to abase the Honour and Dignity that my Husband, and his Fore-fathers were adopted too: And I by Marriage, be∣ing one with my Husband; for man and wife are but one, and my Husbands Honour being Inhereditary, succeeds to his Children; wherefore his Wife will never give place to Mountebanks.

Madam Inquirer.

Indeed the strange ridiculousness, and folly, and mad presumption is, that the Apocriphal Ladies take more State, or at least as much as sacred Royaltie.

Lady True Honour.

But if Royaltie will suffer such Heresies, and Hereticks in the Court of Honour, they are not to be lamented, if their Courts fall to utter ruine; for it is with Titles and Dignities, as with Laws; if there were no Laws, there would be no Government, and if there were no De∣grees and dignities, there would be no Royalty; so likewise if the Laws be corrupt and abused, Government will fall to ruin, and if Honour be abused and usurpt, Royaltie will fall from its Throne; but howsoever, I keep up the Right of my place, because it is the cause and interest of all the Nobili∣ty of my Country, so that if I should give place, I should be a Traytor to true Honour, and dignified Persons.

Scene 21.

Enter two Women of the Comical Dutchess's.

1. Woman.

VVEll, now the Duke of Inconstancy hath forsaken our Lady, his Comical Dutchess, all our State must down.

2. Woman.

Yes, and we must lose our places, in going before others, as being Dutchess's women.

1. Woman.

The Dutchess cryed all night.

2. She had no more reason to cry, than she had, for the matter of Digni∣ty; for, pray consider, her Highness may keep the same State, as being Dutchess still, as well as she did before; for she possess'd the Honour no more than she doth now, and so now no less than she did then.

1. Woman.

That is true, but the Duke did help to countenance her State, so long as he did live with her, as a Husband, whereas now she will be hist off the Stage.

2. Woman.

Faith Confidence, and a Resolution will bear her up, where∣fore let us perswade her not to be daunted, or put out of countenance, and she having the same Estate she had, may maintain her self as high as she hath done.

1. Woman.

You say true, and the flanting shew will dazle the eyes, and de∣lude the understanding of the Spectators.

1. Woman.

Yes, of the Vulgar.

Exeunt

Scene 22.

Enter two Gentlemen.

1. Gent.

HOnour goes a begging.

2. Gent.

Why?

1. Gent.

Why there is an Ale Wife made a Countesse.

2. Gent.

As how?

1. Gent.

Why the Earl Undone hath married Mistriss Tip-tape.

2. Gent.

But he hath a Wife living.

1. Gent.

That is all one, for did not the Duke of Inconstancy marry a Lady, and made her a Dutchess, although he had a Dutchess to his Wife before, by whom he was a Duke.

2. Gent.

I perceive Great Noble Persons may do what they will: for if a poor mean man should have two Wives at one time, they would be surely punished; nay, in some Kingdoms they would be hanged.

Exeunt.

Scene 23.

Enter two Scriveners Wives.

1. Wife.

DO you hear that the Duke of Inconstancy hath forsaken his Co∣mical Dutchess?

2. Wife.

Yes, but that is nothing.

1. Wife.

Have you been with her Highness since?

2. Wife.

Yes.

1. Wife.

And how looks she upon her misfortunes?

2. VVife.

Why she appears the same, and keeps greater State than ever she did; yea, even her Children are served more royally than ever.

1. VVife.

Faith she is to be commended, if it will hold out.

2. VVife.

As long as she hath money, it will hold.

1. VVife.

O, money doth all things.

Exeunt.

FINIS.