The birth of Merlin, or, The childe hath found his father as it hath been several times acted with great applause / written by William Shakespear and William Rowley.

ACTUS. I. (Book 1)

Enter Donobert, Gloster, Cador, Edwin, Constantia, and Modestia.

Cador

YOu teach me language, sir, as one that knows the Debt of Love I owe unto their Vertues, wherein like a true Courtier I have fed my self with hope of fair Success, and now at∣tend your wisht consent to my long Suit.

Dono.

Believe me, youthful Lord, time could not give an op∣portunity more fitting your desires, always provided my Daugh∣ters love be suited with my Grant.

Cador.

'Tis the condition sir, her Promise seal'd.

Dono.

Ist so, Constantia?

Constan.

I was content to give him words for oathes, he swore so oft he lov'd me.

Dono.

That thou believest him?

Const.

He is a man I hope.

Dono.

That's in the trial Girl.

Const.

However I am a woman, sir.

Dono.

The Law's on thy side then, sha't have a Husband, I, and a worthy one: Take her brave Cornwal, and make our happiness great as our wishes.

Cador.

Sir, I thank you.

Glost.

Double the fortunes of the day, my Lord, and crown my wishes too: I have a son here, who in my absence would protest no less unto your other Daugh∣ter.

Dono.

Ha Gloster, is it so? what says Lord Edwin? will she protest as much to thee?

Edwin.

Else must she want some of her Sisters faith, Sir.

Modesta.

Of her credulity much rather, Sir: My Lord, you are a Soldier, and methinks the height of that Profession should di∣minish all heat of Loves desires, being so late employ'd in blood and ruine.

Edwin.

The more my Conscience tyes me to re∣pair

the worlds losses in a new succession.

Modest.

Necessity it seems ties your affections then, and at that rate I would unwilling∣ly be thrust upon you, a wife is a dish soon cloys, sir.

Edwin.

Weak and diseased appetites it may.

Modest.

Most of your making have dull stomacks sir.

Dono.

If that be all Girl, thou shalt quicken him, be kinde to him

Modesta:

Noble Edwin, let it suffice what's mine in her, speaks yours;

For her consent, let your fair suit go on, She is a woman sir, and will be won.

Enter Toclio.

Edwin.

You give me comfort sir.

Dono.

Now Toclio.

Toclio.

The King, my honor'd Lords, requires your presence, and calls a Councel for return of answer unto the parling enemy, whose Embassadors are on the way to Court.

Dono.

So sudden∣ly, Chester it seems has ply'd them hard at war, they sue so fast for peace, which by my advice they ne're shall have, unless they leave the Realm. Come noble Gloster, let's attend the King, it lies sir in your Son to do me pleasure, and save the charges of a Wedding Dinner,

If you'l make haste to end your Love affairs, One cost may give discharge to both my cares.

Exit Dono. Glost.

Edwin.

I'le do my best.

Cador.

Now Toclio, what stirring news at Court?

Toclio.

Oh my Lord, the Court's all fill'd with rumor, the City with news, and the Country with wonder, and all the bells i'th' Kingdom must proclaim it, we have a new Holy∣day a coming.

Consta.

A holy-day! for whom? for thee?

Toclio.

Me, Madam! 'sfoot I'de be loath that any man should make a holy-day for me yet: In brief 'tis thus, there's here arriv'd at Court, sent by the Earl of Chester to the King, a man of rare e∣steem for holyness, a reverent Hermit, that by miracle not onely saved our army, but without aid of man o'rethrew the pagan Host, and with such wonder sir, as might confirm a Kingdom to his faith.

Edwin.

This is strange news indeed, where is he?

Toclio.

In conference with the King that much respects him.

Modest.

Trust me, I long to see him.

Toclio.

Faith you will finde no great pleasure in him, for ought that I can see Lady, they say he is half a Prophet too, would he could tell me any news of the lost Prince, there's twenty Talents offer'd to him that finds him.

Cador.

Such news was breeding in the morning.

Toclio.

And now it has birth and life sir, if fortune bless me I'le once more search those woods where then we lost him, I know not yet what fate may follow me.

Exit.

Cador.

Fortune go with you sir, come fair Mistriss, your Sister and Lord Edwin are in game, and all their wits at stake to win the Set.

Consta.

My sister has the hand yet, we had best leave them,

She will be out anon as well as I, He wants but cunning to put in a Dye.

Exit Cador. Constan.

Edwin.

You are a cunning Gamester, Madam.

Modest.

It is a desperate Game indeed this Marriage, where there's no winning without loss to either.

Edwin.

Why, what but your perfection noble Lady, can bar the worthiness of this my suit? if so you please I count my happiness, from difficult obtain∣ing, you shall see my duty and observance.

Modest.

There shall be place to neither, noble sir, I do beseech you let this mild Reply give answer to your suit, for here I vow if e're I change my Virgin name by you, it gains or looses.

Edwin.

My wishes have their crown.

Modest.

Let them con∣fine you then, as to my promise, you give faith and credence?

Edwin.

In your command my willing absence speaks it.

Exit.

Modest.

Noble and vertuous: could I dream of Marriage, I should affect thee Edwin: oh my soul, here's something tells me that these best of creatures, these models of the world, weak man and woman, should have their souls, their making, life, and being, to some more excellent use: if what the sense calls pleasure were our ends, we might justly blame great natures wisdom, who rear'd a building of so much art and beauty to entertain a guest so far in∣certain, so imperfect: if onely speech distinguish us from beasts, who know no inequality of birth or place, but still to ••ly from goodness: oh, how base were life at such a rate! no, no, that power that gave to man his being, speech, and wisdom, gave it for thankfulness: To him alone that

Made me thus, may I whence truly know, I'le pay to him, not man, the love I owe.

Exit.

Flourish Cornets. Enter Aurelius King of Brittain, Donobert, Gloster, Cador, Edwin, Toclio, Oswold, and Attendants.

Aurelius.

No tiding of our brother yet? 'Tis strange, so ne're the Court, and in our own Land too, and yet no news of him: oh

this loss tempers the sweetness of our happy conquests, with much untimely sorrow.

Dono.

Royal sir, his safety being unque∣stion'd, should to time leave the redress of sorrow, were he dead, or taken by the foe, our fatal loss had wanted no quick Herald to dis∣close it.

Aurelius.

That hope alone sustains me, nor will we be so ingrateful unto heaven to question what we fear, with what we enjoy. Is answer of our message yet return'd from that religi∣ous man, the holy Hermit, sent by the Earl of Chester to confirm us in that miraculous act? For 'twas no less, our Army being in rout, nay, quite o'rethrown, as Chester writes; even then this holy man arm'd with his cross and staff, went smiling on, and boldly fronts the foe; at sight of whom the Saxons stood amaz'd: for to their seeming, above the Hermit head appear'd such brightness, such clear and glorious beams as if our men march't all in fire, wherewith the Pagans fled, and by our troops were all to death pursu'd.

Glost.

'Tis full of wonder sir.

Aurel.

Oh Gloster, he's a jewelworth a Kingdom: where's Oswold with his answer?

Oswold.

'Tis here my Royal Lord.

Aurel.

In writing, will he not sit with us?

Oswo.

His Orizons perform'd, he bad me say he would attend with all submission.

Aurel.

Proceed to councel then, and let some give order, the Embassadors being come, to take our answer, they have admittance. Oswold, Toclio, be it your charge: and now my Lords, observe the holy councel of this reveren'd Hermit:

[reads]

As you respect your safety, limit not that onely power that hath protected you, trust not an open enemy too far,

He's yet a looser; and knows you have won, Mischie••s not ended, are but then begun.

Anselme the Hermit.

Dono.

Powerful and pithie, which my advice confirms, no man leaves physick when his sickness slakes, but doubles the ••eceipts: the word of Peace seems fair to blood-shot eyes; but being appli'd with such a medicine as blinds all the sight, argues desire of Cure, but not of Art.

Aurel.

You argue from defects, if both the name, and the condition of the Peace be one, it is to be prefer'd, and in the offer made by the Saxon, I see nought repugnant.

Glost.

The time of Truce requir'd for thirty days, carries su∣spicion in it, since half that space will serve to strength their weak∣ned Regiment.

Cador.

Who in less time will undertake to

free our Country from them.

Edwin.

Leave that unto our for∣tune.

Dono.

Is not our bold, and hopeful General still Ma∣ster of the field, their Legious faln, the rest intrencht for fear, half starv'd, and wounded, and shall we now give o're our fair ad∣vantage? force heaven, my Lord, the danger is far more, in trusting to their words, then to their weapons.

Enter Oswold.

Oswold.

The Embassadors are come sir.

Aurel.

Conduct them in, we are resolv'd my Lords, since policy fail'd in the begin∣ning, it shall have no hand in the conclusion, that heavenly power that hath so well begun their fatal overthrow I know can end it, from which fair hope, my self will give them answer.

Flourish Cornets. Enter Artesia with the Saxon Lords.

Dono.

What's here, a woman Orator?

Aurel.

Peace Dono∣bert, speak, what are you Lady?

Artes.

The sister of the Sax∣on General, warlike Ostorius the East Anglese King, my name Ar∣tesia, who in terms of love brings peace and health to great Aurelius, wishing she may return as fair a present as she makes tender of.

Aurel.

The fairest present e're mine eyes were blest with, com∣mand a chair there for this Saxon Beauty: sit Lady, we'l confer: your warlike brother sues for a peace, you say?

Artes.

With endless love unto your State and Person.

Aurel.

Ha's sent a moving Orator believe me, what thinkst thou Donobert?

Dono.

Believe me sir, were I but yong agen this gilded pill might take my stomack quickly.

Aurel.

True, thou art old, how soon we do forget our own defects. Fair damsel, oh my tongue turns Traitor, and will betray my heart, sister to our enemy: 's death her beauty mazes me, I cannot speak if I but lock on her, what's that we did conclude?

Dono.

This Royal Lord.

Aurel.

Pish, thou canst not utter it: fair'st of creatures▪ tell the King your Brother that we in love, ha! and honor to our Country, command his Armies to depart our Realm, but if you please fair soul-Lord Donobert, deliver you our pleasure.

Dono.

I shall sir, Lady return, and certifie your brother.

Aurel.

Thou art t••o blunt, and rude, return so soon, fie, let her stay, and send some messenger to certifie our pleasure.

Dono.

What meanes your Grace?

Aurel.

To give her time of rest to her long Journey, we would not willingly be thought▪ uncivil.

Artes.

Great King

of Bri••••ain, let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not seem strange to embrace the Princely Offers of a friend,

Whose vertues with thine own, in fairest merit Both States in Peace and Love may now inherit.

Aurel.

She speakes of Love agen, sure 'tis my fear, she knows I do not hate her.

Artes.

Be then thy self most great Aureliu••, and let not envy, nor a deeper sin in these thy Councellors, deprive thy goodness of that fair honor, we in seeking peace, give first to thee, who never use to sue but force our wishes▪ yet if this seem light, oh let my sex, though worthless your respect, take the report of thy humanity,

Whose mild and ver••uous life loud fame displayes, As being o'recome by one so worthy praise.

Aurel.

She has an Angels tongue, speak still.

Dono.

This flattery is gross sir, hear no more on't, Lady, these childish comple∣ments are needless, you have your answer, and believe it, Madam, his Grace, though yong, doth wear within his breast too grave a Councellor to be seduc't by smoothing flattery, or oyly words.

Artes.

I come not sir, to wooe him.

Dono.

'Twere folly if you should, you must not wed him, shame take thy tongue, being old and weak thy self, thou doat'st, and looking on thine own de∣fects, speak'st what thoud'st wish in me, do I command the deeds of others, mine own act not free?

Be pleas'd to smile or frown, we respect neither, My will and rule shall stand and fall together.

Most fair Artesia, see the King descends to give thee welcome with these warlike Saxons, and now on equal terms both sues and grants, in stead of Truce, let a perpetual League seal our united bloods in holy marriage, send the East Angles King this happy news, that thou with me hast made a League for ever, and added to his state a friend and brother: speak dearest Love, dare you confirm this Title?

Artes.

I were no woman to deny a good so high and noble to my fame and Country.

Aurel.

Live then a Queen in Brittain.

Glost.

He meanes to marry her.

Dono.

Death! he shall marry the devil first, marry a Pagan, an Idolater.

Cador.

He has won her quickly.

Edwin.

She was woo'd afore she came sure, or came of purpose to conclude the Match.

Aurel.

Who dares oppose our will? my

Lord of Gloster, be you Embassador unto our Brother, the Brother of our Queen 〈◊〉〈◊〉, tell him for such our entertainment looks him, our marriage adding to the happiness,

Of our intended joys, mans good or ill, In this like waves agree, come double still,

Enter Hermit.

Who's this, the Hermit? Welcome my happiness, our Countries hope, most reverent holy man, I wanted but thy blessing to make perfect the infinite sum of my felicity.

Hermit.

Alack sweet Prince, that happiness is yonder, Felicity and thou art far asunder, this world can never give it.

Aurel.

Thou art deceiv'd, see here what I have found, Beauty, Alliance, Peace, and strength of Friends, all in this all exceeding excellence, the League's confirm'd.

Hermit.

With whom, dear Lord?

Aurel.

With the great Brother of this Beauteous woman, the Royal Saxon King.

Hermit.

Oh then I see, and fear thou art too near thy misery, what magick could so linck thee to this mischief by all the good that thou hast reapt by me, stand further from destruction.

Aurel.

Speak as a man, and I shall hope to obey thee.

Hermit.

Idolaters get hence, fond King, let go, Thou hug'st thy ruine, and thy Countries woe.

Dono.

Well spoke old Father, too him, bait him soundly, now by heavens blest Lady, I can scarce keep patience.

1 Saxon Lord.

What devil is this?

2 Saxon Lord.

That cursed Christian, by whose hellish charmes our army was o're∣thrown.

Hermit.

Why do you dally sir? oh tempt not heaven, warm not a serpent in your naked bosom, discharge them from your Court.

Aurel.

Thou speak'st like madness, command the frozen shepherd to the shade, when he sits warm i'th' Sun, the fe∣ver sick to add more heat unto his burning pain, these may obey, 'tis less extremity then thou enjoynst to me: cast but thine eye upon this beauty, do it, I'le forgive thee, though jealousie in others findes no pardon, then say thou dost not love me, I shall then swear th'art immortal, and no earthly man, oh blame then my morta••lity; no•• me.

Hermit.

It is thy weakness brings thy 〈…〉〈…〉 Prince.

Aurel.

Be milder in thy doom.

Hermit.

'Tis you that must indure heavens doom, which faln, remember's just.

Artes.

Thou shalt not live to see it: how

fares my Lord? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my poor presence breed dislike, great Prince, I am no such neglected soul, will seek to tie you to your word.

Aurel.

My word dear Love, may my Religion, Crown, State, and Kingdom fail, when I fail thee, command Earl Chester to break up the camp, without disturbance to our Saxon friends, send every hour swift posts to hasten on the King her Brother, to conclude this League, this endless happy Peace of Love and Marriage, till when provide for Revels, and give charge that nought be wanting, which make our Triumphs

Sportful and free to all, if such fair blood

Exit all but Hermit.

Ingender ill, man must not look for good.

Florish.

Enter Modestia reading in a book.

Modesta.

How much the oft report of this blest Hermit, hath won on my desires; I must behold him, and sure this should be he, oh the worlds folly, proud earth and dust, how low a price bears goodness, all that should make man absolute, shines in him: much reverent Sir, may I without offence give interruption to your holy thoughts?

Hermit.

What would you Lady?

Modest.

That which••till now ne're found a language in me, I am in love.

Her.

In Love, with what?

Modest.

With vertue?

Her.

There's no blame in that.

Modest.

Nay sir, with you?

With your Religious Life? Your Vertue, Goodness, if there be a name to express affection greater, that, that would I learn and utter: Reverent Sir, if there be any thing to bar my suit, be chari∣table and expose it, your prayers are the same Orizons, which I will number. Holy Sir, keep not instruction back from willingness, possess me of that knowledge leads you on to this humility, for well I know were greatness good, you would not live so low.

Her.

Are you a Virgin?

Modest.

Yes Sir?

Her.

Your name?

Modest.

Modesta?

Her.

Your name and vertues meet, a Modest Virgin, live ever in the sanctimonious way to Heaven and Happiness, there's goodness in you, I must instruct you further; come look up, behold yon firmament, there sits a power, whose foot-stool is this earth, oh learn this lesson,

And practise it, he that will climb so high, Must leave no joy beneath, to move his eye.

Exit.

Modest.

I apprehend you sir, on Heaven I fix my love, Earth gives us grief, our joys are all above,

For this was man in innocence naked born, To show us wealth hinders our sweet return.

Exit.