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 II. (Book 2)

Enter Clown, and his Sister great with childe.

Clown.

AWay, follow me no further, I am none of thy brother, what with Childe, great with Childe, and knows not whose the Father on't, I am asham'd to call thee Sister.

Ioan.

Believe me Brother, he was a Gentleman.

Clown.

Nay, I believe that, he gives arms, and legs too, and has made you the Herald to blaze 'em, but Ioan, Ioan, sister Ioan, can you tell me his name that did it: how shall we call my Cousin, your bastard, when we have it?

Ioan.

Alas, I know not the Gentlemans name Brother, I met him in these woods, the last great hunting, he was so kinde and proffer'd me so much, as I had not the heart to ask him more.

Clown.

Not his name, why this showes your Country breeding now, had you been brought up i'th•• City, you'd have got a Father first, and the childe afterwards: hast thou no markes to know him by.

Ioan.

He had most rich Attire, a fair Hat and Feather, a gilt Sword, and most excellent Hangers.

Clown.

Pox on his Hangers, would he had bin gelt for his labor.

Ioan.

Had you but heard him swear you would have thought.

Clown.

I as you did, swearing and lying goes together still, did his Oathes get you with Childe, we shall have a roaring Boy then yfaith, well sister, I must leave you.

Ioan.

Dear Brother stay, help me to finde him out, I'le ask no further.

Clown.

'Sfoot who should I finde? who should I ask for?

Ioan.

Alas I know not, he uses in these woods, and these are witness of his oathes and promise.

Clown.

We are like to have a hot suit on't, when our best witness's but a Knight 'ath Post.

Ioan.

Do but enquire this Forrest, I'le go with you, some happy fate may guide us till we meet him.

Clown.

Meet him, and what name shall we have for h••m, when we weet him? 'Sfoot thou neither knowst him, nor canst tell what to call him, was ever man tyr'd with such a business, to have a sister got with childe, and know not who did it; well, you shall see him, I'le do my best for

you, Ile make Proclamation, if these Woods and Trees, as you say, will bear any witness, let them answer; Oh yes: If there be any man that wants a name, will come in for conscience sake, and acknowledge himself to be a Whore-Master, he shal have that laid to his charge in an hour, he shall not be rid on in an age; if he have Lands, he shall have an heir, if he have patience, he shall have a wife, if he have neither Lands nor patience, ••e shall have a whore, so ho boy, so ho, so, so.

Within Prince Vter.

So, ho, by, so, ho, illo ho, illo ho.

Clown.

Hark, hark sister, there's one hollows to us, what a wicked world's this, a man cannot so soon name a whore but a knave comes presently, and see where he is, stand close a while, sister.

Enter Prince Vter.

Prince.

How like a voice that Eccho spake, but oh my thoughts are lost for ever in amazement, could I but meet a man to tell her beauties, these trees would bend their tops to kiss the air, that from my lips should give her praises up.

Clown.

He talk's of a woman, sister.

Ioan.

This may be he, brother.

Clown.

View him well, you see he has a fair Sword, but his Han∣ger's are faln.

Prince.

Here did I see her first, here view her beauty, oh had I known her name, I had been happy.

Clown.

Sister this is he sure, he knows not thy name neither, a couple of wise fools yfaith, to get children and know not one ano∣ther.

Prince.

You weeping leaves, upon whose tender cheeks doth stand a flood of tears at my complaint, and heard my vows and oathes.

Clown.

Law, Law, he has been a great swearer too, 'tis he sister.

Prince.

For having overtook her, as I have seen a forward blood-hound, strip the swifter of the cry ready to seize his wished hopes, upon the sudden view struck with astonish∣ment at his arriv'd prey, instead of seizure stands at fearful bay,

Or like to Marius soldiers, who o'retook The eye sight killing Gorgon at one look, Made everlasting stand: so fear'd my power Whose cloud aspir'd the Sun, dissolv'd a shower:

Pigmalion, then I tasted thy sad fate, wh••se Ivory picture, and my fair were one, our dotage past imagination, I saw and felt desire.

Clown.

Pox a your fingering, did he feel sister?

Prince.

But enjoy'd now, oh fate, thou hadst thy days and nights to feed,

Or calm affection, one poor sight was all, Converts my pleasure to perpetual thrall, Imbracing thine, thou lostest breath and desire, So I relating mine, will here expire, For here I vow to you mournful plants Who were the first made happy by her fame, Never to part hence, till I know her name.

Clown.

Give me thy hand sister, The Childe has found his Father, this is he sure, as I am a man, had I been a woman these kinde words would have won me, I should have had a great belly too that's certain; well, I'le speak to him: most honest and fleshly minded Gentleman, give me your hand sir.

Prince.

Ha, what art thou, that thus rude and boldly, darest take notice of a wretch so much ally'd to misery as I am?

Clown.

Nay, Sir, for our aliance, I shall be found to be a poor brother in Law of your worships, the Gen∣tlewoman you spake on, is my sister, you see what a clew she spreads, her name is Ioan Go-too't, I am her elder, but she has been at it before me: 'tis a womans fault, pox a this bashfulness, come forward Iug, prethee speak to him.

Prince.

Have you e're seen me Lady?

Clown.

Seen ye, ha, ha, It seems she has felt you too, here's a yong Go-too't a coming sir, she is my sister, we all love to Go-too't, as well as your worship, she's a Maid yet, but you may make her a wife, when you please sir.

Prince.

I am amaz'd with wonder: Tell me woman, what sin have you committed wor∣thy this?

Ioan.

Do you not know me sir?

Prince.

Know thee! as I do thunder, hell, and mischief, witch, stal∣lion, hag.

Clown.

I see he will marry her, he speaks so like a husband.

Prince.

Death, I will cut their tongues out for this blasphemy, strumpet, villain, where have you ever seen me?

Clown.

Speak for your self with a pox to ye.

Prince.

Slaves, Ile make you curse your selves for this temptation.

Ioan.

Oh sir, if ever you did speak to me, it was in smoother phrase, in fairer language.

Prince.

Lightning consume me, if I ever saw thee, my rage o'reflowes my blood, all patience flies me.

Beats her.

Clown.

Hold I beseech you sir, I have nothing to ••ay to you.

Ioan.

Help, help, murder, murder.

Enter Toclio, and Oswold.

Toclio.

Make haste Sir, this way the sound came, it was a wood.

Oswold.

See where she is, and the Prince, the price of all our wishes.

Clown.

The Prince say ye, ha's made a poor Subject of me I am sure.

Toclio.

Sweet Prince, noble Vter, speak, how fare you sir?

Oswold.

Dear sir, recal your self, your fearful absence hath won too much already on the grief of our sad King, from whom our laboring search hath had this fair success in meeting you.

Tolico.

His silence, and his looks argue di∣straction.

Clown.

Nay, he's mad sure, he will not acknow∣ledge my sister, nor the childe neither.

Oswold.

Let us entreat your Grac•• along with us, your sight will bring new life, to the King your Brother.

Toclio.

Will you go sir?

Prince.

Yes, any whether, guide me, all's hell I see,

Man may change air, but not his misery.

Exit Prince Toclio.

Ioan.

Lend me one word with you, sir.

Clown.

Well said sister, he has a Feather, and fair Hangers too, this may be he.

Oswold.

What would you fair one.

Clown.

Sure I have seen you in these woods e're this?

Oswold.

Trust me never, I never saw this place, till at this time my friend conducted me.

Ioan.

The more's my sorrow then.

Oswold.

Would I could comfort you: I am a Bachelor, but it seems you have a hus∣band, you have been fouly o'reshot else.

Clown.

A womans fault, we are all subject to go to't, sir.

Enter Toclio.

Toclio.

Oswold away, the Prince will not stir a foot without you.

Oswold.

I am coming, farewel woman.

Toclio.

Prithee make haste.

Ioan.

Good sir, but one word with you e're you leave us.

Toclio.

With me fair soul?

Clown.

Shee'l have a fling at him too, the Childe must have a Father.

Ioan.

Have you ne'er seen me sir?

Toclio.

Seen thee, 'Sfoot I have seen many fair faces in my time, prithee look up, and do not weep so, sure pretty wanton, I have seen this face before.

Ioan.

It is enough, though your ne're see me more.

sinks down.

Toclio.

'Sfoot she's faln, this place is inchanted sure, look to the woman fellow.

••xit.

Clown.

Oh she's dead! she's dead, as you are a man stay and help, sir: Ioan, Ioan, sister Ioan, why Ioan Go too't I say, will you cast away your self, and your childe, and me too, what do you mean, sister?

Ioan.

Oh give me pardon sir, 'twas too much joy

opprest my loving thoughts, I know you were too noble to deny me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Where i•• he?

Clown.

Who, the Gentleman? he's gone sister.

Ioan.

Oh! I am und one then, run, tell him I did but faint for joy, dear brother haste, why dost thou stay? oh never cease, till he give answer to thee.

Clown.

He: which he? what do you call him tro?

Ioan.

Unnatural brother, shew me the path he took, why dost thou d••lly? speak, oh, which way went he?

Clown.

This way, that way, through the bushes there.

Ioan.

Were it through fire, the Journey's easie, winged with sweet desire.

Exit.

Clown.

Hey day, there's some hope of this yet, Ile follow her for kindreds sake, if she miss of her purpose now, she'l challenge all she findes I see, for if ever we meet with a two leg'd creature in the whole Kingdom, the Childe shall have a Father that's certain.

Exit.

Loud Musick. Enter two with the Sword and Mace, Cador, Edwin, two Bishops, Aurelius, Os••orius leading Artesia Crown'd, Co••stan∣cia, Modestia, Octa, Proximus •• Magician, Donobert, Gloster, Oswold, Toclio, all pass over the Stage. Ma••••es Dono∣bert, Gloster, Edwin, Cador.

Dono.

Come Gloster, I do not like this hasty Marriage.

Gloster.

She was quickly wooed and won, not six days since ar∣rived an enemy to sue for Peace, and now crown'd Queen of Brittain, this is strange.

Dono.

Her brother too made as quick speed in coming, leaving his Saxons, and his starved Troops, to take the advantage whilst 'twas offer'd, fore heaven I fear the King's too ••redulous, our Army is discharg'd too.

Gloster.

Yes, and our General commanded home, Son Edwin have you seen him since?

Edwin.

He's come to Court, but will not view the pre∣sence, nor speak unto the King, he's so discontent at this so strange aliance with the Saxon, as nothing can perswade his patience.

Cador.

You know his humor will indure▪ no check, no if the King oppose it, all crosses feeds both his spleen, and his impatience, those affections are in him like powder, apt to inflame with every little spark, and blow up all his reason.

Gloster.

Edol of Chester is a noble Soldier.

Dono.

So is he by the Rood, ever most faithful to the King and Kingdom, how e're his passions guide him.

Enter Edoll with 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Cador.

See where he comes, my Lord.

Omnes.

Welcome to Court, brave Earl.

Edol.

Do not deceive me by your flat∣teries: Is not the Saxon here? the League confirm'd? the Mar∣riage ratifi'd? the Court divided with Pagan Infidels? the least part Christians, at least in their Commands? Oh the gods! it is a thought that takes away my sleep, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my senses so I scarcely know you: Prepare my horses, Ile away to Chester.

Capt.

What shall we do with our Companies, my Lord?

Edol.

Keep them at home to increase Cuckolds, and get some C••ses for your Captainships, smooth up your brows, the wars has spoil'd your f••ccs, and few will now regard you.

Dono.

Preserve you•• patience, Sir.

Edol.

Preserve your Honors, Lords, your Countries Safety, your Lives, and Lands from strangers: what black devil could so bewitch the King, so to discharge a Royal Army in the height of conquest? nay, even already made victorious, to give such credit to an enemy, a starved foe, a stragling fugitive, beaten beneath our feet, so love dejected, so servi••e, and so base, as hope of life had won them all, to leave the Land for ever?

Dono.

It was the Kings will.

Edol.

It was your want of wis∣dom, that should have laid before his tender youth, the dangers of a State, where forain Powers bandy for Soveraignty with Law∣ful Kings, who be••ng setled once, to assure themselves, will never fail to seek the blood and life of all competitors.

Dono.

Your words sound well my Lord, and point at safety, both for the Realm and us, but why did you within whose power it lay, as General, with full Commission to dispose the war, lend ear to parly with the weakned foe?

Edol.

Oh the good Gods!

Cador.

And on that parly came this Embassie.

Edol.

You will hear me.

Edwin.

Your letters did declare it to the King, both of the Peace, and all Conditions brought by this Saxon Lady, whose fond love has thus be witched him.

Edol.

I will curse you all as black as hell, unless you hear me, your gross mistake would make wisdom her self run madding through the streets, and quarrel with her shadow, death! why kill'd ye not that woman?

Dono. Glost.

Oh my Lord.

Edol.

The great devil take me quick, had I been by, and all the

women of the world were barren, she should have died e're he had married her on these condi••ions.

Cador.

It is not rea∣son that directs you thus.

Edol.

Then have I none, for all I have directs me, never was man so palpably abus'd, so basely mar••ed, bought and sold to scorn, my Honor, Fame, and hopef••l Victories, the loss of Time, Expences, Blood and Fortunes, all vanisht into nothing.

Edwin.

This rage is vain my Lord, what the King does, nor they, nor you can help.

Edol.

My Sword must fail me then.

••ador.

'Gainst whom will you expose it?

Edol.

What's that to you, 'gainst all the devils in hell to guard my country.

Edwin.

These are airy words.

Edol.

Sir, you ••read too hard upon my patience.

Edwin.

I speak the duty of a Subjects faith, and say agen had your been here in presence,

What the King did, you had not dar'd to cross it,

Edol.

I will trample on his Life and Soul that says it.

Cador.

My Lord.

Edwin▪

Come, come.

Edol.

Now be∣fore heaven.

Cador.

Dear sir.

Edol.

Not dare? thou liest be∣neath thy lungs.

Gloster.

No more son Edwin.

Edwin.

I have done sir, I take my leave.

Edol.

But thou shall not, you shall take no leave of me Sir.

Dono.

For wisdoms sake my Lord.

Edol.

Sir, I'le leave him, and you, and all of you, the Court and King, and let my Sword, and friends, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for Edol•• safety: stay you here, and hug the Sa∣xons, till they cut your throats, or b••ing the Land to servile slavery, such yokes of baseness, Chester must not suffer,

Go, and repent bet•• mes these foul misdeeds, For in this League, all our whole Kingdom bleeds, which Ile preve••t, or perish.

Glost.

See how his rage transports him!

Exit Edol. Capt.

Cador.

These passions set apart, a braver soldier breathes not i' th' world this day.

Dono.

I wish his own worth do not court his ••••ine.

The King must Rule▪ and we must learn to obay, True vertue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 direct the noble way.

Loud Musick. Enter Aure••ius, Artesia, Ostorius, O••ta, Proximus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Osw••la, Hermit.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Why is the Court so dull? me thinks each room, and

angle of our Palace should appear stuck full of objects fit for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and triumphs, to show ou•• high content. Oswold fill wine, must we begin the Revels? be it so then, reach me the cup: Ile now begin a Health to our lov'd Queen, the bright Artesia, the Royal Saxon King, our warlike brother, go and command all the whole Court to pledge it, fill to the Hermit there▪ most reverent Ansel••••, wee'l do thee Honor first, to pledge my Queen.

Her.

I drink no healths great King, and if I did, I would be loath to part with health, to those that have no power to give it back agen.

Aurel.

Mistake not, it is the argument of Love and Duty to our Queen and us.

Artes.

But he ows none it seems.

Her.

I do to vertue Madam, temperate minds covets that health to drink, which nature gives in every spring to man, he that doth hold

His body, but a Tenement at will Bestows no cost, but to repair what's ill, Ye•• if your healths or heat of Wine, fair Princes, Could this old frame, or these cras'd limbes restore, Or keep out death, or sickness, then fill more, I'le make fresh way for appetite, if no, On such a prodigal who would wealth bestow?

Ostorius.

He speaks not like a guest to grace a wedding.

Enter Toclio.

Artes.

No sir, but like an envious imposter.

Octa.

A Christian slave, a Cinick.

Ost••r.

What vertue could decline your King∣ly spirit, to such respect of him whose magick spells met with your vanquisht Troops, and turn'd your Arms to that necessity of fight, which the dispair of any hope to stand but by his charms, had been defeated in a bloody conquest?

Octa.

'Twas magick, hell∣bred magick did it sir, and that's a course my Lord, which we esteem in all our Saxon Wars, unto the last and lowest ebbe of servi••e treachery.

Aurel.

Sure you are deceiv'd, it was the hand of heaven, that in his vertue gave us victory, is there a power in man that can strike fear thorough a general camp, or create spirits, in recreant bosoms above present sense?

Ost••r.

To blind the sense there may with apparition of well arm'd troops within themselves are air, form'd into humane shapes, and such that day were by that Sorcerer rais'd to cross our fortunes.

Aurel.

There is •• law

tells u••, that words want force to make deeds void, examples must be shown by instances alike, e're I believe it.

Ost••r.

'Tis easily perform'd, believe me sir, propose your own desires, and give but way to what our Magick here shall straight perform, and then let his or our deserts be censur'd.

Aurel.

We could not wish a greater happiness, then what this satisfaction brings with it, let him proceed, fair brother.

Ost••r.

He shall sir, come learned Proximus, this task be thine, let thy great charms confound the o∣pinion this Christian by his spells hath falsly won.

Prox.

Great King, propound your wishes then, wha•• persons, of what State, what numbers, or how arm'd, please your own thoughts, they shall appear before you.

Aurel.

Strange art! what thinkst thou reverent Hermit?

Her.

Let him go on sir.

Aurel.

Wilt thou behold his cunning?

Her.

Right gladly sir, it will be my joy to tell, That I was here to laugh at him and hell.

Aurel.

I like thy confidence.

Artes.

His sawcy impudence, proceed to'th' trial.

Prox.

Speak your desires my Lord, and be it place't in any angle underneath the Moon, the center of the Earth, the Sea, the Air, the region of the fire, nay hell it self, and I'le present it.

Aurel.

Wee'l have no sight so fearful, onely this, if all thy art can reach it, show me here the two great Cham∣pions of the Trojan War, Achilles and brave Hector, our grea•• An∣cestor, both in their warlike habits, Armor, Shields, and Weapons then in use for fight.

Prox.

'Tis done, my Lord, command a halt and silence, as each man will respect his life or danger.

Armel, Plesgeth.

Enter Spirit.

Quid vis?

Prox.

Attend me.

Aurel.

The Apparition comes, on our displeasure let all keep place and silence.

Within Drums beat Marches.

Enter Proximus bringing in Hector attir'd and arm'd after the Trojan manner, with Target, Sword, and Battel-ax, a Tr••mpet before him, and a Spirit in flame colours with a Torch; ••t the other door Achilles with his Spear and Falch••n, a Trumpet and a Spirit in black be∣fore him; Trumpets sound alarm, and they manage their wea∣pons to begin the Fight: and after some Charges, the Hermit steps between them, at which seeming, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the spirits, and tremble.

Thunde•• within▪

Prox.

What means this stay, bright Arm••••, Pl••sg••th? why fear you

and fall back? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Alarms, and enforce the Combat, or hel•• or darkness circles you for ever

Arm.

We dare not.

Prox.

Ha!

Plesgeth.

Our charms are all dissolv'd, Armel away, 'Tis worse then hell to us, whiles•• here we stay.

Exit all.

Her.

What▪ at a Non-plus fi••? command them back for shame.

Prox.

What power o're••aws my Spell! return you Hell-hounds▪ Armel, Plesgeth, double damnation seize you, by all the Infernal powers, the prince of devils is in this Hermits habit, what else could force my Spirits quake or tremble thus?

Her.

We••k argument to hide you•• want of skill: does the devil fear the devil, or war with hell? they have not been acquainted long it seems. Know mis-believing Pagan, even that Power

That overthrew your Fo••ces, still lets you see, He onely can cont••oul both hell and thee.

Prox.

Di••grace and mischief, Ile enforce new charms, new spells, and spirits rais'd from the low Aby••s of hells unbottom'd depths.

Aurel.

We have enough sir, give o're your charms, wee'l finde some other time to praise your Art. I dare not but acknowledge that heavenly Power my heart stands witness to: be not dismaid my Lords, at this disast••r, nor thou my fairest Queen▪ we'l change the Scen•• to some more pleasing spo•••••• ▪ Lead to your Chamber,

How••ere in this thy plea••ures finde a ••ross, Our joy's too fixed here to ••uffer los••.

Toclio.

Which I shall adde to sir, with news I bring: The Prince your Brother, lives.

Aurel.

〈◊〉〈◊〉!

Toclio.

And comes to grace 〈◊〉〈◊〉 high and heaven-knit Marriage

A••r••l.

Why dost thou flatter me, to make me think such hap∣piness attends me?

Enter Prince Uter and Oswold.

Tocli••.

His presence speaks my truth, sir.

Dono.

Force me, 〈…〉〈…〉

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saw her, captived my senses, and thus many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bar'd me ••froth•• all society of men: how came she to this place, brother 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •• Speak that Angels name, her heaven-blest name, oh speak it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir.

Aurel.

It is Artesia, the Royal Saxon Princes••.

Prince.

A woman, and no Deity: no feigned shape, to mock the reason of admiring sense, on whom a hope as low as mine may live, love, and enjoy, dear Brother, may it not?

Aurel.

She is all the Good, or Vertue thou ca••st name, my Wife, my Queen.

Prince.

Ha! your wife!

Artes.

Which you shall finde sir, if that time and fortune may make my love but wor••hy of your tryal.

Prince.

Oh!

Aurel.

What troubles you, dear Bro∣ther? Why with so strange and fixt an eye dost thou behold my Joys?

Artes.

You are not well, sir.

Prince.

Yes, yes, oh you immortal powers, why has poor man so many entrances for sorrow to creep in at, when our sense is much too weak to hold his happiness? Oh say I was born deaf: and let your silence confirm in me the knowing my defect, at least be charitable to conceal my sin, for hearing is no less in me, dear Brother.

Aurel.

No more, I see thou art a Rival in the Joys of my high Bliss. Come my Artesia,

The Day's most prais'd when 'tis ecclipst by Night, Great Good must have as great Ill opposite.

Prince.

Stay, hear but a word; yet now I think on't,

This is your Wedding-night, and were it mine, I should be angry with least loss of time.

Artes.

Envy speaks no such words, has no such looks.

Prince.

Sweet rest unto you both.

Aurel.

Lights to our Nup∣tial Chamber.

Artes.

Could you speak so, I would not fear how much my grief did grow.

Aurel.

Lights to our Chamber, on, on, set on.

Exeunt. Manet Prince.

Prince.

Could you speak so, I would not fear how much my griefs did grow. Those were her very words, sure I am waking, she wrung me by the hand, and spake them to me with a most pas••io∣nate affection, perhaps she loves, and now repents her choice, in marriage with my brother; oh fond man, how darest thou trust thy Traitors thoughts, thus to be••ray thy self? 'twas but a waking dream wherein thou madest thy wishes speak, not her, in which thy foolish hopes strives to prolong

A wretched being, so sickly children play With 〈…〉〈…〉 toys, which for a time delay, But do not ••ure the ••it: be ••hen a man, Meet that destruction which thou canst not flie From, not to live, make it thy best to die, And call her now, whom thou didst hope to wed, Thy brothers wife, thou art too ne're a kin, And such an act above all name's a sin Not to be blotted out, heaven pardon me, She's banisht from my bosom now for ever, To lowest ••bbes, men justly hope a flood, When vice grows barren, all desires are good.

Enter Waiting Gentlewoman with a Iewel.

Gent.

The noble Prince, I take it sir.

Prince.

You speak me what I should be, Lady.

Gent.

Know by that name sir, Queen Artesia greets you.

Prince.

Alas good vertue, how is she mista∣ken.

Gent.

Commending her affection in this Jewel, sir.

Prince.

She binds my service to her: has a Jewel 'tis a fair one trust me, and methinks it much resembles something I have seen with her.

Gen.

It is an artificial crab, Sir.

Prince.

A crea∣ture that goes backward.

Gent.

True, from the way it looks.

Prince.

There is no moral in it aludes to her self?

Gent.

'Tis your construction gives you that sir, she's a woman.

Prince.

And like this, may use her legs, and eyes two several ways.

Gent.

Just like the Sea-crab, which on the Mussel prayes, whilst he bills at a stone.

Prince.

Pretty in troth, prithee tell me, art thou honest?

Gent.

I hope I seem no other, sir.

Prince.

And those that seem so, are sometimes bad enough.

Gent.

If they will accuse themselves for want of witness, let them, I am not so foolish.

Prince.

I see th'art wise, come speak me truly, what is the greatest sin?

Gent.

That which man never acted, what has been done Is as the least, common to all as one.

Prince.

Dost think thy Lady is of thy opinion?

Gent.

She's a bad Scholar else, I have brought her up, and she dares owe me still.

Prince.

I, 'tis a fault in greatness, they dare owe many e're they pay one, but darest thou ••••pose thy scho∣lar to my examining?

Gent.

Yes in good troth sir, and pray

put her to't too, 'tis a hard lesson if she answer it not.

Prince.

Thou know'st the hardest.

Gent.

As far as a woman may, sir.

Prince.

I commend thy plainness, when wilt thou bring me to thy Lady?

Gent.

Next opportunity I attend you, sir.

Prince.

Thanks, take this, and commend me to her.

Gent.

Think of your Sea-crab sir, I pray.

Exit.

Prince.

Oh by any means, Lady, what should all this tend to? if it be Love or Lust that thus incites her, the sin is horrid and in∣cestuous; if to betray my life, what hopes she by it? Yes, it may be a practice 'twixt themselves, to expel the Brittains and ensure the State through our destructions, all this may be valid with a deeper reach in villany, then all my thoughts can guess at, however

I will confer with her, and if I finde Lust hath given Life to Envy in her minde, I may prevent the danger; so men wise By the same step by which they fell, may rise. Vices are Vertues, if so thought and seen, And Trees with foulest roots, branch soonest green.

Exit.