The grateful servant a comedy : as it was presented with good applause in the private house in Drury-Lane by Her Majesties servants / written by James Shirley, Gent.

ACTUS. 2.

SCAENA. 2.

Enter Jacome, the Steward, and Servants.

Jac.

So, so, yet more perfume, y' are sweet Servingmen, make everie corner of the house smoke, bestir your selves, everie man know his Province, and be officious to please my Lady, according to his talent; have you furnisht out the banquet?

Serv.

Most Methodicallie.

Jac.

'Tis well, here should have been a fresh suit of Arras, but no matter, these bear the age well, let'em hang.

Serv.

And there were a Mask to entertain his Highness?

Jac.

Hang Masks, let everie conceit shew his own face, my Ladie would not disguise her entertainment, and now I talk of disguising, where's the Butler?

Butl.

Here Sir.

Jac.

Where Sir? 'tis my Ladies pleasure that you be drunk to day, you will deal her Wine abroad the more liberallie among the Dukes servants, you are two tall Fellows, make good the credit of the Butterie, and when you are drunk, I will send others to relieve

you: Go to your stations, if his Grace come hither a Sutor to my Ladie, as we have some cause to suspect, and after marrie her, I may be a great man, and ride upon a Reverend Moyle by patent, there is no end of my preferment; I did once teach my Ladie to dance, she must then teach me to rise: for indeed it is just, that only those, who get their living by their legs, should ride up∣on a Foot-cloth.

Serv.

Here's a young Gentleman desires to speak with my Ladie.

Jac.

More young Gentlemen? tell him I am busie.

Serv.

With my Ladie—

Jac.

Busie with my Ladie Sir?

Serv.

Would speak with my Ladie Sir?

Jacom.

I ha not done with my Ladie my self yet, he shall stay, 'tis for my Ladies State, no time to interrupt my Ladie; but now? I'le know his business, and taste it for my Ladie; if I like it, she shall hear more, but bid him come to me, methinks I talk like a peremptorie Statesman alreadie, I shall quicklie learn to forget my self when I am in great office; I will oppress the Subject, flatter the Prince, take bribes a both sides, do right to neitber, serve heaven as far as my profit will give me leave, and tremble onlie at the summons of a Parliament.

Enter Dulcino.

Hum, a Page, a verie Page, one that would wriggle and prefer himself to be a Wag, 'tis so, have you anie letter of commenda∣tions?

Dulc.

I have a Letter Sir.

Jac.

Let me see the complexion of the face, has it a handsom Title Page, is it Stilo novo?

Dulc.

I have command Sir, to deliver it To none but to my Ladie.

Jac.

A forward Youth, I like him, he is not modest, I will as∣sist his preferment, to engage him to my faction, a special Court∣policie, see my Ladie.

Enter Cleona, Astella, Belinda.

Cleona.

Yet stay Belinda—

Bel.

I beseech you Madam Allow excuse to my abrupt departure. There is a business of much consequence, And which you will not mourn to see effected. Besides the dutie that I owe my Lord, Compells me to it Madam.

Cleon.

Well, but that We are acquainted with your vertue, this Would move suspition you were not in Charitie with the Duke.

Bel.

You are pleasant Madam.

Cleon.

You are severe to bind yourself too strictlie

From Court and entertainments, sure your Lord Should chide you for it.

Astel.

If it please you stay, Your Ladiship and I'le converse together, My unkind Fate hath indisposed me, To these State Ceremonies too.

Bel.

You will oblige me by your pardon?

Cle.

Use your pleasure.

Ast.

Nay you shall give me leave a little further, Here I am useless.

Exeunt Astella, Belinda.

Jac.

May it please you Madam, This prettie Gentleman has a suit to you, And I in his behalf; he will be serviceable And active in his place, a friend of mine.

Dulc.

Your Steward Madam is too full of zeal To do me a preferment, but I have No other ambition, than to commend This paper to your white hands.

Jac.

Never doubt, 'Tis done, be bold and call me fellow.

Cleon.

Be You circumspect I pray, that all things have Their perfect shape and order to receive The Duke: you know our pleasure, not to spare Or cost or studie to delight his highness.

Jac.

I hope I have not been your Steward so long, But I know how to put your Ladiship To cost enough without studie.

She reads.

Cleon.

Shall I credit So great a bliss? the date is fresh, Foscari Whom I thought dead? give him five hundred Crowns▪

Jac.

We will divide em.

Cleon.

Stay.

Jac.

You need not bid, I use to make em stay, and long enough Ere they receive such bounties.

Cleon.

Treasure is Too cheap a payment for so rich a message.

Jac.

This is the right Court largess.

Cleon.

The day breaks glorious to my darkned thoughts, He lives, he lives yet; cease ye amorous fears, More to perplex me: prethee speak sweet Youth, How fares my Lord? upon my Virgin heart I'le build a flaming Altar, to offer up A thankful sacrifice for his Return

To life, and me; speak and increase my comforts: Is he in perfect health?

Dulc.

Not perfect Madam, until you bless him with The knowledge of your constancie.

Cleon.

O get thee wings and flie then, Tell him my love doth burn like vestal fire, Which with his memory, richer than all spices, Dispersed odors round about my soul, And did refresh it when 'twas dull and sad, With thinking of his absence.

Jac.

This is strange, My Ladie is in love with him.

Cleon.

Yet stay, Thou goest too soon away, where is he, speak?

Dulc.

He gave me no Commission for that Ladie, He will soon save that question by his presence.

Cle.

Time h'as no feathers, he walks now on crutches, Relate his gesture when he gave thee this, What other words, did mirth smile on his brow, I would not for the wealth of this great world, He should suspect my faith, what said he prethee?

Dulc.

He said, what a warm lover, whom desire Makes eloquent could speak.

Jac.

I have found it, That boy comes from the Duke, that letter love, 'Twill be a match, and please your Ladiship—

Cleo.

Forbear your Ceremonies, what needs all this Preparation, if the Duke vouchsafe His person for my guest, dutie will teach me, To entertain him without half this trouble; I'le have no Ryot for his Highness.

Jac.

Hum? How's this?

Cleo.

Be less officious, you forget— Sweet Youth, go forward with thy storie.

Jac.

Hum? This is a Fayrie, and the Devil sent him To make my Ladie mad, 'twere well to trie Whether he be flesh and blood, ha, I'le pinch him first.

Cleo.

How now?

He pinches Dulcino.

Jac.

My care shall see nothing be wanting, for Your honour, and the Dukes.

Cleo.

Your place I see, Is better than your manners, go too, be Less troublesom, his Highness brings intents Of grace, not burden to us, know your dutie.

Jac.

So, I were best keep my self warm with my own

office, while I may, the tyde is turn'd I see within two minutes, here was nothing but look to the Gallerie, perfume the Cham∣bers, what Musick for the Duke, a Banquet for the Duke, now, be less officious, We'll have no Riot for his Highness, 'tis this Urchin h'as undone all our preferment.

Cle.

The Suns lov'd flower, that shuts his yellow Curtain, When he declineth, opens it again At his fair rising, with my parting Lord, I clos'd all my delights, till his approach, It shall not spread it self.

Enter Gentleman.

Gent.

Madam the Duke?

Cleon.

Already.

Enter Astella and Ladies.

Ast.

He is entred.

Cleon.

Do not leave me, I shall remember more.

Enter Duke, Fabrichio, Soranzo, Giotto.

Duke.

Excellent Cleona.

Cleo.

The humble dutie of a Subject to your Highness.

Duke.

Rise high in our thoughts, and thus Confirm we are welcom, to these eyes, our heart, Shall pay a lower dutie, than obedience Hath taught your knee.

Cleon.

Your Grace much honours me, Till this white hour, these walls were never proud, T'inclose a guest, the genius of our house, Is by so great a presence wak'd, and glories, To entertain you.

Duke.

Everie accent falls Like a fresh Jewel, to encrease her value, We can but thank Cleona.

Cleon.

Royal Sir—

Duke.

Let me revoke that hastie syllable, But thank thee; yes, we can do more, and will, We have a heart to do't, our much griev'd Sister I know you do not wear this sadness for Our presence.

Ast.

If I've anie skill in mine own eys, Since they beheld you, they have looked More chearfullie, than they were wont.

Duke.

And yet I see a tear is readie to break prison.

Ast.

It is of joy to see you sir in health, I hope the Prince is well?

Duke.

He will be so Astella, when he leaves to be unkind To thee, but let's forget him.

Dulc.

Fame ha's not Injur'd him, in the character of his person. And his shape promiseth a richer Soul,

I feel a new and fierie spirit dance, Upon my heart-strings.

Duke.

We are come My fair Cleona.

Cleo.

With your Highness pardon, That name was never so attended, it Becomes your bountie, but not me to wear That Title.

Duke.

What?

Cleo.

Of fair my Lord?

Duke.

I said you were my fair Cleona—

Cleo.

Sir?

Duke.

I did apply, I hope 't does not offend to call you so, Y' are yet my Subject.

Cleo.

When I leave that name, may heaven—

Duke.

Be pleas'd to change it for a better.

Cleo.

It cannot.

Duke.

Do not sin, 'tis in our power With your consent, to work that wonder Ladie.

Cleo.

I want my understanding.

Duke.

I'le explain,

Cleo.

Do not believe him Youth, by all the faith Of Virgins, I'le not change my service, to Thy Master for his Dukedom.

Dulc.

Y' are too Noble.

Duke.

What boy is that? Ha Giotto?

Dulc.

Madam, the Duke observes us.

Duke.

I ha seen him. It is no common face.

Soran.

My Lord we know not.

Duke.

VVhere is Grimundo?

Giot.

Not yet come my Lord.

Duke.

Send for him strait, and bid him bring the picture VVe gave into his keeping, yet forbear, It is in vain.

Soran.

My Lord, Cleona waits Your farther Courtship.

Duke.

VVhither am I carried?

Cleo.

I hope, dread Sir, my house affords no object, To interrupt your quiet.

Duke.

None but heavenly, Or could this Roof be capable of ill, Your onlie presence Ladie would convert it, There is a vertuous magick in your eye. For wheresoere it casts a beam, it does Create a goodness, y'ave a handsom boy.

Dulc.

The Duke is troubled?

Cleo.

He's a prettie Youth.

Dulc.

I hope he wo'not take me from my Ladie, I'le say I am her servant.

Duke.

Something binds My speech, my heart is narrow of a sudden: Giotto take some opportunitie To enquire that Youths condition, name, and Countrey,

And give us private knowledge, to cut off * Circumstance Ladie, I am not your fresh, And unacquainted Lover, that doth waste

Soranzo whispers with Jacome.

The tedious Moons with preparation To his amorous suit, I have been Cleona, A long admirer of your Vertues, and Do want the comfort of so sweet a partner, In your young state.

Cleo.

You mock your humble hand-maid.

Soran.

A stranger saist?

Jac.

He brought some welcom letter To my Ladie.

Sor.

Not know his name, nor whence?

Jac.

No my good Lord. So so, I like this well, My Ladie does applie her to the Duke, There is some hopes agen things may succeed; This Lords discoursing with me, is an Omen To my familiaritie to greatness.

Duke.

Grimundo not come yet? I am not well.

Cle.

Good heaven defend, Angels protect your Highness.

Duke.

Your holie prayers cannot but do me good. Continue that devotion, Charitie Will teach you a consent to my departure.

Cleo.

I am unhappie.

Duke.

Make me not so Ladie By the least trouble of your self; I am Acquainted with these passions, let me breath A heart upon thy lip; farewell, agen Your pardon.

Exit.

Soran.

'Tis a verie strange distemper, And sudden: Noble Ladie we must wait Upon the Duke.

Exeunt.

Jac.

My bud is nipt agen, Would all the banquet were in his bellie for't.

Dulc.

Let not my eyes betray me.

Jac.

I'm sick too; Let not your Ladiship repent your cost, I'le have a care the sweet-meats be not lost.

Exit.

Cleo.

Acquaint him with these passages of the Duke, Tell him I long to see him, and at last, To crown the storie, say my heartshall know No other love but his.

Dulc.

I flie with this Good news.

Exit. Dulc. Enter Jac.

Jac.

Madam, here is Prince Lodwick.

Cleon.

Attend him.

Jac.

Most officiously.

Cleon.

Stay, it can do no harm.

Ast.

Een what you please.

Cleon.

If he enquire for his Lady, answer She is not very well, and keeps her Chamber.

Jac.

Ile say she's dead if you please, 'tis my duty: Ile never speak truth while I live that shall Offend your Ladiship.

Cleon.

You may hear all,

Enter Lodwick and Piero.

And when you please appear.

Lodw.

Sick; where's her Doctor? Ile be acquainted with him. Noble Lady.

Cleon.

Your Grace is here most welcome.

Lodw.

I am bold?

Pier.

I am happy that my duty to the Prince Brought me to kisse your hand.

Cleon.

Beside the honour done to me, your person Will add much comfort to Astella, your Weak Lady.

Lodw.

She is sick; mend, let her mend, she'll spend her time worse, yet she knows my mind, and might do me the courtesie to die once; I'de take it more kindly, than to be at charge of a Physician.

Cleon.

You wo'd not poison her?

Lodw.

I think I must be driven to't; what shall a man do with a Woman that wo'not be ruled. I ha'given cause enough to break any reasonable womans heart in Savoy, and yet you see how I am troubled with her: but leave her to the Destinies. Where is my Brother all this while? I came to meet him; what, is't a match already? when shall we dance and triumph in the Tilt∣yard, for honour of the high and mightie Nuptials? where is he?

Cleon.

My Lord, he is gone.

Lodw.

How?

Cleon.

Distempered.

Lodw.

Not with Wine?

Cleon.

Departed sick.

Lodw.

She jeers him: By this lip Ile love thee, and thou wot abuse him; I knew he would but shame himself, and therefore durst not come with him for my own credit; I warrant he came fierce upon thee with some parcel of Poetry, which he had conn'd by heart out of Tasso, Guarrini, or some other of the same melt∣ing

Tribe, and thought to have brought thy Maiden Town to his obedience, at the first noise of his furious Artillery.

Cleon.

My Lord, you understand me not, your Brother Is not in health; some unkind pain within him Compell'd him to forsake us.

Lodw.

Is it true That he is sick? My Brother sick Piero.

Pier.

I am very well here.

1. Lady.

So am not I: pray sir appear more civil, Or I shall leave you.

Lodw.

True?

Cleon.

'Tis too true my Lord.

Lodw.

No, no, Truth is a vertuous thing, and we cannot have too much on't. D'ye hear, if I may counsel you, be wise, and stay for me; you may be my Wife within this month, and the Dutchesse too.

Cleon.

Your Wife my Lord; why you are married, What shall become of her?

Lodw.

Is she not sick?

Cleon.

But are you sure she'il die?

Lodw.

What a ridiculous question do you make: If death wo'not take a fair course with her, are there not reasons enough in State think you, to behead her; or if that seem cruel, because I do not affect blood, but for very good ends, I can be divorc'd from her, and leave her rich in the title of Lady Dowager.

Cleon.

Upon what offence can you pretend a divorce?

Lodw.

Because she is not fruitful; is not that a sin?

Cleon.

Would your Lordship have her fruitful, and you Ne'r lie with her?

Lodw.

Have not I known a Lady, whose husband is an Eunuch upon Record, mother to three or four children, and no free con∣science but commends her?

Cleon.

But these things wo'not be easily perfect, unlesse You were Duke to enforce em.

Lodw.

Is not my Brother in the way? sick already, and per∣haps as fit for heaven as another; I know he cannot live long, he's so well given, they never thrive, and then d'ye think Ile keep such a religious Court; in this corner lodge a Covy of Capou∣chins, who shall zealously pray for me without Stockins, in that a nest of Carthusians, things which in fine turn to Otters, appear flesh, but really are fish: No, no, give me a Court of flou∣rishing pleasure, where delight in all her shapes, and studied varie∣ties every minute courts the soul to act her chief felicity.

Cleon.

Do you never think of hell?

Lodw.

Faith I do, but it alwaies makes me melancholy, and therefore as seldome as I can my contemplation shall point thi∣ther; I am now in the spring of my life, winter will come on fast enough; when I am old, I will be as methodical an hypo∣crite, as any pair of Lawn Sleeves in Savoy.

Cleon.

I dare not hear him longer: Madam, release me.

Enter Astella.

Lodw.

How now; whence come you? were you sick?

Ast.

At heart my Lord, to think of your unkindnesse.

Lodw.

At heart: Ile ne'r believe without inspection. Am I unkind? go to, there's not a friend in the whole world can wish you better: Would you were canoniz'd a Saint, 'tis more than I wish my self yet; I do not trouble thee much on earth, and thou wert in heaven I would not pray to thee, for fear of disturbing thy Seraphical devotion.

Ast.

What sin have I committed deserves This distance?

Cleon.

In Christian charitie salute her.

Lodw.

I would not have your Ladiship too ventrous, The air is somewhat cold, and may endanger A weak body.

Ast.

If the suspicion that I am unchaste—

Lodw.

Unchaste; By this hand I do not know an honest woman in the Dukedome.

Cleon.

How, my Lord: what do ye think of me?

Lodw.

I know not whether you be a woman or no, yet.

Cleon.

Fie, my Lord.

Lodw.

What would you have me do? I have not seen her this six months.

Ast.

O rather, my Lord, conclude my sufferings, Than thus with tortures lengthen out my death: Oh kill me, and I beseech you; I will kisse The instrument, which guided by your hand, Shall give my grief a period, and pronounce

Enter Gri∣mundo.

With my last breath your free forgivenesse.

Lodw.

No, kill your self, more good will come on't: how now? nay then w'are like to have a precious time on't.

Cleon.

The Duke, my Lord, enquired for you.

Grim.

I met His Highnesse in return, and he imploy'd me

To bring back knowledge of his better health; Which, he says, shall enable him but to Expresse how much he honours fair Cleona.

Cleon.

I am his studious servant, and rejoice In this good news: Your Brother is recovered.

Lodw.

I, I, I knew he would do well enough: Now sir?

Grim.

I have some businesse with you, my Lord, Were you at opportunity.

Lodw.

Some moral exhortations; they are fruitlesse: I shall never eat Garlick with Diogenes in a Tub, and speculate the Stars without a Shirt: Prithee enjoy thy Religion, and live at last most Philosophical lousie.

Grim.

My design is of another nature.

Cleon.

May I obtain so great a favour Sir, You'ld be my guest in absence of the Duke; I'm but ambitious to remember His health in Greek Wine.

Lodw.

So this Lady will be temperate, and use me but like a Stranger, without pressing me to inconveniences of kissing her, and other superstitious Courtship of a husband.

Cleon.

I will engage she'll not offend you.

Lodw.

And yet it goes against my conscience to tarrie so long in honest companie; but my comfort is, I do not use it. Come away Piero, you have had a fine time on't.

Cleon.

My Lord.

Grim.

I follow Madam, yet have comfort, Though reason and example urge our fears, Heaven will not let you lose so many tears.

Exeunt.

Enter Foscari, and Dulcino.

Fosc.

Did she receive my Letter with such joy?

Dulc.

I want expression, my Lord, to give you The circumstance; with what a flowing love, Or rather, with what glad devotion She entertain'd it; at your very name, For so I ghest, to which her covetous sight Made the first haste; one might have seen her heart Dance in her eies, and as the wonder strove To make her pale, warm love did fortifie Her cheeks with guilty blushes, she did read And kisse the paper often.

Fosc.

This was before the Duke came thither?

Dulc.

Yes, my Lord.

Fosc.

And didst thou not Observe her at his presence ••lack that fervour Her former passion had begot of me? Was she not courtlie to him, Boy?

Dulc.

So far As her great birth and breeding might direct A Lady to behave her self to him, that was her Prince.

Fosc.

She kiss'd him, did she not?

Dulc.

She kiss'd.

Fosc.

He did salute her?

Dulc.

Yes, my Lord.

Fosc.

And didst not see a flame hang on her lip, A spirit busie to betray her love, And in a sigh conveigh it to him? Oh Thou canst not read a woman. Did he not Wooe her to be his Dutchesse?

Dulc.

Yes, my Lord.

Fosc.

Thou shouldst ha watcht her cheek then; there a blush Had been a guilt indeed, a feeble answer, With half a smile, had been an argument She had been lost, and the temptation Above her strength; which had I known, I could Have slept, and never been disturb'd, although I had met her in a dream.

Dulc.

My Lord, you weave a causeless trouble to your self.

Fosc.

Oh jealousie. I am asham'd—

Dulc.

If ever any woman lov'd With faith, Cleona honours you above Mankind; ▪twere sin, but to suspect so chaste, So furnish'd with all vertue, your Cleona.

Fosc.

It were indeed; I am too blame Dulcino; Yet when thou comst to be so ripe, for so Much miserie, as to love, thou wo't excuse me.

Dulc.

My Lord, if I might not offend with my Opinion, it were safest that you lose No time, your presence would confirm a joy To either, and prevent the Duke, whose strong Solicits may in time endanger much The quiet of your thoughts.

Fosc.

O never, never, and I will reward Her love beyond example: Thus Dulcino Thou shalt return.

Dulc.

My Lord, I had much rather

Write on you to her.

Fosc.

Tush, thou understandst not What I have purpos'd, thou shalt presentlie Go back, and tell Cleona I am dead.

Dulc.

How, dead?

Fosc.

I boy, that I am dead: nay, mark the issue.

Dulc.

But my Lord, she hath your Letter To check that.

Fosc.

Thou shalt frame something to take That off, some fine invention may be made, To say 'twas forg'd, we'll studie that anon, In the assurance of my death, which must Be so delivered, as she shall believe thee, She may affect the Duke.

Dulc.

Ho sir, the Duke?

Fosc.

I, I, the Duke: for that's the plot, I must advance.

Dulc.

And will you thus reward so great a love to you?

Fosc.

Best, best of all, Shall I be so ungrateful to a Ladie Of such rare merit, when a Prince desires To make her great? by my unworthie interest Destroy her blessings, hinder such a fortune From fair Cleona? Let her love the Duke; In this I will expresse the height and glorie Of my best service.

Dulc.

Are you sir in earnest?

Fosc.

I love her, and can never see her more: Posteritie shall learn new pietie In love from me; it will become me look on Cleona a far off, and only mention Her name, as I do Angels in my prayer: Thus she deserves I should converse with her; Thus I most nobly love her.

Dulc.

Doth she languish Expecting you, and shall I carrie death To comfort her? good heaven forbid this Sir.

Fosc.

Heaven doth engage me to it: she shall Reign glorious in power, while I let fall my Beads That she might prosper. Be not thou an enemy To her and me, but do it, or never see more.

Exit.

Dulc.

I'm lost i'th springing of my hope, shall I Obey him, to destroy my self? I must,

I dare not be my self; no need have they Of other force, that make themselves away?

Exit.