Fragmenta aurea A collection of all the incomparable peeces, written by Sir John Suckling. And published by a friend to perpetuate his memory. Printed by his owne copies.

Francelia.

ACT I. SCENE I.

Enter as to a Duell: Samorat, Philatell, Torcular.

Samorat,

BUt my Lords, May not this harsh businesse Yet be left undone! Must you hate me because I love your si∣ster; And can you hate at no lesse rate then death?

Phil.

No, at no lesse: Thou art the blaster of our fortunes, The envious cloud that darknest all our day, While she thus prodigally, and fondly Throwes away her love on thee;

She has not wherewithall to pay a debt Unto the Prince.—

Sam.

Is this all?

Tor.

Faith, what if in short we doe not thinke You worthy of her?—

Sam.

I sweare that shall not make a quarrell. I thinke so too; 'Have urg'd it often to my selfe; Against my selfe have sworn't as oft to her, Pray let this satisfie.—

Phil.

Sure

(Torcular)

he thinks we come to talke Looke you Sir;—

drawes.

And brother since his friend has fail'd him, Doe you retire.

Tor.

Excuse me

(Philatell)

I have an equall interest in this, And fortune shall decide it.—

Phil.

It will not need, hee's come.—

Enter Orsabrin.

Ors.

Mercury protect me! what are these? The brothers of the high way!

Phil.

A stranger by his habit.—

Tor.

And by his looks a Gentleman. Sir,—will you make one! We want a fourth.—

Ors

I shall be rob'd with a tricke now!

Sam.

My Lords excuse me!

This is not civill. In what concernes my selfe, None but my selfe must suffer.—

Ors.

A duell by this light,— Now has his modestie, And t'others forwardnes warm'd me▪—

goes towards them.

Gentlemen, I weare a sword, And commonly in readines, If you want one, speake Sir.—

to Samorat.

I doe not feare much suffering.

Sam.

Y'are noble Sir, I know not how t'invite you to it; Yet, there is Justice on my side, And since you please to be a witnesse To our actions, 'tis fit you know our Story.—

Ors.

No Story Sir I beseech you,— The cause is good enough as 'tis, It may be spoil'd i'th telling.

Phil.

Come we trifle then.—

Sam.

It is impossible to preserve I see My honor and respect to her. And since you know this too my Lord, It is not handsome in you thus to presse me, But come.— Torcular beckens to Orsabrin.— Oh! I understand you Sir.—

Exeunt.

Philatell and Samoratt fight.

Phil.

In posture still.— Oh, y'are mortall then it seemes.—

A slight wound.

Sam.

Thou hast undone thy selfe rash man, For with this bloud thou hast let out a spirit Will vex thee to thy grave.—

Fight agen, Samorat takes away Philatells sword, and takes breath, then gives it him.

Sam.

I'm coole agen, Here my Lord.— And let this Present bind your friendship.—

Phil.

Yes thus.—

Runs at him.

Sam.

Treacherous, and low.—

Enter Orsabrin.

Ors.

I have dril'd my gentleman, I have made as many holes in him As would sinke a Ship Royall In sight of the Haven:— How now?—

Samorat upon his knee.

S'foot yonder's another going that way too.— Now have I forgot of which side I'm on, No matter. I'le help the weakest; There's some Justice in that.

Phil.

The Villaine sure has slaine my brother. If I have any friends above, Guide now my hand unto his heart.—

Orsabrin puts it by, runs at him, Sa∣mo steps in.

Sam.

Hold noble youth! Destroy me not with kindnesse: Men will say he could have kil'd me, And that injustice should not be▪ For honours sake, leave us together.—

Ors.

'Tis not my businesse fighting—

puts up.

Th'employment's yours Sir: If you need me, I am within your call.

Sam.

The gods reward thee:— Now Philatell thy worst.—

They fight agen, and close, Samo: forces his sword.

Enter Orsabrin.

Ors.

Hell and the Furies are broke loose upon us, Shift for your selfe Sir.—

Flyes ••nto the woods s••verall wayes pursued by Theeves in Devils habits.

Enter Torcular, weak with bleeding.

Tor.

It will not be,— My body is a Jade: I feele it tire, and languish under me. Those thoughts came to my soule Like Screech-owles to a sick mans window.—

Enter Theeves back agen.

Thee.

Here—here—

Tor.

Oh! I am fetcht away alive.-

Exeunt. They bend him, and carry him away.

Enter Orsabrin.

Ors.

Now the good gods preserve my senses right, For they were never in more danger: 'Ith name of doubt, what could this be? Sure 'twas a Conjurer I dealt withall:

And while I thought him busie at his praiers, 'Twas at his circle, levying this Regiment. Heere they are agen.—

Enter Samoratt.

Sam.

Friend—Stranger—Noble youth—

Ors.

Heere—heere—

Sam.

Shift, shift the place, The wood is dangerous, As you love safety, Follow me.—

Exeunt.

Enter Philatell.

Phi.

Th' have left the place, And yet I cannot find the body any where— May be he did not kill him then, But he recover'd strength, And reacht the Towne— —It may be not too.— Oh that this houre could be call'd backe agen. —But 'tis too late, And time must cure the wound that's given by fate.—

Exit.

Enter Samoratt, Orsabrin.

Ors.

I'th shape of Lions too sometimes, And Beares?—

Sam.

Often Sir.—

Ors.

Pray unriddle.—

Sam.

The wiser sort doe thinke them Theeves, Which but assume these formes to rob More powerfully.—

Or.

Why does not then the State Set out some forces and suppresse them?

Sam.

It often has (Sir) but without successe.—

Or.

How so?—

Sam.

During the time those leavies are abroad, Not one of them appeares, There have been That have attempted under ground;

But of those as of the dead There has been no returne.—

Or.

Strange.

Sam.

The common people thinke them a race Of honest and familiar Devills, For they do hurt to none, Unlesse resisted; They seldome take away but with exchange; And to the poore they often give, Returne the hurt, and sicke recover'd Reward, or punish, as they do find cause.—

Or.

How cause?—

Sar.

Why Sir, they blind still those they take, And make them tell the stories of their lives, Which known, they do accordingly.—

Or.

You make me wonder! Sir,— How long is't since they thus have troubled you?

Sam.

It was immediately upon The great deciding day, fought 'Twixt the two pretending families, The Samorats, and the Orsabrins.

Or.

Ha! Orsabrin?

Sam.

But Sir, that storie's sad, and tedious, W'are entring now the Town, A place lesse safe then were the Woods, Since Torcular is slaine.—

Or.

How S r?—

Sam.

Yes.— He was the Brother to the Princes Mistris, The lov'd one too. If wee do prize our selves at any rate, We must embarque, and change the clime, There is no safety here.—

Or.

Hum.—

Sam.

The little stay we make, must be In some darke corner of the Towne:

From whence, the day hurried to th'other world, Wee'le sally out to order for our journey. That I am forc't to this, it grieves me not; But (gentle youth) that you should for my sake.—

Or.

Sir, loose not a thought on that A storme at Sea threw me on Land, And now a Storme on Land drives me To Sea agen.—

Sam.

Still noble,—

Exeunt.

Enter Nassurat, Pellagrin.

Na.

Why; suppose 'tis to a Wench, You would not goe with me, would you?—

Pella.

To chuse,—to chuse,—

Na.

Then there's no remedy.—

Flings down his hat, unbuttons himself drawes.

Pella.

What doest meane?—

Na.

Why? since I cannot leave you alive, I will trie to leave you dead.

Pella.

I thanke you kindly Sir, very kindly. Now the Sedgly curse upon thee, And the great Fiend, ••ide through thee Booted and Spur'd, with a Sith on his necke; Pox on thee, I'le see thee hang'd first; S'foot, you shall make none of your fine Points of honour, up at my charge: Take your course if you be so hot. Be doing,—be doing,—

Ex.

Na.

I am got free of him at last: There was no other way; H'as been as troublesome as a woman that Would be lov'd whether a man would or not: And h'as watcht me as if he had been My Creditors Sergeant. If they should have dispatcht In the meane time, there would be fine Opinions of me.—I must cut his throat In earnest, if it should be so.—

Ex.

Enter Theeves, A horne sounds.

Th.

A prize—A prize—A prize—

Perid.

Some duell (Sir) was faught this morning, this Weakned with losse of blood, we tooke, the rest Escap't.—

Tamoren.

Hee's fitter for our Surgeon, then for us, Hereafter wee'le examine him—

Agen a shout.

Thee.

A prize—A prize—A prize—(They set them down)

Ardelan, Piramant.

Tam.

Bring them, bring them, bring them in, See if they have mortall Sin, Pinch them, as you dance about, Pinch them till the truth come out.—

Peri.

What art?

Ar.

Extreamely poore, and miserable.

Per.

'Tis well, 'tis well, proceed, No body will take that away from thee, Feare not,—what Country?—

Ar.

—Francelia—

Per.

Thy name?—

Ar.

Ardelan.—

Per.

And thine,—

Pira.

Piramant.—

Per.

Thy story,—come—

Ar.

What story!—

Per.

Thy life, thy life.—(Pinch him)

Ar.

Hold▪ hold,— You shall have it;—(he sighs) It was upon the great defeat Given by the Samorats unto the Orsabrins, That the old Prince for safety of the young, Commit••ed him unto the trust of Garradan, And some few servants more, 'Mongst whom I fil'd a place.—

Tam.

Ha! Garradan!

Ar.

Yes.

Tam.

Speake out, and set me nearer; So; void the place, proceed.—

Ar.

We put to Sea, but had scarce lost the sight Of Land, ere we were made a prey To Pirates, there Garradan Resisting the first Boord, chang'd life with death; With him the servants too,— All but my selfe and Piramant. Under these Pirats ever since Was Orsabrin brought up, And into severall Countries did they carry him.

Tam.

Knew Orsabrin himselfe?—

Ar.

Oh! no, his spirit was too great; We durst not tell him any thing, But waited for some accident Might throw us on Francelia, ▪Bout which we hover'd often, And we were neere it now, But Heaven decreed it otherwise:—(he sighs)

Tam.

Why dost thou sigh?—

Ar.

Why do I sigh? (indeed,) For teares cannot recall him; Last night about the second watch, the Winds broke loose, And vext our Ships so long, That it began to reele and totter, And like a drunken man, Took in so fast his liquor, That it sunke downe i'th place.—

Tam.

How did you scape?—

Ar.

I bound my selfe unto a maste, And did advise my Master to do so, For which he struck me only, And said I did consult too much with feare.—

Tam.

'Tis a sad story.—(within there)

Let them have Wine and Fire,—but hearke you,—

(Whispers)

Enter Theeves.

With a Poet.

The.

A Prize.—A prize,—A prize.—

Per.

Set him downe,—

Poet.

—Sings.— —And for the blew,— Give him a Cup of Sacke 'twill mend his hew.—

Per.

Drunke as I live.—

(Pinch him, pinch him.

What art?—

Poet.

I am a Poet, A poore dabler in Rime.—

Per.

Come confesse, confesse;

Poet.

I do confesse, I do want money.

Per.

By the description hee's a Poet indeed. Well proceed.—

(Pinch him)

Poet.

What d'you meane?— Pox on you. Prethee let me alone, Some Candles here,— And fill us t'other Quart, and fill us Rogue, Drawer, the t'other Quart, Some small Beere.— And for the blew, Give him a Cup of Sack 'twill mend his hew.—

Tam.

Set him by till hee's sober, Come lett's go see our Duellist Drest.—

Exeunt.

Enter Taylor, two Sergeants.

Tay.

Hee's something tall, and for his Chin, It has no bush below: Marry a little wooll, as much as an unripe Peach doth weare; Just enough to speake him drawing towards a man.—

Ser.

Is he of furie?

Will he foine, And give the mortall touch?

Tay.

Oh no! He seldome weares his Sword.

Ser,

Topo is the word if he do, Thy debt, my little Mirmidon.

Tay.

A yard and a halfe I assure you without abatement.

Ser.

'Tis well, 'tis wondrous well: Is he retired into this house of pleasure?

Tay.

One of these hee's entred; 'Tis but a little waiting, You shall find me at the next Taverne.—

Exit.

Ser.

Stand close, I here one comming.

Enter Orsabrin.

Or.

This house is sure no S••minary for Lucreces, Then the Matron was so over diligent, And when I ask't for meate or drinke, Shee look't as if I had mistooke my selfe, And cald for a wrong thing, Well •• 'tis but a night, and part of it I'le spend In seeing of this Towne, So famous in our Tales at Sea.—

Ser.

Looke▪ looke, mufled, and as melancholy after't As a Gamester upon losse; upon him, upon him,

Or.

How now my friends, Why do you use me thus?

Ser.

Quietly; 'twill be your best way

Or.

Best way? for what?

Ser.

Why, 'tis your best way, Because there will be no other, Topo is the word, And you must along.—

Or.

Is that the word? Why then, this is my Sword—

(Run away)

Ser.

Murder, murder, murder; H'as kil'd the Princes Officer,

Murder—Murder—Murder.—

Or.

I must not stay, I heare them swarme.—

Exit.

Enter Constable, People.

Con.

Where is he, where is he?

Ser.

Here,—here—oh a Manmender, A Manmender, Has broacht me in so many places, All the Liquor in my body will run out.

Con.

In good sooth (neighbour) has tapt you at the Wrong end too; He has been busie with you here behind; As one would say, lend a hand, some of you, And the rest follow me.—

Exeunt

Enter Orsabrin.

Or.

Still pursu'd! Which way now? I see no passage; I must attempt this wall,— Oh—a luckie doore. And open.—

Exit.

Enters agen.

Where am I now? A garden, and a handsome house, If't be thy will a Porch too't, And I'm made; 'Twill be the better lodging of the two.—

(goes to the Porch)

Enter Maid.

Phemilia.

Oh! welcome, welcome Sir, My Lady hath been in such frights for you.

Or.

Hum! for me?—

Phe.

And thought you would not come to night:

Or.

Troth, I might very well have fail'd her:

Phe.

Shee's in the Gallery alone i'th darke.

Or.

Good, very good.

Phe.

And is so melancholly,—

Or.

Hum.—

Phe.

Have you shut the Garden doores? Come I'le bring you to her, enter, enter.—

Or.

Yes, I will enter: He who has lost himselfe makes no great venter.—

Exit.

ACT II.

Enter Sabrina, Orsabrin.

Sab.

OH welcome, welcome, as open aire to prisoners, I have had such feares for you.

Or.

Shees warme, and soft as lovers language: Shee spoke too, pretilie; Now have I forgot all the danger I was in.—

Sab.

What have you done to day (my better part)

Or.

Kind little Rogue! I could say the finest things to her mee thinks, But then shee would discover me, The best way will be to fall too quietly.—

(kisses her)

Sab.

How now my Samorat, What saucy heat hath stolne into thy bloud, And heightned thee to this? I feare you are not well.—

Or.

S'foot! 'tis a Platonique: Now cannot I so much as talke that way neither.

Sab.

Why are you silent, Sir? Come I know you have been in the field to day.

Or.

How does shee know that?—

Sab.

If you have kill'd my brother, speake: It is no new thing that true Love Should be unfortunate:

Or.

'Twas her brother I kill'd then,

Would I were with my Devils agen: I got well of them, That will be here impossible.—

Enter Phemillia.

Phe.

Oh! Madam, Madam, Y'are undone; The garden walls are scal'd, A floud of people are entring th'house.

Or.

Good—why here's varietie of ruine yet.—

Sab.

'Tis so, The Feet of Justice Like to those of time, Move quick, And will destroy I feare as sure: Oh Sir, what will you do, There is no ventring forrh, My Closet is the safest, Enter there, While I goe down and meet their fu••ie Hinder the search if possible.—

Exit.

Or.

Her Closet, Yea where's that? And, if I could find it, What should I do there? Shee will returne,— I will venture out.—

Exit.

Enter the Prince, Philatell Phontrell, Companie, Musique.

Phi.

The lightest aires; 'twill make them More secure,— Upon my life hee'le visite her to night.—

Musick plaies and sings.

Prince.

Nor shee, nor any lesser light Appeares,— The calme and silence 'bout the place, Perswardes me shee does sleep.

Phi.

It may be not, but hold,

It is enough,—let us retire Behind this Pillar, Phontrell, is thy place, As thou didst love thy Master shew thy care, You to th'other Gate, There's thy Ladder.—

Exeunt.

Enter Sabrina.

Sab.

Come forth my Samorat, come forth, Our feares were false, It was the Prince with Musicke, Samorat, Samorat., He sleepes,—Samorat, Or else hee's gon to find me out I'th Gallery, Samorat, Samorat, it must be so.—

Exit.

Enter Orsabrin.

Ors.

This house is full of Thresholds, And Trap-doores, I have been i'th Cellar, Where the Maids lie too, I laid my hand groping for my way Upon one of them, And shee began to squeake, Would I were at Sea agen i'th storme, Oh! a doore: Though the Devill were the Porter, And kept the Gate, I'de out.—

Enter Samorat

Or.

Ha! guarded? taken in a trap? Nay, I will out, And there's no other But this.—

(Retires and d••a••es, runs at him Another p••sse they close.

Sam.

Philatell in ambush on my life-

Enter Sabrina, and Phemillia with a light

Sab.

Where should he be? Ha!— Good Heavens what spectacle is this? my Samorat! Some apparition sure,—

(They discover one another ••y the light, throw away their weapons, and e••b••ace.

Sam.

My noble friend, What angry, and malicious Planet. Govern'd at this point of time!—

Sab.

(My wonder does grow higher)

Or.

That which governes ever: I seldome knew it better.

Sam.

It does amaze me Sir, to find you here. How entred you this place?

Or.

Forc't by unruly men it'h street.

Sab.

Now the mistake is plaine.

Or.

Are you not hurt?

Sab.

No,—but you bleed?

Or.

I do indeed, But 'tis not here, This is a scratch, It is within to see this beauty; For by all circumstance, it was her brother, Whom my unlucky Sword found out to day.

Sab.

Oh! my too cruell fancy.—

(Weepes)

Sam.

It was indeed thy Sword, But not thy fault, I am the cause of all these ills. Why d'you weep Sabrina!—

Sab.

Unkind unto thy selfe, and me, The tempest, this sad newes has rais'd within me I would have laid with Sheares, But thou disturb'st me, Oh! Samorat. Had'st thou consulted but with love as much As honour, this had never been.

Sam.

I have no love for thee that has not had So strict an union with honour still, That in all things they were concern'd alike, And if there could be a division made, It would be found Honour had here the leaner share:

'Twas love that told me 'twas unfit That you should love a Coward.

Sab.

These handsome words are now As if one bound up wounds with silke, Or with fine knots, Which do not helpe the cure, Or make it heale the sooner: Oh! Samorat this accident Lies on our love, Like to some foule disease, Which though it kill it not, Yet wil't destroy the beauty; Disfigur't so, That't will looke ugly to th' world hereafter.—

Sam.

Must then the Acts of Fate be crimes of men? And shall a death he pul'd upon himselfe, Be laid on others? Remember Sweet, how often You have said it in the face of Heaven, That 'twas no love, Which length of time, or cruelty of chance, Could lessen, or remove, Oh kill me not that way Sabrina, This is the nobler; Take it, and give it entrance any where—

Kneeles and pre∣sents his Sword.

But here, For you so fill that plaee, That you must wound your selfe.—

Or.

Am I so slight a thing? So bankerupt? So unanswerable in this world? That being principally i'th debt, Another must be cal'd upon, And I not once look't after? Madam why d'you throw away your Teares] On one that's irrecoverable?

Sab.

Why? therefore Sir, Because hee's irrecoverable.

Ors.

But why on him? He did not make him so.

Sab

I do confesse my anger is unjust, But not my sorow Sir, Forgive these tear•••• my Samorat, The debts of nature must be paid, Though from the stocke of love: Should they not Sir?

Sam.

Yes.— But thus the precious minutes passe, And time, e're I have breath'd the sighs, Due to our parting, Will be calling for me.

Sab.

Parting?—

Sam.

Oh yes Sabrina, I must part, As day does from the world, Not to returne till night be gone, Till this darke Cloud be over, Here to be found, Were foolishly to make a present Of my life unto mine enemy, Retire into thy Chamber faire, There thou shalt know all.—

Sab.

I know too much already.—

Exeunt.

Enter Phontrell.

Hold rope for me, and then hold rope for him. Why, this is the wisdome of the Law now, A Prince looses a subject, and does not Think himselfe paid for the loss••, Till he looses another: Well I will do my endeavour To make him a saver; ••or this was Samorat..—

Exit.

Enter Samorat, Orsabrin bleeding.

Or.

Let it bleed on,—you shall not stirre

I sweare.—

Sam.

Now by the friendship that I owe thee, And the Gods beside, I will Noble youth, were there no danger in thy wound, Yet would the losse of bloud make thee Unfit for travell, My servants waite me for direction, With them my Surgeon, I'le bring him instantly, Pray go back.—

Exit.

Enter Philatell, Guard.

Phil.

There.—

(places them at the door••.

You to the other Gate, The rest follow me.—

Ex.

Enter Orsabrin, Sabrina.

Sab.

Hearke a noise Sir. This tread's too loud to be my Samorats.

Searchers.

(Which way?—which way)—

(to them.

Some villany in hand, Step in here Sir, quick, quick.—

Locks him into her Closet.

Enter Philatell, Guard, and passe ore the Stage.

Phi

Looke every where.—

(Philatell dragging out his Sister.

Protect thy brothers murderer? Tell me where thou hast hid him, Or by my fathers ashes I will search In every veine thou hast about thee, for him.—

(O••sab••in ••ounces thri••e ••t the doore, it ••l••••s op••••.

Enter Orsabrin.

Or.

Ere such a villany should be The Gods would lend unto a single arme Such strength, it should have power to punish An Armie, such as thou art.—

Phi.

Oh! are you here Sir?—

Or.

Yes I am here Sir.—

(sight)

Phil.

Kill her.—

(Shee interpos'd

Or.

Oh! save thy selfe faire excellence, And leave me to my Fate.—

Base▪—

Comes behind him, ••••t••hes bold of his Armes.

Phi.

So bring him one, The other is not far,—

Exeunt.

Enter Sabrina, Phemilia.

Sab Run, run, Phemillia

To the Garden walls, And meet my Samorat, Tell him, oh tell him any thing, Charge him by all our loves He instantly take Horse, And put to Sea, There is more safety in a storme, Then where my brother is.—

Exeunt.

ACT III.

Enter Theeves.

Thee.

A Prize—A prize, A prize,

Per.

Bring him forth, bring him forth;

(They dance about him and sing.

Welcome w••••come, mortall wight, To the ••ansion of the night: Good or bad, thy life discover Truly all thy deeds declare; For about thee Spirits hover That can tell, tell what they are. —Pinch him, if he speake not true, —Pinch him, pinch him black and blew,

Per.

What art thou?

Stra

I was a man.

Per.

Of whence?—

Str.

••he Court.—

Per.

Whether now bound?

Str,

To my owne house.

Per.

Thy name?

Stra.

Stramador.

Per.

Oh you fill a place about his Grace, And keep out men of parts, d'you not?

Str.

Yes.—

Per.

A foolish Utensill of State, Which like old Plate upon a Gaudy day, 'Sbrought forth to make a show, and that is all; For of no use y'are, y'had best deny this:

Str.

Oh no!—

Per.

Or that you do want wit, And then talke loud to make that passe for it? You thinke there is no wisedom but in forme; Nor any knowledge like to that of whispers:—

Str.

Right, right.

Per.

Then you can hate, and fawn upon a man At the same time, And dare not urge the vices of another, You are so foule your selfe; So the Prince seldome heares truth.

Str.

Oh! very seldome.

Per.

And did you never give his Grace odde Councels. And when you saw they did not prosper, Perswade him take them on himselfe.—

Str.

Yes, yes, often.—

Per.

Get baths of Sulphur quick, And flaming oyles, This crime is new, and will deserve it. He has inverted all the rule of State; Confoun••ed policie, There is some rea••on why a Subject should suffer for the e••rours of his Prince; But why a Prince should ••ear•• The faults of's Ministers, none, none at All.—Cauldrons of Brimstone there.

Thee.

Great Judge of this infe••nall p••ace Allow him yet the mercy of the Cou••t.

Str.

Kind Devill.—

Per.

Let him be boyl'd in scalding lead a while T'enure, and to prepare him for the other.

Str.

Oh! heare me, heare me,

Per.

Stay! Now I have better thought upon't, He shall to earth agen: For villanie is catching, and will spread: He will enlarge our Empire much, Then w'are sure of him at any time, So 'tis enough—where's our Governour?—

Exeunt.

Enter Goalor, Samorat, Nassurat, Pellegrin, three others in disguise

Iai.

His haire curles naturally, A handsome youth.—

Sam.

The same,—

(Drinkes to him.

Is there no speaking with him? He owes me a trifling summe.—

Iay.

Sure Sir the debt is something desperate, There is no hopes he will be brought To cleare with the world, He struck me but for perswading him To make even with Heaven, He is as surly as an old Lion, And as sullen as a Bullfinch, He never eate since he was taken.—

Gentlemen

Sam.

I must needs speake with him, Heark in the eare.—

Iai.

Not for all the world.

Sam.

Nay I do but motion such a thing,

Iai.

Is this the businesse Gentlemen? Fare you well.—

Sam.

There is no choice of waies then.—

(Run after him, draw their dag••ers, set ••t t•• his B••est.

Stir not, if thou but think'st a noise, Or breath'st aloud, thou breath'••t thy last. So bind him now.—

Undoe, Quickly, quickly, His Jerkin, his Hat.

Na.

What will you do? None of these Beards will serve, There's not an eye of white in them.

Pell.

Pull out the Silver'd ones in his And sticke them in the other.

Na.

Cut them, cut them out, The bush will sute well enough With a grace still.

Sam.

Desperate wounds must have desperate Cures, extreames must thus be serv'd,— You know your parts, Feare not, let us alone.— Sings a Catch. Some drinke,—what Boy,—some drinke— Fill it up, fill it up to the brinke, When the Pots crie clinke, And the Pockets chinke, Then 'tis a merry world. To the best, to the best, have at her, And a Pox take the Woman-hater.— The Prince of darknesse is a Gentleman, Mahu, Mohu is his name, How d'you Sir? You gape as you were sleepy, Good faith he lookes like an—

O yes.

Pell

Or as if he had overstrain'd himselfe At a deep note in a Ballad.—

Na.

What think you of an Oyster at a low ebb? Some liquor for him; You will not be a Pimpe for life you Rogue, Nor hold a doore to save a Gentleman, You are—Pox on him, what is he Pellagrin? If you love me, let's stifle him, And say 'twas a sudden judgement upon him

For swearing; the posture will confirme it.

Pell.

We're in excellent humour, Let's have another bottle, And give out that Anne my wife is dead, Shall I Gentlemen?—

Na.

Rare Rogue in Buckram, Let me bite thee, Before me thou shalt go out wit, And upon as good termes, As some of those in the Ballad too.—

Pell.

Shall I so?—Why then foutree for the Guise, Saines shall accrew, and ours shall be, The black ey'd beauties of the time, I'le ticke you for old ends of Plaies:— They sing,— A Round,—A Round,—A Round,— A Round,—A Round,—A Round—

(Knock)

Some bodie's at doore. Preethee, preethee, Sirra, Sirra, Trie thy skill.

Na.

Who's there.

Messen.

One Sturgelot a Jaylor here?—

Na.

Such a on there was my friend, But hee's gone above an houre ago: Now did this Rogue whisper in his heart That's a lie,—and for that very reason, I'le cut his throat.—

Pell.

No prethee now,—for thinking? Thou shalt not take the paines, The Law shall do't—

Na.

How,—how?—

Pell.

Marry wee'le write it over when wee're gone, He joyn'd in the plot, and put himselfe Into this posture, meerely to disguise it to The world.—

Na.

Excellent, Here's to thee for that conceit,

Wee should have made rare Statesmen, We are so witty in our mischiefe. Another song, and so let's go, It will be time. —Sing.— A health to the Nut browne Lasse, With the hazell eyes let it passe. Shee that has good eyes Has good thighs, Let it passe,—let it passe.— A much to the lively Grey, 'Tis as good it'h night as the day, Shee that has good eyes, Has good thighs, Drinke away,—drinke away.— I pledge, I pledge, what ho some Wine, Here's to thine, and to thine, The colours are Divine.— But oh the blacke, the black Give me as much agen, and let't be Sacke: Shee that has good Eyes, Has good Thighs, And it may be a better knack.—

Na.

A reckoning Boy.—

(They knock)

There.—

(paies him)

Dost heare Here's a friend of ours 'has forgotten himselfe A little (as they call it) The Wine has got into his head, As the frost into a hand, he is benum'd, And has no use of himselfe for the present.

Boy.

Hum Sir.—

(s••••l••s.)

Na.

Prethee lock the dore, and when he

Comes t' himselfe, Tell him he shall find us at the old place, He knowes where.

Boy.

I will Sir.—

Exeunt.

Enter Orsabrin.

Or.

To di••! yea what's that? For yet I never thought on't seriously; It may be 'tis.—hum.— It may be 'tis not too.—

Enter Samorat, as Goaler undoes his Fetters.

Ha.—(as amaz'd.) What happy intercession wrought this change? To whose kind prayers owe I this my friend?

Sam.

Unto thy vertue—Noble youth The Gods delight in that as well as praiers. I am—

Or.

Nay, nay,— Be what thou wilt, I will not question't: Undoe, undoe.

Sam.

Thy friend Samorat.

Or.

Ha?

Sam.

Lay by thy wonder, And put on these cloathes, In this disguise thou'lt passe unto the Prison-gates, there you shall finde One that is taught to know you; He will conduct you to the corner Of the wood, and there my horses waite Us.— I'le throw this Goaler off in some odde place,

Or.

My better Angell.—

Exennt.

Enter Theeves.

Per.

It is 'een as hard a world for Theeves As honest men,—nothing to be got— No prize stirring.—

1. Thee.

None, but one with horses, Who seem'd to stay for some That were to come, And that has made us waite thus long.

Per.

A leane dayes worke, but what remedie? Lawyers, that rob men with their owne consent, Have had the same: Come, call in our Perdues, We will away.—

(they whistle.)

Enter Orsabrin, as seeking the horses.

Or.

I heare them now, Yonder they are.—

Per.

Hallow, who are these? Any of ours?

Thee.

No, stand close, They shall be presently, Yeeld—yeeld.—

Or.

Agen betraid? there is no end of my misfortune, Mischiefe vexes me Like a quotidian, It intermits a little, and returnes E're I have lost the memory of My former fit.—

Per.

Sentences, sentences, A way with him—A way with him.—

Exeunt.

Enter Goaler, Drawers, over the Stage.

Jailer.

I am the Goaler, undone, undone, Conspiracie, a cheat, my prisoner, my prisoner.—

Exeunt.

Enter Samorat.

Sam.

No men?—nor horses?— Some strange mistake,— May it be, th' are sheltred in the wood.—

Enter Peridor and other Theeves, exami∣ning the young Lord Torcular that was hurt.

Perid.

And if a Lady did but step aside,

To fetch a Masque or so, You follow'd after still, As if shee had gone proud? Ha; is't not so?—

Tor.

Yes.—

Per.

And if you were us'd but civillie in a place, You gave out doubtfull words upon't, To make men thinke you did enjoy.

Tor.

Oh! yes, yes.

Per.

Made love to every peece of cried-up beauty▪ And swore the same things over to them.

Tor.

The very same.—

Per.

Abominable. Had he but sworne new things, yet't had been Tollerable.— Reades the summe of the Confession▪

Th.

Let me see▪—let me see. Hum. Court Ladies Eight, Of which two great ones.— Country Ladies twelve. Tearmers all.—

Per.

Is this right?

Tor.

Very right.

Per.

Citizens wives of severall trades, He cannot count them.— Chamber maides, and Country wenches, About thirty:— Of which the greater part, The night before th'were married, Or else upon the day:

Per.

A modest reckoning, is this all?—

Tor.

No.— I will be just t'a scruple.

Per.

Well said,—well said,— Out with it.—

Tor.

Put down two old Ladies more.

Per.

I'th name of wonder, How could he thinke of old, In such variety of young?

Tor.

Alas I could never be quiet for them.

Per.

Poore Gentleman. Well what's to be done with him now? Shall he be thrown into the Cauldron With the Cuckolds, Or with the Jealous? That's the hotter place.

Per.

Thou mistake••'t, 'Tis the same, they go together still: Jealous and Cuckolds differ no otherwise Then Sheriffe and Alderman; A little time makes th'one th'other. What thinke you of Gelding him, And sending him to earth agen, Amongst his women? 'Twood be like throwing a dead fly Into an Ants nest. There would be such tearing, pulling, And getting up upon him, They would worry the poore thing To death,—

Th. 1.

Excellent, Or leave a string as they do sometimes In young Colts: Desire and impotence, Would be a rare punishment. Fie, fie, the common disease of age, A very old man has it.

Enter The.

A prize,—A prize,—A prize,

(Hornes blow, Brasse Plots, &c.

Ors.

This must be Hell by the noise

Ta.

Set him down, set him down; Bring forth the newest wrack, And flaming pinching Irons,

This is a stubborne peece of flesh, 'Twould have broke loose.

Or.

So, this comes of wishing my selfe With Divels agen.—

Per.

What art?—

Or.

The slave of Chaunce, One of Fortunes fooles; A thing shee kept alive on earth To make her sport,

Per.

Thy name?

Or.

Orsabrin.

Per.

Ha! he that liv'd with Pirats? Was lately in a storme?

Or.

The very same.—

Ta.

Such respect as you have paid to me,—

(whispers)

Prepare to Revels, all that can be thought on: But let each man still keep his shape.—

(Exit.)

They unbind him, all bow to him,

(Musicke)

Or.

Ha! Another false smile of Fortune?—

(They bring out severall suite of cloathes, and a banquets

Is this the place the gowned Clearkes Do fright men so on earth with? Would I had been here before. Master Devill; To whose use are these set out?

Ta.

To yours Sir.

Or.

I'le make bold to change a little—

(takes a hat.

Could you not affoord a good plaine Sword

(dresses himself.

To all this gallantry?—

Per.

Wee'le see Sir.

Or.

A thousand times civiller then men, And better natur'd.

Enter Tamoren, Reginella.

Tam.

All leave the roome. I like not this.—

Ex.

Tam.

Cupid do thou the rest,

A blunter arrow, and but slackly drawne, Would perfect what's begun, When young and handsome meet, —The work's halfe done.—

Or.

She cannot be lesse then a goddesse; And 't must be Proserpine: I'le speake to her, though Pluto's selfe stood by, Thou beauteous Queene of this darke world, That mak'st a place so like a hell, So like a Heaven, instruct me In what forme I must approach thee, And how adore thee?—

Re.

Tell me what thou art first: For such a creature Mine eyes did never yet behold.—

Or.

I am that which they name above a man: I'th watry Elements I much have liv'd, And there they terme me Orsabrin. Have you a name too?—

Re.

Why doe you aske?

Or.

Because I'de call upon it in a storme, And save a Ship from perishing sometimes.

Re.

'Tis Reginella.

Or.

Are you a woman too? I never was in earnest untill now.

Re.

I know not what I am, For like my selfe I never yet saw any.

Or.

Nor ever shall. Oh! how came you hither? Sure you were betraied. Will you leave this place, And live with such as I am?

Re.

Why may not you live here with me?

Or.

Yes.— But I'de carry thee where there is a glorious light, Where all above is spread a Canopie, Studded with twinckling Gems,

Beauteous as Lovers eies; And underneath Carpets of ••lowry Meads To tread on.— A thousand thousand pleasures Which this place can ne're affoord thee.—

Re.

Indeed!

Or.

Yes indeed— I'le bring thee unto shady walkes, And Groves fring'd with Silver purling streams, Where thou shalt heare soft feathered Queristers Sing sweetly to thee of their own accord. I'le fill thy lap with early flowers; And whilst thou bind'st them up mysterious waies, I'le tell thee pretty tales, and sigh by thee: Thus presse thy hand and warme it thus with kisses▪

Re.

Will you indeed?—

Enter King Per. above with others.

Ta.

Fond Girle: Her rashnesse sullies the glory of her beauty, 'Twil make the conquest cheape, And weaken my designes, Go part them instantly. And bind him as before; Be you his keeper Peridore.

Per.

Yes, I will keep him.

Or.

Her eyes like lightning shoot into my heart They'le melt it into nothing, Eere I can present it to her, Sweet Excellence.—

Enter Theeves.

Ha! why is this hatefull curtaine drawne before my eyes? If I have sinn'd, give me some other punishment; Let me but looke on her still, And double it, oh▪ whether, whether doe you hurry me?

Per.

Madam▪ you must in.—

(carry him away.

R.

Ay me, what's this?— Must!—

••x.

Enter other Devils.

Th. 1.

We have had such sport; Yonder's the rarest Poet without, Has made all his confession in blanke verse: Not left a God, nor a Goddesse in Heaven, But fetch't t••em all downe for witnesses; Has made such a description of Stix, And the Ferry, And verily thinks has past them. Enquires for the blest shades, And askes much after certaine Brittish blades, One Shakespeare and Fletcher: And grew so peremptory at last, He would be carried where they were.

Th. 2.

And what did you with him?

Th. 1.

Mounting him upon a Cowle-staffe, Which (tossing him something high) He apprehended to be P••gasus. So we have left him to tell strange lies, Which hee'le turne into verse; And some wise people hereafter into Religion.

ACT IV.

Enter Samorat, Nashorat, Pellegri••.

Na.

GGod faith 'tis wondrous well, We have ee'n done like eager disputers; And with much adoe Are got to be just where we were. This is the corner of the wood.

Sa.

Ha! 'tis indeed.—

P••ll.

Had we no walking ••ire, Nor sawcer▪ey'd Devill of these woods that led us? No•• am I as weary

As a married man after the first weeke. And have no more desire to move forwards, Then a Post-horse that has past his Stage.

Na.

'Sfoot yonder's the night too, stealing away With her blacke gowne about her: Like a kind wench, that had staid out the Last minute with a man.

Pel.

What shall we doe, Gentlemen? I apprehend falling into this Jaylors Hands strangely; hee'd use us worse Then we did him.

Na.

And that was ill enough of Conscience: What thinke you of turning Beggars? Many good Gentlemen have don't: or Theeves?

Pel.

That's the same thing at Court: Begging is but a kind of robbing th' Exchequer.

Na.

Looke foure fathome and a halfe OOS— In contemplation of his Mistres: There's a Feast, you and I are out now Pellegrin; 'Tis a pretty tricke, this enjoyning in absence. What a rare invention 'twood be, If a man could find out a way to make it reall.

Pel.

Dost thinke there's nothing in't as tis?

Na.

Nothing, nothing. Did'st never heare of a dead Alexander, Rais'd to talke with a man? Love's a learned Conjurer, And with the glasse of Fancie will doe as strange things? You thrust out a hand, Your Mistresse thrusts out another: You shake that hand that shakes you agen: You put out a lip; she puts out hers: Talke to her, she shall answer you; Marrie, when you come to graspe all this, It is but ayer.

(As out of his Study.

Sam.

It was unluckie,— Gentlemen, the day appeares,

This is no place to stay in; Let's to some neighbouring Cottage, May be the Searchers will neglect The neerer places, And this will but advance unto our safety.

Enter Fidlers.

Na.

Who are there?

Fid. 1.

Now if the spirit of melancholy should possesse them▪

F. 2.

Why if it should, An honourable retreate.

N.

I have the rarest fancie in my head,— Whether are you bound my friends so early?

Fid.

To a Wedding Sir.

N.

A Wedding? I told you so. Whose?

Fid.

A Country wenches here hard by, One Erblins daughter.

N.

Good: Erbl••n: the very place. To see how things fall out. Hold, here's money for you. Harke you, you must assist me in a small designe.

Fid.

Any thing.

Sam.

What do'st meane?

N.

Let me alone, I have a plot upon a wench.—

Fid.

Your Worship is merry.

Na.

Yes faith, to see her only. Looke you, some of you shall go back to 'th' Towne, And leave us your Coats, My friend and I am excellent at a little Instrument, And then wee'l sing catches.

P.

I understand thee not; Thou hast no more forecast then a Squirrell▪ And hast lesse wise consideration about thee. Is there a way safer then this! Dost thinke what we have done

Will not be spread beyond this place with ev'ry light. Should we now enter any house Thus near the Towne, and stay all day, Twould be suspitious: What pretence have we?

P.

He speaks reason Samorat.

Sa.

I doe not like it. Should any thing fall out 'twould not looke well, I'de not be found so much out of my selfe, So far from home as this disguise would make me, Almost for certainty of safety.

N.

Certainty? Why, this will give it us, Pray let me governe once.

Sa.

Well, you suffered first with me, Now 'tis my turne.

P.

Prethee name not suffering,

N.

Come, come, your Coats, Our Beards will suite rarely to them: There's more money, Not a word of any thing as you tender—

Fid.

O Sir.

N.

And see you carry't gravely too.— Now afore me Pellagrins rarely translated. 'Sfoot they'l apprehend the head of the Base Violl As soone as thee; Thou art so likely, Only I must confesse, that has a little the better face,

P.

Has it so?— Pox on thee, thou look'st like I cannot tell what.

N.

Why, so I would foole, Th' end of my disguise is to have none Know what I am: Looke, looke, a Devill ayring himself.

(Enter a Divell.

I'le catch him like a Mole ere he can get under ground.

P.

Nashorat, Nashorat.—

N.

Pox on that noise, hee's earth't. Prethee let's watch him and see Whether hee'le heave agen.

P.

Ar't madde?—

N.

By this light, three or foure of their skins And wee'd rob••e. 'I would be the better way.— Come, come, let's go—

Exeunt.

Enter Captain and Souldiers.

Cap.

Let the Horse s••••••t about this place, Wee▪le make a search within—

Ex.

Enter agen.

Now disperse I'th hollow of the wood, Wee'le meet agen.

Enter Na. Pe. Sa. Fid.

Sol.

Who goes there? Speake,—Oh! th'are Fidlers.— Sawe you no Men nor Horse I'th wood to day,—as you came along.

(Nashorat puls one of the Fidlers by the skirt)

Na.

Speake, speake Rogue.

Fid.

None Sir,—

Sol.

Passe on.—

Ex.

N.

Gentlemen what say you to th'invention now, I'm a Rogue if I do not think I was design'd for the Helme of State, I am so full of nimble Stratagems: That I should have ordered affaires, and Carried it against the streame of a Faction, With as much ease as a Skippar, Would laver against the wind.—

Ex.

Enter Captaine and Soldiers meet agen.

Cap.

What, no newes of any?

Sol.

No,—not a man stirring.

Enter other Souldiers.

Sa how, away,—away.—

Cap.

What, any discovery?

1. Sol.

Yes, the Horse has staid three fellowes, Fidlers they call themselves;

There's something in't; they looke suspitiously; One of them has offer'd at confession once or twice, Like a weake stomacke at vomiting, But 'twould not out.—

Ca.

A little cold Iron thrust downe his throat Will fetch it up.— I am excellent at discoverie, And can draw a secret out of a Knave, With as much dexterity as a Barber-Surgeon Woo'd a hollow tooth. Let's joyne forces with them.—

Exeunt.

Enter Orsabrin.

Or.

Sure 'tis eternall night with me; Would this were all too— For I begin to thinke the rest is true, Which I have read in books, And that there's more to follow.—

Enter Reginella.

Re.

Sure this is he.—

(She unbinds him.

Or.

The pure and first created Light Broke through the Chaos thus.— Keep off, keep off thou brighter Excellence, Thou faire Divinity: If thou com'st neere, (So tempting is the shape thou now assum'st) I shall grow sawcy in desire agen, And entertaine bold hopes which will but draw More, and fresh punishment upon me.—

Re.

I see y' are angry Sir: But if you kill me too, I meant no ill: That which brought me hither, Was a desire I have to be with you, Rather then those I live with: This is all Beleeve't.—

Or.

With me? Oh thou kind Innocence! Witnesse all that can punish falshood, That I could live with thee, Even in this darke and narrow prison:

And thinke all happinesse confin'd within the wals— Oh, hadst thou but as much of Love as I.

Re.

Of Love? What's that?

Or.

Why 'tis a thing that's had before 'tis knowne: A gentle flame that steales into a heart, And makes it like one object ••o, that it scarce cares For any other delights, when that is present: And is in paine when 't's gone▪ thinks of that alone, And quarrels with all other thoughts that would Intrude and so divert it.—

Re.

If this be Love, sure I have some of it, It is no ill thing, is it Sir?

Or.

Oh most Divine, The best of all the gods strangely abound in't, And Mortals could not live without it: It is the soule of vertue, and the life of life.

Re.

Sure I should learne it Sir, if you would teach it.

Or.

Alas, thou taught'st it me; It came with looking thus.—

(They gaze upon one another.

Enter Per.

Per.

I will no longer be conceal'd, But tell her what I am, Before this smooth fac'd youth Hath taken all the roome Up in her heart, Ha! unbound! and sure by her! Hell and Furies.

P.

What ho—within there—

Enter other Theeves.

Practise escapes? Get me new yrons to load him unto death.

Or.

I am so us'd to this, It takes away the sense of it: I cannot thinke it strange.

Re.

Alas, he never did intend to goe. Use him for my sake kindly: I was not wont to be deny'd. Ah me! they are hard hearted all.

What shall I doe? I'le to my Governour, Hee'l not be thus cruell.—

Exeunt.

Enter Samorat, Nashorat, Pelegrin.

Nas.

'Tis a rare wench, she 'ith blew stockings: What a complexion she had when she was warme— 'Tis a hard question of these Country wenches, Which are simpler, their beauties or themselves. There's as much difference betwixt A Towne-Lady, and one of these, As there is betwixt a wilde Pheasant and a tame.

Pell.

Right:— There goes such essensing, washing, perfuming, Da••bing, to th' other that they are the least part▪ Of themselves. Indeed the••e's so much sauce, a man cannot taste the meat.

N.

Let me kisse thee for that; By this light I hate a woman drest up to her height, Worse then I doe Sugar with Muskadine: It leaves no roome for me to imagine: I could improve her if she were mine: It looks like a Jade with his ••ayle tyed up with ribbons, Going to a ••ayre to be ••old.

Pell.

No, no, thou hatest it out of another reason, Nashorat.

Nas.

Prethee, what's that?

Pell.

Why th'are so sine, th'are of no use that day.

Na.

Pellegrin is in good feeling. Sirra, did'st marke the Lasse 'ith green upon yellow, How she bridled in her head, And danc't a stroake in, and a stroake out, Like a young Fillet training to a pace.

Pel.

And how she kist, As if she had been sealing and delivering her self up To the use of him that came last, Parted with her sweet-hearts lips still As unwillingly, and unto wardly, As ••oft Wax from a dry Seale.

N.

True; and when she kisses a Gentleman,

She makes a Curtsey, as who should say, The favour was on his side. What dull fooles are we to besiege a face Three moneths for that trifle. Sometimes it holds out longer,— And then this is the sweeter flesh too,—

Enter Fidlers.

Fid.

You shall have horses ready at the time, And good ones too (if there be truth in drinke) And for your letters, they are there by this.—

Sa.

An excellent Officer.—

Enter Wedding.

Clowne.

Tut, tut, tut, That's a good one y'faith, not dance? Come, come, strike up.

(Enter souldiers mufled up in their cloaks.

Sa.

Who are those that eye us so severely? Belong they to the wedding?

Fid.

I know 'em not.

Clo.

Gentlemen, wil't please you dance.—

(Offer their women.

Sol.

No, keep your women, wee'l take out others here. Samorat, if I mistake not.

Sa.

Ha! betraid?—

(A bussle.

Clo.

How now! what's the matter? abuse our Fidlers?

2 Sol.

These are no Fidlers, fools▪ obey the Princes officers, Unlesse you desire to goe to prison too.

Sa.

The thought of what must follow disquiets not at all: But tamely thus to be surpriz'd In so unhandsome a disguise?—

(They carry him away▪

Pel.

I'st ee'n so? Why then, Farewell the plumed Troops, and the big Wars, Which made ambition vertue.—

Nas.

I, I, Let them goe, let them goe.

Pel.

Have you ever a stratagem Nasharot? 'Twood be very seasonable. What thinke you now? Are you design'd for the helme of State? Can you laver against this Tempest?

Na.

Prethee let me alone, I am thinking for life.

Pe.

Yes, 'tis for life indeed, would 'twere not.

Cl.

This is very strange; Let's follow after, And see if we can understand it.—

Exeunt.

Enter Peridor, Orsabrin.

Per.

A meere Phantasme Rais'd by Art to trie thee.

Or.

Good kind Devill, Trie me once more. Help me to the sight of this Phantasme agen.

Per.

Thou art undone, Wer't thou not amorous In th' other world? Did'st not love women?

Or.

Who did hate them?

Per.

Why there's it; Thou thought'st there was no danger in the sinne, Because 'twas common. Above the halfe of that vast multitude Which fils this place, Women sent hither: And they are highliest punisht still, That love the handsomest.

Or.

A very lying Devill this Certainly.—

P.

All that had their women with you, Suffer with us.

Or.

By your friendships favour though, There's no justice in that: Some of them suffered enough In all conscience by 'em there.—

P.

Oh, this is now your mirth: But when you shall be pinch't Into a gellie, Or made into a crampe all over, These will be sad truths.

Or.

He talkes odly now, I doe not like it. Do'st heare?— Prethee exchange some of thy good counsell

For deeds. If thou bee'st an honest Devill, (As thou seem'st to be) Put a sword into my hand, And help me to the sight of this Apparition agen.—

P.

Well, some thing I'le doe for thee, Or rather for my selfe.—

Exeunt.

Enter two other Devils.

1. D.

Come, let's goe relieve our Poet.

2. D.

How, relieve him? hee's releas't; is he not?

1. D.

No, no; Bersat bethought himselfe at the mouth of the Cave, And found he would be necessary to our Masque too night. We have set him with his feet in a great tub of water, In which he dabbles and beleeves it to be Helicon: There hee's contriving i'th honour of Mercury, Who I have told him comes this night of a message From Jupiter to Pluto, and is feasted here by him.

Th.

Oh, they have fetcht him off.

Enter Poet and Theeves.

Po.

Carer per so lo carer, Or he that made the fairie Queene.

1 Th.

No, none of these: They are by themselves in some other place; But here's he that writ Tamerlane.

P.

I beseech you bring me to him, There's something in his Scene Betwixt the Empresses a little high and clowdie, I would resolve my selfe.

1 Th.

You shall Sir. Let me see—the Author of the bold Beauchams, And Englands Joy.

Po.

The last was a well writ peice, I assure you, A Brittane I take it; and Shakespeares very way: I desire to see the man,

1 Th.

Excuse me, no seeing here.

The gods in complement to Homer, Doe make all Poets poore above, And we all blind below. But you shall con••esse Sir. Follow.—

Ex.

Enter Peridor, Orsabrin.

Or.

Hallight and fresh aire agen?

(Peridor unbinds him and slips away.

The place I know too.— The very same I fought the Duell in. The Devill was in the right; This was a meere Aparition: But 'twas a handsome one, it left impressions here, Such as the fairest substance I shall ere behold, Will scarse deface. Well I must resolve, but what, or where? I, that's the question. The Towne's unsafe, there's no returning thither, And then the Port.—

(Enter some to passe over.

Ha! What means the busie haste of these.— Honest friend.—No—

(Passes hastily.

Do'st heare,—

(To another.

What's the matter pray?

Clo.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, That's good satisfaction indeed.

Ors.

Prethee good fellow tell me.

(Enter another.

What causes all this hurry?—

(To another.

Clo.

One Samorat is led to prison Sir, And other Gentlemen about Lord Torcular. Ha! Samorat! There is no meane nor end of fortunes malice: Oh •• 'tis insufferable; I'm made a boy whipt on anothers backe: Cruell, I'le not endure't by heaven, He shall not dye for me: I will not hold a wretched life upon such wretched termes.

(Ex.

Enter Tamoren Peridor, and others.

Tam.

Flie; flie abroad, search every place, and

Bring him back: Thou hast undone us all with thy neglect, Destroi'd the hopes we had to be our selves agen; I shall run mad with Anger; Fly, be gone.—

Exeunt all but Tam.

Enter Reginella.

My Reginella, what brings you abroad?

Re.

Deare Governour? I have a sute to you.

Ta.

To me my pretty sweetnesse, what?

Re.

You will deny me Sir I feare, Pray let me have the stranger that came last in keeping.

Ta.

Stranger? Alas hee's gone, made an escape▪

Re.

I fear'd he would not stay they us'd him so unkindly. Indeed I would have us'd him better,

(weeps.

And then he had been here still.

Tam.

Come▪ doe not weep my girle: Forget him pretty pensivenesse, there will Come others every day as good as he.

Re.

Oh! never: I'le close my ey's to all now hee's gone.

Tam.

How catching are the sparkes of love? Still this Mischance showes more and more unfortunate. I was too curious.— Come indeed, you must forget him, The gallant'st and the godli'st to the eye are not the best, Such handsome and fine shapes as those Are ever fal••e and foule within.

Re.

Why Governour d▪you then put Your finest things still in your finest Cabinets?

Tam.

Pretty Innocence: no, I doe not; You see I place not you there, Come no more teares: Lets in and have a Mate at Chesse, "Diversion cures a losse, or makes it selfe.—

Extunt.

ACT V.

Enter Tamaren, Peridor, and others.

Pe.

CRost all the High-wayes, searcht the Woods, Beat up and down with as much pain & diligence, As ever Huntsman did for a lost Deere.

Ta.

A race of Criples, are y' all Issue of Snayles, he could not else have scap't us. Now? what newes bring you?

Th.

Sir, we have found him out, The party is in prison.

Ta.

How? in prison?

Th.

For certaine Sir. It seemes young Samorat and he Were those that fought the duell t'other day, And left our Torcular so wounded there. For his supposed death was Samorat taken, Which when this youth had found, He did attempt to free him (scaling the wall By night) but finding it impossible, Next Morning did present himselfe Into the hands of Justice, imagining His death that did the fact, an equall sacrifice.

Ta.

Brave Orsabrin.

Th.

Not knowing that the greedy Law ask's more, And doth prescribe the accessarie As well as principall.

Ta.

Just so 'ith nicke? 'ith very nicke of time?

Per.

Hee's troubled.

Ta.

It will be excellent. Be all in souldiers straight, Where's Torcular?

Th.

Forth comming Sir.

Ta.

How are his wounds? Will they endure the Aire? Under your gaberdines weare Pistols all.]

Per.

What does he meane?

Ta.

Give me my other habit and my sword 'Ith' least suspected way hast after me.

Th.

All?

Tam.

All but Peridor; I will abroad, My broken hopes and suff'rings Shall have now some cure. Fortune spite of her selfe shall be my friend, And either shall redresse, or give them end.—

Ex.

P.

I've found it out, He doe's intend to fetch this stranger backe, And give him Reginella, Or else—No, no, it must be that His anger, and the search declare it; The secret of the prison-house shall out I sweare. I'le set all first on fire, For middle waies to such an end are dull.—

Ex.

Enter Prince, Phi.

S.

Since she was refus'd to speake with you Sir, Nor looke of any, Languishes so fast, Her servants feare she will not live To know what does become of him.

Phi.

Sir 'tis high time you visit her.

Pri.

I cannot looke upon her, and deny her.

Phi.

Nor need you Sir, All shall appeare to her most gracious: Tell her the former part o'th' Law Must passe, but when it comes t'execute, Promise her that you intend to interpose.

Pr.

And shall then Samorat live?

Ph.

Oh!— Nothing lesse! The censure past, His death shall follow without noise: ▪Tis but not owning of the fact, Disgracing for a time a Secretarie, Or so—the thing's not new—

Put on forgiving looks Sir, We are there—

Enter Sabrina's Chamber.

A mourning silence Sister Sabrina—

Sab.

Hence, hence, Thou cruell hunter after life: Thou art a paine unto my eyes as great, As my deare Mother had when she did Bring thee forth—And sure that was Extreme, since she produc't a monster.

Ph.

Speake to her your selfe, Shee's so incenst against me, She will not welcome happines, Because I bring it.

Pr.

Faire ornament of griefe, Why are you troubled— Can you beleeve there's any thing within My power which you shall mourne for? If you have any feares, impart them; Any desires, give them a name, And I will give thee rest: You wrong the greatnes of my love, To doubt the goodnes of it.

Sab.

Alas, I doe not doubt your love my Lord, I feare it; 'tis that which does undoe me. For 'tis not Samorat that's prisoner now, It is the Princes Rivall; Oh! for your owne sake Sir be mercifull: How poorely will this sound hereafter, The Prince did feare another's merit so, Found so much vertue in his rivall, that He was forc't to murder it, make it away. There can be no addition to you Sir by his death, By his life there will; You get the point Of honour, fortune does offer here What time perchance cannot agen:

A handsome opportunity to show The bravery of your minde—

Pri.

This pretty Rhetorique cannot perswade me

(faire.

To let your Samorat live for my sake: It is enough he shall for yours.

Sab.

Though vertue still rewards it selfe, yet here May it not stay for that; but may the gods Showre on you suddenly such happines, That you may say, my mercy brought me this—

P.

The gods no doubt will heare when you doe pray Right waies: But here you take their names in vaine, Since you can give your selfe that happines Which you doe aske of them.

Sab.

Most gracious Sir, doe not—

Pr.

Hold, I dare not heare thee speake, For feare thou now should'st tell me, What I doe tell my selfe; That I would poorely bargaine for any favours; Retire and banish all thy feares, I will be kind and just to thee Sabrina, What s'ere thou prov'st to me.

Ph.

Rarely acted Sir,—

Ex Sabr.

Pr.

Ha!—

Ph.

Good faith to th' very life.

Pr.

Acted?—No,—'twas not acted.

Ph.

How Sir?

Pr.

I was in earnest. I meane to conquer her this way, The others low and poore.

Ph.

Ha?—

Pr.

I told thee 'twould be so before.

Ph.

Why Sir, you doe not meane to save him?—

Pr.

Yes—I doe— Samorat shall be releas't immediately.—

Ph.

Sure you forget I had a brother Sir, And one that did deserve Justice at least.

Pr.

He did—

And he shall have it: He that kil'd him shall dye— And 'tis high satisfaction, that, Looke not— It must be so—

Exeunt.

Enter Stramador, and Peridor.

P.

No Devils Stramador, Beleeve your eyes—To which I Cannot be so lost▪ but You may call to minde One Peridor.

Str.

Ha? Peridor? thou did'st Command that day In which the Tamorens fell.

P.

I did— Yet Tamoren lives.

Str.

Ha?

P.

Not Tamoren the Prince, he fell indeed; But Tamoren his brother, who that day Led our horse: Young Reginella too, Which is the subject of the suit,— You have ingag'd your selfe by oath, The King shall grant.

Str.

Oh! 'tis impossible, Instruct me how I should beleeve thee.

Pe.

Why thus— Necessity upon that great defeat Forc't us to keep the Woods, and hide our selves In holes which since we much inlarg'd, And fortifi'd them in the entrance so, That 'twas a safe retreate upon pursuite: Then swore we all allegeance to this Tamoren. These habits better to disguise our selves, we took at first; But finding with what ease we rob'd, We did continue 'em, and tooke an Oath, Till some new troubles in the State should happen,

Or faire occasion to make knowne our selves Offer it selfe, we would appeare no other: But come, let's not loose What we shall ne're recover, This opportunitie—

Enter Nashorat, and Pe.

Pe.

Nashorat, you have not thought of any Stratagem yet—

N.

Yes I have thought—

Pe.

What?—

N.

That if you have any accompts with heaven, They may goe on— This villanous dying's, like a strange tune, Has run so in my head, No wholsome consideration would enter it. Nothing angers me neither, but that I passe by my Mistresses window to't.

Pe.

Troth, that's unkinde, I have something troubles me too.

N.

What's that.

Pe.

The people will say as we goe along, Thou art the properer fellow. Then I breake an appointment With a Merchants Wife, But who can help it?—

(Nashorat.

N.

Yea who can help it indeed, She's to blame though 'faith, if she Does not beare with thee, Considering the occasion—

P.

Considering the occasion as you say, A man would thinke he might be borne with. There's a Scrivener I should have paid Some money to, upon my word, But—

Enter Orsabrin, Samorat, Princes servants.

Or.

By faire Sabrina's name, I conjure you not to refuse the mercy

Of the Prince—

Sam.

It is resolv'd Sir, you know my answer.

Or.

Whether am I falne? I thinke if I should live a little longer, I should be made the cause of all the mischiefe Which should arise to the world— Hither I came to save a friend, And by a slight of fortune I destroy him: My very wayes to good prove ills. Sure I can looke a man into misfortune: The Plague's so great within me 'tis infectious. Oh! I am weary of my selfe: Sir I beseech you yet accept of it, For I shall be his way A sufferer, And an executioner too—

Sam.

••I beg of thee no more, Thou do'st beget in me desire to live: For when I finde how much I am Behind in noble acts of friendship, I cannot chuse but wish for longer time, that I might Struggle with thee, for what thou hast too clearly now Got from me: The point of honour— Oh! it is wisedome and great thrift to dye; For who with such a debt of friendship and Of Love, as you and my Sabrina must expect from me Could ere subsist.

N.

They are complementing; 'Sfoot they make no more of it, Then if 'twere who should goe in first at A doore—I thinke Pellegrine, as you and I Have cast it up, it comes to something More—

Mess.

Gentlemen, prepare, the Court is setting.

Sam.

Friends, this is no time for ceremonie; But what a racke have I within m••, To s••e you suffer.

And yet I hope the Prince will let this anger dye In me, not to take the forfeiture of you.

N.

If he should, Pellegrin and I are resolv'd, And are ready, all but our speeches to the people, And those will not trouble us much, For we intend not to trouble them.

(Exeunt.

Enter Prince, Peridor, and others.

Pr.

Not accept it? Lose this way too?—What shall I doe? He makes advantages of mine, And like a skilfull Tennis-player, Returnes my very best with excellent designe. It must not be, Bring to the Closet here above, the chiefe o'th' Jury: I'le try another way.—

Ex.

Enter Judges, Prisoners, Lawyers.

N.

Of all wayes of destroying mankinde, These Judges have the easiest, They sleep and doe it.

Pe.

To my thinking now, This is but a solemner kind of Puppet-play: How the Devill came we to be acters in't? So; it beginnes.

1 Judg.

The Princes Councell: Are they ready?

Lawy.

Here—

Judg.

Begin then—

Law.

My Lords, that this so great and strange.

Sa.

Most reverend Judges, To save th' expence of breath and time, And dull Formalities of Law— I here pronounce my selfe guilty.

Pri.

from above. Agen he has prevented me—

Sa.

So guilty that no other can pretend A share— This noble youth, a stranger to every thing But Gallantry, ignorant in our Lawes and Customes,

Has made perchance (In strange severity) a forfeit of himselfe; But should you take it, The gods when he is gone will sure revenge it. If from the stalke you pull this bud of vertue, Before 't has spread and shewne it selfe abroad, You doe an injury to all mankinde; And publique mischiefe cannot be private Justice. This man's as much above a common man, As man's above a beast; And if the Law Destroyes not man for killing of a beast, It should not here, for killing of a man. Oh what mistake 'twould be? For here you sit to weed the Cankers out That would doe hurt 'ith' State, to punish vice; And under that y'oud root out vertue too—

Or.

If I doe blush, 'tis not (most gracious Judges) For any thing which I have done, 'tis for that This much mistaken youth hath here deliver'd. 'Tis true (and I confesse) I ever had A little stocke of honour (which I still preserv'd) But that (by leaving me behinde alive) He now most cunningly doe's thinke to get from me: And I beseech your Lordships to assist me; For 'tis most fraudulent all he desires. Your Lawes I hope are reasonable, Else why should reasonable men Be subject to them; and then Upon what grounds is he made guilty now? How can he be thought accessarie To th' killing of a man, That did not know o'th' fighting with him? Witnesse all those pow'rs which search mens hearts, That I my selfe, (untill he beckned me) Knew nothing of it, if such a thing As sacrifice must be—why? Man for mans enough: Though elder times t'appease diviner Justice, Did offer up—

(Whither through gallantrie, or ignorance) Vast multitudes of Beasts in sacrifice, Yet numbers of men is seldome heard of: One single Curtius purg'd a whole States sin: You will not say th' offence is now as great, Or that you ought to be more highly satisfied Then Heaven—

P.

Brave youths—

N.

Pellegrin, you and I will let our sp••eches alone.

1 Judg.

If that the Law were of so fine a web, As wit and fancie spin it out to, here, Then these defences would be just, and save: But that is more substantiall, Of another make— And Gentlemen, if this be all, Sentence must passe—

Enter Tamoren.

Tam.

Orsabrin!

Or.

Ha! who names me there?

Ta.

A friend: heare me: I am an Officer in that darke world From whence thou cam'st, sent Thus disguis'd by Reginella our faire Queene, And to redeeme thee.

Or.

Reginella! I'th' midst of all these ills, How preciously that name doe's sound?

Ta.

If thou woult sweare to follow me, At th' instant th' art releast; I'le save thee and thy friends, In spite of Law.—

Or.

Doubt not of that; Bring me where Reginella is: And if I follow not, perpetuall misery follow me: It cannot be a Hell Where she appeares—

Tam.

Be confident.—

(Goes out and brings To••cul••••.

Behold (grave Lords) the man Whose death question'd the life of these, Found and recovered by the Theeves ▪ith Woods; And rescued since by us, to rescue Innocence.

Or.

Rare Devill, With what dexteritie h'as raised this Shape up; to delude them—

Pr.

Ha? Torcular alive?

Ph.

Torcular? I should as soone beleeve my brother Neere in being too.

Tor

You cannot wonder more to finde me here, Then I doe to finde my selfe.

Na.

Come unbinde, unbinde, this matter's answered.

Judg. 2.

Hold: they are not free, the Law exacts The same for breach of prison that it did before.

Or.

There is no scaping out of fortunes hands. Doest heare; hast never a trick for this?—

Ta.

Doubt me not, I have without, at my command, Those which never fail'd me; And it shall cost many a life yet Sir, ere yours be lost—

Pr.

Stramador you have been a stranger here of late.

Str.

Peruse this paper Sir, you'l find there was good reason for't.

Enter Prince Philatell from above.

Sramador, Peridor, Reginella meet them below.

Pr.

How! old Tamorens brother, Captaine Of the Theeves, that has infested thus Our Countrey? Reginella too, the heire of that fear'd Familie! A happy and a strange discovery.

Ta.

Peridor, and Reginella, the villaine Has betrai'd me.

Re.

'Tis Orsabrin, they have kept their words.

Or.

Reginella? she was a woman then. O let me goe.

Jay.

You doe forget sure what you are.

Or.

I doe indeed: oh, to unriddle now!

Stra.

And to this man you owe it Sir, You find an ingagement to him there; And I must hope you'l make me just to him.

Pr.

He does deserve it, Seize on him—

Tam.

Nay then all truths must out. That I am lost and forfeit to the Law, I doe confesse, Yet since to save this Prince.

P.

Prince!

Or.

(Our Mephosto-philus is mad.)

Ta.

Yet, Prince, this is the Orsabrin.

Or.

Ha!—

Tam.

So long agoe, Supposed lost, Your Brother Sir: Fetch in there Ardelan and Piramont.

Enter Ardelan and Piramont.

N.

What mad Planet rules this day Ardelan, and Piramont.

Or.

The Divel's wanton, And abuses all mankinde to day.

Ta.

These faces are well knowne to all Francelians, Now let them tell the rest—

Pi.

My noble Master living! found in Francelia?

Ar.

The gods have satisfied our tedious hopes.

Ph.

Some Imposture.

Or.

A new designe of fortune— I dare not trust it.

Ta.

Why speake you not?

Piram.

I am so full of joy, it will not out. Know ye Francelians, When Sanborne fatall field was fought, So desperate were the hopes of Orsabrin, That 'twas thought fit to send away this Prince,

And give him safety in another clime; That spite of an ill day, an Orsabrin might be Preserv'd alive. Thus you all know, To Garradans chiefe charge he was committed: Who when our Barke by Pyrats was surpris'd, (For so it was) was slaine 'ith first encounter; Since that we have been forc't to wait On Fortunes pleasure. And Sir, that all this time we kept You from the knowledge of your selfe, Your pardon; It was our zeale that err'd, Which did conclude it would be prejudiciall.

Ar.

My Lords you looke as if you doubted still: If Piramont and I be lost unto your memory, Your hands I hope are not— Here's our Commission: There's the Diamond Elephant, That which our Princes Sons are ever knowne by: Which we to keep him undiscovered, Tore from his riband in that fatall day When we were made prisoners: And here are those that tooke us, Which can witnesse all circumstance, Both how, and when, time and place; With whom we ever since have liv'd by force: For on no Kingdome, friend unto Francelia, Did Fortune ever land us, since that houre; Nor gave us meanes to let our Country know He liv'd—

T.

These very truths, when they could have no ends, (For they beleev'd him lost) I did receive from them before, Which gave me now the boldnes to appeare Here, where I'm lost by Law.

Shouts without,

Long live Prince Osabrin. Long live Prince Orsabrin,

Na.

Pellegrin let's second this: Right or wrong 'tis best for us.

Pe.

Observe, observe.

Pr.

What shouts are those?

Str.

Souldiers of Tamorens the first; The second was the peoples, who Much presse to see their long lost Prince.

Phi.

Sir, 'tis most evident, and all agrees, This was his colour'd haire, His Aire, though alter'd much with time: You weare too strange a face upon this newes; Sir, you have found a brother I, Torcular, the Kingdomes happines; For here the plague of Robberies will end. It is a glorious day—

Pr.

It is indeed, I am amaz'd, not sad; Wonder doe's keep the passage so, Nothing will out. Brother (for so my kinder Stars will have it) I here receive you as the bounty of the gods; A blessing I did not expect, And in returne to them, this day, Francelia ever shall keep holy.

Or.

Fortune by much abusing me, has So—dul'd my faith, I cannot Credit any thing. I know not how to owne such happines.

P.

Let not your doubts lessen your joyes: If you have had disasters heretofore, They were but given to heighten what's to come.

Na.

Here's as strange a turne as if 'twere the Fift Act in a Play.—

Peli.

I'm sure 'tis a good turne for us.

Or.

Sir, why stands that Lady so neglected there, That does deserve to be the busines of mankinde. Oh ye gods: since you'l be kind And bountifull, let it be here.

As fearfully, as jealous husbands aske After some secrets which they dare not know; Or as forbidden Lovers meet i'th night, Come I to thee (and 'tis no ill signe this, Since flames when they burne highest tremble most) Oh, should she now deny me!

Re.

I know not perfectly what all this meanes; But I doe finde some happinesse is neare, And I am pleas'd, because I see you are—

Or.

She understands me not—

Pr.

He seemes t'have passion for her.

Ta.

Sir, in my darke commands these flames broke out Equally, violent at first sight; And 'twas the hope I had to reconcile my selfe.

Or.

It is a holy Magicke that will make▪ Of you and I but one.—

Re.

Any thing that you wou'd aske me, sure I might grant.

Or.

Harke Gentlemen, she doe's consent, What wants there else?

Pe.

My hopes grow cold, I have undone my selfe.

Pr.

Nothing, we all will joyne in this; The long liv'd feu'd between the Families Here dyes, this day the Hyminaeall Torches shall burne bright; So bright, that they shall dimme the light Of all that went before— See Sabrina too.—

(Enter Sabrina.

Ta.

Sir, I must have much of pardon, Not for my selfe alone, but for all mine—

Pr.

Rise, had'st thou not deserv'd what now thou su'st for, This day should know no clouds.

Peridor kneeles to Tamoren.

Tam.

Taught by the Princes mercy; I forgive too.

Sab.

Frighted hither Sir. They told me you woo'd not accept the Princes mercy.

Sam.

Art thou no further yet in thy intelligence? See, thy brother lives—

Sab.

My brother?—

Tor.

And 'tis the least of wonders has falne out.

Or.

Yes, such a one as you are, faire,

(Reginella looks at Sabrina

And you shall be acquainted.

Sam.

Oh could your hate my Lords, now, Or your love dye.

Phy.

Thy merit has prevail'd With me.

Tor.

And me.

Pr.

And has almost with me. Samorat thou do'st not doubt thy Mistresse Constancia.

Sam.

No Sir.

Pr.

Then I will beg of her, That till the Sun returnes to visit us, She will not give away her selfe for ever. Although my hopes are faint, Yet I would have 'em hopes, And in such jolly houres as now attend us. I would not be a desperate thing, One made up wholly of despaire.

Sab.

You that so freely gave me Samorats life, Which was in danger, Most justly, justly, may be suffer'd to attempt Upon my love, which is in none.

Pr.

What sayes my noble Rivall?

Sab.

Sir, y' are kind in this, and wisely doe Provide I should not surfeit: For here is happines enough besides to last the Sun's returne.

N.

You and I are but savers with all this Pellegrin. But by the Lord 'tis well we came off As we did, all was at stake—

Pr.

Come, no more whispers here, Let's in, and there unriddle to each other— For I have much to aske.

Or.

A Life! a Friend! a Brother! and a Mistres! Oh! what a day was here: Gently my Joyes distill, Least you should breake the Vessell you should fill.

FINIS.