Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight.

Act. 2. Seane 1. (Book 2)

Exter Vasco, Frivolo, Tristan.

Fri.

You have heard the proclaim'd law Vasco.

Vas.

I would there were no law, or that no man Were learn'd enough to read em, or that we had Courage enough not to obey them

Trist.

Frivolo, what law is this?

Friv.

It is proclaim'd all female prisoners After a yeare should have free libertie To returne to Millaine, and ransomlesse. Only a yeare is given to us the conquerors, That those we took of birth, and dowry may (If we can wooe them to consent) marry us, But wee have no power to use constraint, nor to Inforce a maidenhead, on paine of death.

Vas.

My beldam hath tane order with her maidenhead Ten yeares ere I was borne.

Friv.

I'th meane time Tristan, As a requitall for our hopes, we must Maintaine them at our own charge?

Trist.

Must not the men wee tooke pay ransome?

Vas.

Yes, yes, they pay: I have a Knight given me By young Count Prospero shall sell his spurrs Ere he scape free, I will pawne him till he Be worne toth' title of a Squire.

Frivo.

Thou art as cruell as a Constable That's wak'd with a quarrell out of his first sleepe.

Vas.

Hang him bold Caraian, hee indites finely; And will live as well by sending short E∣pistles Or by th'sad whisper at your gamsters elbow When the great by is drawne, as any bashfull Gallant of em all.

Trist.

But whats the cause our Duke is so severe Unto the heire of Millain (whom 'tis said Shall suffer instant death) yet is thus kind To others of her sex.

Frivo.

She dies to satisfie A vow hee made in's youth, when those of Millain Took his brother prisoner, and would not be Appeaz'd without the for feiture of's head.

Trist.

I am not yet instructed Frivolo, VVhy should not then the rest we took dy too?

Frivo.

Evandra is a sacrifice for all; His other mercy takes from th'crueltie He showes on her.

Enter Altesto

Vas.

From whence Altesto comes your loftinesse?

Altest.

Why, from the Duke; I had laid me For breakfast a fine comfortable ginne.

Vas.

VVhat was't, a wench?

Altest.

A rack Vasco, a rack; A certaine Instrument that will extend, and draw Our sinnews into treble strings, and stretch Our great shinne bones, till they become slender As knitting needles, or a Spiders leggs.

Vas.

Didst thou commit Treason? 'tis well thou hast A braine for any thing, the age requires Parts, we cannot eat else; but quick, the cause.

Altest.

'Twas to discover where I left Evandra, VVhom Prospero deliver'd to my charge; I answer'd a full truth, that I restor'd Her to his hands, at his returne to's house, And this (as fortune would vouchsafe) the Duke Beleev'd without applying (Gentlemen) The recreation of the rack.

Fri.

But she is not yet found.

Altest.

No, and the Duke beleeves her still I'th Town. Therefore a guard is plac'd at all the gates to hinder her escape.

Vasco.

I do not like This cutting off young wenches heads; 'tis thought They cannot kisse hansomely without them.

Trist.

But how does Prospero excuse her flight?

Altest.

He saies she's stoln away, but shews no manner how; And th' angry Duke, though he be precious in His love, threatens him much.

Vas.

Some Angell stole her from him, and Gentlemen If I have any skill in Magick you Shall see her three daies hence pirking in a Cloud, Southward of yonder Star; look up, just there; With her Ivory Lute hanging at her back, And working me a scarfe of sky-colour'd Sattin.

Altest.

A halter (Vasco) to save the poore State The charge of a penny, thou'lt have need on't.

Vas.

What's become of Melora, your faire prisoner? You heare the Proclamation.

Altest.

Yes, and am well pleas'd, I meane to wooe, and marry her, she hath Twelve thousand crowns by good intelli∣gence.

Vas.

If she consent; but I am of the faith, Such Suckets are but seldome swallow'd by Us wealthy Aldermen o'th Campe; a joyn∣ture Is the word Altesto, and then you'l shew her A young back with a Sword hanging over't, Worse than a handsaw.

Altest.

Just now I left her at my mothers house; And sirra Vasco, she looks, oh rogue, rogue! A Flanders peake i'th middle of her brow, Which straight I spy, and shake, and melt, then speak Fine language to her, and am dutious with My Bonnet at her Instep thus—

Vas.

Th'ast sound the way.

Altest.

Then Vasco she moves back, disco∣vering but The very verge of both her picked toes, But in white Shoes, and then I'm taken that I stand like one of the Turkes chidden mutes, A girle in a Bongrace thus high may ravish me.

Fri.

Alas poore Gentleman!

Altest

But Vasco, her fiugers, by this good day, I think they are smaller than thy point tags, And she behaves them on the Virginass So prettily, I'ld wish no more of he ven, Than once to hear her play Fortune my Foe: Or John come kisse me now.

Vas.

Those are tunes my old widdow pri∣soner sings With more division than a water work When the maine pipe is halfe stopt.

Fri.

You have a yeare allow'd to wooe her Vasco.

Trist.

She's rich; I knew her husband, he thriv'd much By a monopoly he had of dead womens hair,

All Millaine talk'd of it; she kept another shop Under St Maudlins wall, and quilted ushers Calves.

Vas.

Well Gentlemen, let's waste no time, I'le to My Barbers straight, purge, shave, and wash, for know If cleanenesse and good looks will do't Ile teach Her Grandameship to mump, and marry too, Or my arts faile; Frivolo, you and Tristan Follow me, I shall employ you both.

Altest.

I am for Prospero, he sent to speak with me.

Exeunt.

Enter Alvaro, Prospero (with a Key, and Lights.)

Pros.

Sir, you have made me know my cruelty, 'Twas such incomely valour, that I blush To name't, and trust me, could I sink low as The Center whilest I kneel, stil would I thus Implore your pardon, and your love. Kneels

Alva.

Arise, I have a memory so apt T'advance my pitty 'bove my anger when It mentions thee, that Ile forget the cause That made thy guilt, and me to mourne; but O, This dismal place brings it again to thought, This lookes methinks like to the dark And hidden dwelling of the winds, as yet Unknown to men, where storms ingender, and The whirling blasts that trouble Nature till She tremble at their force, and ruine all The sumptuous piles of Art.

Pros.

Necessity hath caus'd this choice, till the Severe inquiry of your Father be Appeas'd, and we can shape her a disguise fit to Convey her from the Towne.

Alva.

VVith soft and gentle summons call, that she May clime unto the top, and verge o'th cave.

Prof.

Evandra speak, ascend to us; I am Your penitentiall Enemy, that come To weep away my trespasse at your feet.

Alva.

Evandra, rise, break from this thick And silent darknesse, like the eldest light.

The Stage opens, Prospero lifts Evand. vn.

Evan.

Ha! my Lord the Prince?

Alva.

O noble mind, what expiation can Make fit this young and cruell Souldier for Society of men, that hath defir'd The Genius of triumphant glorious war VVith such a rape upon thy I berty? Or what lesse hard than marble of The Parian Rock, canst thou beleeve my heart, That nurc'd and bred him my Disciple in The Campe, and yet could teach his valour no More tendernesse than injur'd Scythians use VVhen they are vex'd to a revenge? but he Hath mourn'd for it, and sure Evandra thou Art strangely pittifull, that dost so long Conceale an anger that would kill us both.

Evand.

Sir, I am nobly recompenc'd, in that You will vouchsafe me worthy of your grief, And though I dye forgotten here (a poore And luckless maid) lost like a blossome which Th' injurious wind buries in dust, yet so Much courtesie deserves to be remembred even in heaven.

Alva.

Was this a subject fit to beare the pride And insolent calamity of war? As well had it become in the worlds youth The Giant Race, to hunt with mighty speare And iron shield, the soft and tender Ermine; Evandra, I have lov'd thee much, and long. Why dost thou start, as if some jealous thought Did whisper that my love devis'd this snare To keep thee here within my power and reach?

Evand.

I cannot think you are so cruell to Your self, t' afflict the thing that you esteem.

Alva.

No beautious maid, had I behold thy flight In our sterne exercise of wrath, I would Have made the bloudy field a garden fit I' adorne the shews of a triumphant peace; And ev'ry soldier like a reaper cloth'd, Fitter to use his sickle than his sword. Still thou recoyl'st like the chaste Indian plant, at the That shrinks and curles his bashfull leaves, Approach of man.

Evan.

I've lost my reason, and I want the courage To entertaine you kindnesse as I ought.

Alva.

Is it because my yeares a little have Oregrowne my youth, or that the enmity Our Fathers interchange begetts in thee A factious hate, till't make thy duty sinne? But tis not possible thou canst create A thought will merit such a name.

Evan.

The gentle businesse sir of love is fit For howers more calme, and blest than those A captive can injoy.

Alva.

These are not words To quiet me in sleepe, & peacefull thoughts.

Pros.

Nor shall I evermore rellish delights And triumphs of the court, or haughty joyes Of warre and victorie.

Alva.

Evanara live, be yet some happi∣nesse Vnto thy selfe, and with the patience that Becomes a maids divinitie, relieve Thy heart with easie hope of libertie, Inforcing a content within this darke And solitarie cave, till I have power With apt disguise to further thy escape, Which shall be hastned with my ablest skill. Beleeve me good Evandra, the honour of My birth and soule shall warrant it.

Evan.

You are a Prince renound, and precious for Your faith, and courtesie.

Alva.

Thinke not Ile use advantage, or constraint Vpon thy love, a virgins heart (I know) Is sooner strok'd than check'd into a kind Surrender of her breast.

Evan.

Sir, all the bounties that the hea∣vens provide For truth and clemency, fall on your still.

Alva.

If thou suspect'st I've not enough of cold And holy temper to resist the flames Of appetite, command that I shall see Thee here no more, & my obedience straite Shall be restraind within a sacred vow, For I would have thy thoughts (Evandra) safe As thy beauties are.

Evan.

It were a crime Greater (I hope) than I shall ere commit To doubt such princely goodnesse can per∣vert it selfe.

Alva.

Then I shall cherish oportunities To hasten my returne.

Evan.

Not Angells sure when they con∣verse, can meet VVith lesse intent of sinne, and more of joy?

Alva.

VVell, I must see thee oft, thy won∣drous eyes Have softned all my spirits to a calme And easie temper for thy sway, that I Could change my corslet, and my iron vests Of rugged war, to move in gentle pace, Vnto the tunefull whispers of thy Lute, Still cloth'd in tender garments of thy work, And for a plumed Helmet weare chapletts Of flowers, in a mysterious order rank'd By thy white virgin hand, theu like thy neat Ore'busie maid, bind up thy looser philetting, And pleate in curles thy soft dishevelld haire. Ile make my frequent visits here till thou Confesse how much I am subdu'd.

Evand.

I am opprest with feare, the watch∣full Duke Your father should observe, unto this sad Vnusuall place, your stolne approach, & then My sorrowes would be doubled in your dan∣ger.

Alva.

Danger? how noble lovers smile at (such A thought? 'tis love that onely fortifies And gives us mighty vigor to attempt On others force, and suffer more than we Inflict; would all the souldiers that I leade In active war, were lovers too, though leane, Feebled, & weakned with theit ladys frowns; How when their valours stirrd, would they march strong, Through hideous gulphs, through numerous herds Of angry Lyons, and consuming fire?

Knock within.

Evan.

What doubtfull noyse is that?

Alva.

'Tis Colladine, I did appoint him here. Stay Prospero, let him not enter yet; O envious chance, must we depart so scone?

They put Evendra downe in the cave.

Descend like the bright officer of day, Whilst darkned we thy beauteous absence mourne, And every flower doth weepe till thy re∣turne?

Opens the doore, lets in Calladine.

Pros.

His looks declare there's hazard, and some haste.

Alv.

What wouldest thou? speake.

Cal.

The Duke your father (sir) is much perplext; He calls for Prospero, and it is feard, Will torture him to find Evandra's flight.

Alva.

He shall not yet appeare; I will in∣dure His angers edge with venture of my selfe. Stay till I send.

Exit.

Cal.

My Lord, I grieve to see your sor∣rowes beare So great a weight, as makes you groane unto Your selfe; this silence, and fixation of Your eyes, untill unchanged objects cause Them ake, is much unlike your wonted mind; Suspect not but the Prince will qualifie His Father to a peace, and a more just Interpretation of your worth.

Pros.

Know Calladine, 'tis not Evandras bonds, Nor all the torments that th' incensed Duke From cruelty or art can minister, Have power to freeze, and fixe me like a sta∣tue thus; I have another cause that swels my heart, Till 't grow too spacious for my breast.

Cal.

'Las sir! your favours have oblig'd me so That I must share your griefe, and 'twould perhaps Afferd some remedy to share the cause.

Pro.

I know not Calladine in the vast world One I more love, or would so boldly trust; But thou wilt think me mad.

Cal.

My Lord, Ile forget then my man∣ners, and My reason too.

Pro

Come, thou shalt know, I love— How wilt thou smile to seem ambitious eyes Looke higher than the Eagle, when he soares To elevate his sight? I love—

Cal.

Who is't you love?

Pro.

Evandra; now mixe pitty in thy scorn.

Cal.

'Tis sad the Prince and you should meet with so Much violence in the same choice.

Pro.

At first, i'th rage of fight, I gaz'd on her, With halfe discernings of her forme, a mi•••• Of fury hung between us then, but since That I have viewd her beauty with some care, And seen how sweetly she demeanes her in Calamity, I have orethrown my heart With liking her too much.

Cal.

It will require great wisdome to per∣swade In this, the cause is dangerous.

Pro.

Would I had nere been born, then I had miss'd The sight and memory of her, and my Fond errors should have been as much un∣known As m' uncreated selfe.

Enter Altesto.

Alt.

My Lord, your servant gave me en∣trance with Command that I should speake with you.

Pro.

'Tis true; Altesto y'have a maiden prisoner, Call'd Melora; 'tis my request that you Conduct her hither in disguise; though law Newly proclaimd, allow no ransome for her, You shall be paid your own demand.

Altest.

Ile obey your Lordship, she shall attend You straight; what use can he imploy her to?

Prosp.

Come Calladine, ease me with thy counsell.

Exeunt.

Enter Vasco, Tristan, Frivolo, Lelia.

Vas.

Is Lelia your own prisoner Tristan?

Trist.

The powerful purchase of my sword.

Vas.

What is she heire to? a brasse thim∣ble, and A skeane of brown thread? she'l not yeeld thee in Algiers above a ducket being strip'd; And for her clothes they'r fitter for a paper∣mill Than a Pallace.

Fri.

Let her serve your captive widdow.

Vas.

Why Tristan, that's a yeares wages for you; 'Tis well thought on; will you serve Lelia?

Lel.

I hope sir I shall be fit to serve.

Vas.

Yes, serve for an Hospitall, when the sins

Of the Campe are retir'd into your bones; She's vilely out of Linnen.

Trist.

How can I help't?

Vas.

Let her make love to a Sexton, and steale shrowds.

Fri.

Trust my knowledge Vasco, she's for thy turne, Present her to thy widdow, she may wooe In thy behalf, toste plum cakes for her Mus∣kadine, And brush her velvet hood on holy-dayes.

Vas.

Tristan convey her to her as my gift; But Lelia you must speake notable words Of me, first what a goodly man I am; That I get Matrons at a hundred and ten VVith double Twins, and how in time of warre I fill up the muster with mine own Issue.

Lel.

Marry sir, heaven forbid.

Vas.

D'you heare? this wench has been villanously Ill bred; and Ile lay my life She sings at her work too the holy caroll O'th Ladies daughter converted in Paris; She was of Paris properly, &c.

Trist.

Fie Lelia, you must now take care, you are Not now i'th Campe, but in a civill Common wealth.

Lel.

I shall endeavour sir to learne.

Vas.

Nor must you perswade you Mistris rise Too early to her beads, she may catch cold, Having already a pestilent cough, And so will dye before I marry her.

Lel.

I hope I shall not be so mischievous.

Vas.

VVell Gentlemen, the fruitfull houre is now Drawn neere that gives successe, this morn∣ing must Expose me to great charge.

Fri.

Thou dost not meane To court her at her window with rare mu∣sick?

Vas.

No, she's very deafe, so that cost is sav'd.

Fri.

What other charge? she hath no teeth sit for A dry banquet, and dancing she is past, Unlesse with crutches in an Antimasque.

Vas.

I must provide her Culleises, and Broths That may stir metall in her, in this case She is, know my good friends, I find Her no more fit for the businesse of encrease, Than I am to be a Nunne.

Trist.

Thou wilt take care to trim thy person.

Vas.

I came just now from consultation with My Barber, who provides me a large maine, A lock for the left side, so rarely hung With Ribbanding of sundry colours sir, Thou'lt take it for the Rainebow newly crisp'd And trim'd, Bucephalus nere wore the like.

Fri.

VVhen you have reach'd Sir Leonels Ransome, And the rich widdows wealth, we are forgot, Like creatures of Japan, things hardly to Be search'd for in the Map.

Trist

In one short month I shall not know his name.

Vas.

'Tis then because thou canst not read, for thou Shalt find it fairely carv'd on each new Church And Hospitall, I meane to build apace, And have my blew boyes March through the streets Two and two, provided for in guilded Primmers, And their chops of mutton; go haste to the widdows, Present your Damsel, Ile be with you straight; My captive Knight would speak with me.

Exeunt. Manet Vas.

Enter Leonell.

Leon.

I am bold sir to make free use of your Most spacious roomes for benefit of aire.

Vas.

Sir you are welcome, 'tis a liberty That I expect, and I joy much your wounds So prosper in their cure.

Leon.

You shew your inclination kind and noble: But is there of Evandra yet no newes? You promis'd to enquire whether her flight Be true, or to what place she made escape.

Vas.

No certaintie is known, but all the Court Troubled with doubts, shortly you will heare more.

Leo.

If you could bring me sir to Prospero, Or to the Prince, on some affaires that may Perhaps advantage them, and my own good, You shall oblige me much to serve you in My better state of fortunes

Vas.

I will endeavor it, and as you find Me ready to assist all your requests, I hope sir, youle see cause to pay your ran∣some With what haste you can, for I would faine be able To doe good deeds, & we have many poore I'th towne that want their charitie, who have A will as ready as their wealth.

Leon.

Beleeve me you expresse a soule that hath Been bred, and exercis'd in holy thoughts.

Vas.

Faith sir not much, only you know a man Would joy to doe some good whilst he's a∣live, For after death our gifts I ever thought Rather proceeded from a devout necessity, Than any free desire.

Leon.

Tis wisely urg'd.

Vas.

It hath been a maxime I have held long.

Leo.

And it becomes you still; my ransome shall Be suddenly prepard.

Vas.

I thanke you sir; follow, & Ile procure You an addresse toth' prince or Prospero.

Exit.

Leon.

If she were fled, her person is of so Esteem'd, and eminent a rate, that straight Her instant residence must needs be known. There is much art in these affaires; how will She looke on me, that in so great a cause Could strike, or yeeld to angry fate? I will Indure her scornes, as a deserv'd reward, Nor should a lovers hopes grow cold be∣cause The Influence that last did governe him, Was sick, and cold, that destiny is gone, The firmament containes more starres than one.

Exit.