Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight.

Act. 3. Scaena 1.

Enter Leonell and Prospero, (with a light and a key.)

Pros.

It glads me to behold your strength so well Restor'd, and sir, I wish the fortune of My sword, had met another cause, & enemie; Your ransome I have paid, and so much prize Evandra's happinesse, that since you make't Appeare your company will render her Some quietnes, and joy, in this her sad And solitarie state, you shall both see, and stay with her.

Leon.

From my first infancy I tooke my speech And breeding in her fathers court, and by My neerenes to her, both in deeds and place I'th day of fight, you may beleeve I am Of qualitie enough to be esteemd and well∣com'd in her miserie.

Pros.

Your valour then did speake you more than all The praise your modestie can urge,

Leon.

My Lord, it is your gentlenesse to have A courteous faith, but I am bold to think My sight will comfort her so much that she Will pay you thanks for giving so free trust Vnto my confidence.

Pros.

My kindnes to you I shall reserve Till happier howers, this sir, is for her sake, That she may have the benefit of your Approach, retire a while within, that key When I am gone, will open you a doore, That leades unto a cave.—

Exit Leonell.

Melora? where art thou? this way, the light Conducts thee; thou art safe.

Enter Melora.

Mel.

How darke, & like the dusty hollownes Of tombes where death inhabits, this ap∣peares?

Pros.

Now you shall know the cause why I have bought Your liberty, Evandra, daughter to Your Millain duke, lyes here imprisond by The chance of battaile, and thus hidden, and Reserv'd, till we can free her by disguise.

Melor.

O sad discoverie of a sorrow worse Than I indure, I hop'd she had escap'd.

Pros.

I heard that thou wert taken in her traine, But when the storyes of thy beauty and Thy vertues reach'd mine eare, I did beleeve Thou hadst familiar knowledge of her face And thoughts.

Mel.

I know too much of her, to think that Heaven Could thus permit her languish in a Cave.

Pro.

None can resist their destinie; but good Melora comfort her, and prethee for Kind pitty when your conversation shall Beget some pleasant houre, mention my care, And then my love; for know, she hath so wrought Upon my heart, that trust me I shall melt Like Tapers overcharg'd with flame, and die; Wilt thou implore in my behalfe?

Melo.

Your bounties have oblig'd me to performe My best, else I were cruell sir.

Pro.

Feare no surprize, you are secure, for twice. To day, my house by sterne Authority Was search'd, but vainly they suspect, and strive To find this hidden dwelling, that no art Can imitate for secrefie and depth.

Mel.

will you be gone?

Pros.

I'm sent for to the Pallace where I'm told I shall endure for this concealement more Than natures strength can beare, but L've a soule Dares welcome it with scorne.

Ent. Evand.

Mel.

Lend me the light; look, there's Evandra sir.

Pre.

It is, remember me, that I may live.

Exit.

Mel.

This mingled passion of strange griefe and joy, I can no longer quietly containe; Hail the most beautious virtue of the world.

Evand.

Lov'd Melora, what dismall chance, more than My sorrow can digest, hath brought thee here?

Mel.

Why am I thought on, or enquir'd for as A creature that deserves a life, whilst you Remaine within the house and armes of death?

Evan.

I feare thou art a captive too.

Mel.

Or else the tyranny of war had been Too much unjust; wer't fit you languish thus, And I like to a wanton bird should play And wing the aire at liberty? and yet My ransome's freely paid.

Evan.

Then tho' art now no prisoner?

Mel.

A prisoner to you, or else my heart Were dull, and rudely mannerd to permit Evandra suffer here alone; this war Hath quickly nurc'd strange Ridles too of love.

Evan.

Thou dost complaine with cause, 'tis in the Prince.

Mel.

Another of your Enemies; too much Of leasure I shall have t'acquaint you with The accident that brought me to your sight.

Enter Leonell.

Evan.

Melora, who is that?

Mel.

Blesse me how miracles increase to fright Astonishment! sure there is Magick in This place; Madam, my Brother Leo∣nel.

Leon.

Ha Melora? art thou here too? such mysteries In change so soon ariv'd I have not read.

Evan.

But what unheard of star directed thee To see, and taste our miserable state?

Leon.

Ere I begin the little history Of the short time that thus hath varied us, Low as the earth I full to make you pittifull. Kneeles For give the crime of destiny, not me, That left me feeble as an Aguish girle With the faint losse of bloud, when I had tooke Upon my youth & strength, the noblest cause That ere imployd the anger of a man, Your liberty; but Leve••ites, and Doves Are valianter than I, for else what make You in captivity?

Evan.

Beleeve me sir, your passion is so great I understand it not; pray rise, I know You fought with all the forward will and might That humane rage could shew, but the success Of valour they above dispose, that are More wise and stronger than our selves.

Leon.

Sure I could weep, but that my eyes Have not enough of sunerall dew to melt Away 〈◊〉〈◊〉, pray pardon my neglect. You'l find I am not courteous to my self.

Melora.

The time compells distracted thoughts in all.

Evan.

There is a banke within, though cold and bare, Where never flower (in a dispaire of sunne) Durst fix his root, there we will fit, talke and Compare our miseries; then sing like Philo∣mel. That wisely knowes the darknesse only fit For mourning and complaint; leade there the light.

Exeunt.

Enter Duke (with letters) Alvaro, Pros∣pero, Calladine, attendants.

Duk.

Evade me not with such fond cir∣cumstance, Fit only to perswade the easinesse Of untaught babes; have I not here receiv'd Her fathers letters, that petition her Release? why should he sooth me thus with low Demeanour in his phrase, if she were free? Or if not in the towne inclos'd and hid, Where would she sooner fly than to his armes?

Alva.

Sir, give my duty boldnes to beleeve If she were here, & some good man (that now Conceales her in his pittious feare) shall to Asswage your wrath deliver her, you would Nor marke her out for death?

Duk.

No sir, how cheape then, and how fraile will you Suppose my vowes? what need we trick, And dresse our Altars with such reverend care Lets rather straight pervert their use, grease them VVith gluttony, and feasts, defile and wash Them with the riots of excessefull wine; Is perjurie the least of guilt you can Perswade me to commit?

Alva.

I wish you would allow m' obedience leave To utter truth; the vow you made was rash, And not confirmed with oath, or church so∣lemnitie.

Pros.

And I am taught the cruelties, or the Revenge we threaten, heaven is pleas'd when they Are never acted but forgot.

Duke.

Her sterne, and deathed father, when we sought And woo'd his mercy with humility, More than dejected Hermites on their knees Render to Saints, us'd not my brother with Remorse, but snatch'd him from the world in all His pride of youth, his wise, and ripened thoughts, When he was fit to rule a nations fate, And exercise mankind in what was bold, And good, then shall I not revenge the best Of all my blood, whilst I have here the chiefe of his.

Alva.

Alas, this act sir, was not hirs, nor in The justice of our reason is it possible By derivation or descent to share a guilt.

Pros.

Would I had lost the benefit of strength When I surprizd her, to become the instru∣ment And pleasure of your rage.

Duke.

How Count? so bold? heare me thou saucy child And minion of the war, whom fortune, not Successe from vertue sprung, hath listed to A pride more dangerous than traytors thoughts, Though I have search'd thy house, & am de∣feated by Some charme of my discoverie, I still Beleeve thou know'st her residence, & bring Her to my sight, ere yet the Sun decline, or thou shalt die.

Alva.

I must not live to see it then, nor can My businesse here on earth, intice me to One minutes stay in my mortality, When I behold your goodnesse so decaid.

Duke.

Alvaro was that said like one that knowes His duty to a Father, and a Prince?

Alv.

I would be heir unto your vertue sir, As well as to your bloud.

Duke.

Have I outliv'd my courage, of∣fice, and My reason too, tamely to suffer this? I know thy false ambitious cunning well, Thou fain wouldst vexe my weary soule away That thou mightst raigne, and triumph ore my tombe; But heare, and tremble at my vow.

Cal.

Sir, for regard of heaven repent what you

Would speak, ere utter'd it become too great A sin for mercy to excuse.

Duke.

No more fond Calladine, I am re∣solv'd, Since thou art covetous to own his guilt, He shall be safe, and thou endure his punish∣ment; Bring me Evandra here ere yet the day Conceale his light, or the next darkness shall Eternally be thine

Alv.

If on my knees I can perswade you to An easier doome, thus I endeavour it.

Pros.

I beg not to entreat your rigor lesse, But as 'twas first design'd you would convert It all on me.

Alva.

That kindness was ill manner'd Pro∣spero; Dost think thou art more worthy of the cause When 'tis to be Evandra's Sacrifice?

Duke.

Nere strive, thou shalt have suffe∣rance enough, And gloriously, alone; hence from my fight Thou birth ill gotten, and my marriage stain.

Alva.

Ile keep my duty still, though not your love.

Ex. Alva. & Pro.

Cal.

Dread sir, call back your vow, and then the Prince, Yet comfort him; what will the world esteeme Of such an act as time nere paraleld, And no Posterity be so unkind as to believe?

Du.

Thou maist as well perswade th'assem∣bled winds From all their violence at Sea; lend me Thine eare—do this, but Calladine take heed Thy prosecutions are not faint; I have A younger son in Sicilly, renown'd And deare to Fame, him I will strive to plant I'th peoples hearts; as thou are Loyal follow me.

Exeunt.

Enter Altesto, Frivolo, Vasco, (fantesti∣cally accouterd.)

Vas.

Just in the posture as you see me Gen∣tlemen, Not a haire lesse i'th Lock; and I beleev'd The heart of woman was not able to Resist such amorous formes.

Altest.

But she would none?

Vas.

Name her the pleasures of the mar∣riage bed, She cries she is more taken with the grave, 'Cause there we are not wak'd with cough not aches.

Altest.

Why sure she knows, for she looks as she had Been long buried.

Vas.

And then I us'd fine phrases, And talk'd (what call you it?) of Hymens Tapers, Which she interprets sir, according to Some modern Doctresse of her Sect, Hel fire, A warmth (you know) we Souldiers do abhor.

Fri.

'Tis base to need it after death; we have Been hardly bred, and can endure the cold. Enter Widow, and Lelia.

Vas.

She comes, this is her breathing roome, use your Endeavours Gentlemen; tell her, her frowns Already have so wrought, that my life now Will nere be fit to come into a Lease.

Wid.

Lelia a Chaire, I cannot last; 'tis more Than 58 yeares since I had hams to trudge.

Vas.

I am your Guardian that come to vi∣sit you.

Wid.

What need it sir? I practice no escape, I cannot flye.

Vas.

No? were the window open You would behave your selfe as nimbly on Your wings as any witch in Europe.

Wid

What saies he Lelia, a witch?

Lel.

He saies we must one day all flye up∣ward, Heaven is the place we wish for.

Wid.

'Tis well said sir, for thither we must go, Both old and young, no remedy.

Vas.

As soone as you please if you'r but marry me.

Wid.

Does he talk of marriage?

Lel.

He sayes, if you please for sooth.

Wi.

Alas my vow of widowhood is not yet Expir'd; if he comes some ten yeares hence—

Altest.

About that time she'l make a good wife For an Antiquary to get Records on.

Frt.

Although her skin be Parchment, 'tis not large

Enough to write her Annals in, sn'ath liv'd so long already.

Uas.

How did you like the cullelse wi∣dow that I sent you last?

Wid.

Why sir? It went down.

Uas.

Though the Sea were turn'd to plum broth, t'would all down; I have measur'd her throat, 'tis wider (gent.) And deeper than a well; alas the Duke Considers not my charge, I'ld rather boold Too Young Giants, and allow each of them A wolfe in stead of a dog t'eat) their frag∣ments.

Alt.

Thou shouldst get her month search'd, I'le lay my life Sh'ath new furnish'd her gummes with artifi∣ciall teeth, She could not grinde so else.

Friv.

Though you must seede her at your owne cost, the proclamation Beleeve me allowes none but naturall teeth.

Uas.

When she is once i'th fit of swallow∣ing, If a cap on float in her broth, why she Considers it no more than a small bee, or a May fly.

Lelia.

You should beare up, you are too backward sir.

Uas.

Sayst thou so wench; widow prepare your selfe, For I must marry you to night, or else You fast to morrow; if the Duke will not Afford us fasting dayes, I shall make bold To borrow em o'th Kalender; this night; No longer time to delay a good deed.

Wid.

Vh, uh, uh.

Altest.

This cough (Vasco) is of some great antiquity. How wilt thou sleep by her?

Frivo.

A little Opium after supper, and let her cough like a Cannon from a sort, I'le free thee from wa∣king.

Vas.

Come, come, provide; trimme up your hood widow. And ayre your petty coates i'th sunne, it is A case of conscience Gent. we must All marry, and live chast.

Wid.

Why sir, if we must needs.

Altest.

I thought she would consent; good heart; it is As towardly an old thing. Deare Vasco, Provide us musick, wee'l dance her to death: Thou shalt be her husband ere night, and her Executor before morning.

Vas.

Sooth Gent. that's all I desire, Any thing, that is reason contents me.

Friv.

Go, kisse her, by this hand a Brownist (is More amorous; a notch'd premice a very Aretine in comparison of thee.

Vasco kisses her.

Vas.

By your leave widow.

Wid.

Much good may't do you sir; these comforts come But seldome after fourescore, the world (indeed) Is grown so wicked that we never thinke Of comforting one another.

Lel.

I told you she would soften sir; alas, A little raw, and modest at the first.

Altest.

A very green pippin of the last yeares growth.

Vas.

You shall finde me a kind of sparrow widow, A barly corne does as much as a potatoe.

Wid.

Blessing on your heart sir, we should doe good Freely (as they say) without egging on.

Uas.

Rise, and stir your feet, 'tis health∣full for you.

They lift her up,

There—softly,—so—

Altest.

If one of the haires of my eye brow lye But in her way, she's gone, and falls like an Elephant, whose leggs are cut with a chaine shot.

Friv.

Her Os Sacrum needs a little Prop.

Vas.

Why Gentlemen, ther's nere a wench in Italy Moves farther in a day, provide her litter But easie, and her two mules well fed. Courage widow; how is it now?

Wid.

A certaine stitch sir in my side, but t'will away in time.

Vas.

I you are young enough, But given too much to hoyting, and to bar∣ly breake, Then dance naked till you take cold; good faith You must looke too't Lelia, take heed you aire Her wedding smock.

Altest.

Let it be made of Catts skin furre:

Frivo.

Or a watch mans rugge gowne, but that her skin Will weare it out too soone.

Vas.

Frivolo, yo are too lowde.

Frivo.

I warrant thee I have measured her eares, She heares in distance but an inch length.

Uas.

You'l in, and set the house in order widow? I'le fetch a priest.

Wid.

Truly sir, I'ld faine aske my friends advice, One that hath seen but little of the world Would be glad you know of counsell.

Vas.

No counsell widdow, nay, if you want metall Let them call't rashnesse, our youth will ex∣cuse all.

Wid.

VVell Sir, you know where marria∣ges are made, 'Tis not my fault; Lelia, provide a broome And sweepe away the rhume neere the green Couch; And (d' you heare) look for one of my cheek teeth That dropt under the wanscore bed.

Lel.

And shall I stop't forsooth with salt?

Wid.

I, and fling't 'ith fire; you are weary sir?

Uas.

No quite so lusty (widow) as your selfe, But shall keepe pace the journey being so short.

Enter Altesto.

Alt.

Quick, in with her Uasco, whilst the fit holds.

Exeunt Widow, Uas. Lel.

With cable and thong he drew her along, so heavily to the Priest, And vow'd to untoe her, ere he did wooe her, make her up after who list.

Frivo.

Ah Rogue, thou art a very Larke in the morning.

Altest.

And what at night Frivolo?

Friv.

A very owle.

Altest.

Thou art a coxcombe, beyond all redemption Of wit, lesse thou straight resolve to marry Lelia; Thy friends will think the match so fit, none shall Forbid the banes; I knew her mother too: She's wondrous rich in pewter, small wine caske, And spits.

Friv.

Yes, I have heard o'th wealthy Dowager, She kept a the ch'd Nunnery in my quarter.

Enter Tristan.

Trist.

Wher's Uasca Gentlemen? I am in haste.

Altest

Why then for more dispatch an∣swer you selfe.

Trist.

The Duke hath sent for him, by Calladine, Who told me 'twas for busines of import; The Court is all disturb'd, but for what use He is designd, I cannot learne; where is he?

Altest.

Follow, wee'l convey thee to him; strange luck; Sir Leonells ransome, this widowes wealth, And now imployd at Court? Uasco th'art a gon man, Vsury, furrd gownes, long dinners, and short sleepes, Thou art condemd to without help; or hope.

Exeunt.

Enter Evandra, Melora, Leonell, (at one dore) at the other Prospero, (muffled and hid) A Table and lights set out, Evan∣dra sits to reade.

Leo.

Sister, where is your tendernesse? shall I Be ever lost through your defect of will And courage to present me to her care In winning characters? tell her how long VVith fervencie I have pursued my love.

Melo.

Vnhappy Leonell, why dost thou tempt Me with impossible desires how oft Have I sollicited thy sute with a Repulse? and she hath charm'd me by a vow Never to mention's more, till her release.

Pros.

False Leonell, did I for this assist Thee to injoy her lov'd societie, That thou shouldst rivall me, and have more fit Convenience for thy wishes, than me self? Melora is his sister too, what strange New chances have these later howers pro∣duc'd? I have no Advocate, nor am I hold Enough to be mine owne.

Leon.

I see you love me not; And since I am a trouble to your sight, Ere long thou shalt behold my face no more.

Pro.

Thou art a Prophet to thy self, and I Thy Priest to cut thee out in Sacrifice, Although unworthy of Evandras deity.

Leon.

Melora, can you shew no kind re∣morse?

Mel.

Alas, you do mistake my power and will; Think on some other beauty, for the world Hath many that may make you fortunate.

Leon.

None but Evandra governs in my breast.

Pro.

Her thou shalt nere enjoy; lend me thine eare—

Leads him aside.

Leon.

Ha! Prospero?

Pro.

False Knight; was this the cause That made thee beg conceal'd admittance here To practice love where I had planted mine?

Leon.

My Lord I understood not of your love.

Pro.

If thou art bold, and since thy van∣quishment Darst tempt a second hazard of my sword, Go waite me on the garden mount, there I Will order, though my heart is doubtfull to Enjoy Evandras love, thine never shall.

Leon.

I will expect thee there, and fierce∣ly long To ravish from thy crest the honour that I lent thee in our former fight.

Exit.

Enter Alvaro.

Alva.

Evandra, reach me thy faire hand that I Seale on it my last farewell.

Evand.

Ha, whither do you go?

Alva.

Where shadows vanish when the worlds eye wincks, Behind a cloud, and they are seene no more; The place of absence where we meet (by all The guesse of learned thought) we know not whom, Only a prompt delight we have in faith Gives us the easie comfort of a hope, That our necessitie must rather praise than feare as false.

Evan.

O horrid mystery! my tender sen∣ses are amaz'd▪ I faine Would learne what it is dangerous to know.

Mel.

Why do the stars neglect us thus? why should VVe lose the noblest and the best of men?

Pro.

Me thinks my spirits climbe and life me to A valiant envy of his sufferings.

Alva.

That thou mayest live here safe till Prospero Restore thee unto liberty and light, I must to darknesse go, hover in clouds, Or in remote untroubled aire, silent As thoughts, or what is uncreated yet: Or I must rest in some cold shade where is No flowry spring, nor everlasting growth, To ravish us with sent, and shew, as our Philosophy hath dreamt, and rather seems To wish than understand.

Evan.

All this for me; you shall not dye; why will You lay so cheape a value on your selfe, To think the world should lose you for my sake, Alas, a needlesse triviall Virgin that Can never shew in hopefull promise halfe That excellence which you reveale in art?

Alv.

It is decreed; Evandra thou mayst live T' encrease the small example we have lest Of vertue, which hath made thy breast her throne; Time hath begun to weare away my youth, And all the good I can performe is to Preserve the future hope of it in thee.

Evan.

Melora, help, sorrow hath fild my heart With such a heavinesse, that I must sink Beneath its weight—here let me lye, and mourne, And chide that haughty destiny that thinks Us so unworthy of their care.

Mel.

My Lord the Prince, Is it no lesse than death Of her, or you, can ease your Fathers wrath?

Alv.

'The doome is past, and the sad houre will want No wings to hasten its approach; come hi∣ther Prospero.

Pro.

It must not be; though I want phrase to shew My nature smooth, it shall appeare in deeds.

Alv.

I charge thee by our love, by all my care That bred thee from thy childhood to a sense Of honour, and the worthiest feates of war, Thou keep Evandra safe till happier daies Conspire to give her liberty, use her With such respective holinesse as thou Wouldst do the reliques of a Saint inshrind, And teach thy rougher manners tendernesse Enough to merit her society.

Pro.

What need this conjuration sir? I meane To dye for her, that I may save your life; A brave design, disswade me not, though I Faile oft in choice of fitting enterprise, I know this is becoming sir, and good.

Alva.

Thou dye for her? alas poore Pros∣pero That will not satisfie, the shaft aimes here, Or if it would, I do not like thou shouldst Thus presse into a cause that I reserve To dignifie my selfe; urge it no more.

Pros.

VVhat am I fit for then, if not to die.

Eva.

How am I worthy of this noble strife?

Alva.

Evandra rise, that I may see some hope And comfort in thy strength, before I take My everlasting leave.

Evan.

You have the voyce of death alrea∣dy sir.

Mel.

Dismall it sounds, like the last groane which men In torture breath out with their soule.

Alva.

I could have wish'd I might enjoy thee and Be mortall still, mix in a love that should Produce such noble vertues as would soone Entice the Angels to live here, yet not B'our conversation grow impain'd; but these Are wishes made too high, and late to thrive. For evermore farewell.—

Evan.

O sir, where will you leave me then?

Alva.

How pittie moystens me? there in the Cave.

Evan.

It is the mansion Sir of death, something Horrid as midnight thoughts can forme so frights Me still, I tremble when I enter it.

Alva.

Ha! what that is but humane dares disturbe thy quietnesse?

Pro.

Sir let me see, it dies if it be vulne∣rable.

Alva.

Still you usurpe my Businesse Pro∣spero— Bide there, I will go down my selfe.

Evan.

Sir, 'twill not presently appeare.

Alva.

I will attend its saucy leasure then. descends the Cave.

Evan.

Lock safe the doore Melora with this Key.

Pro.

VVhat's your designe? meane you t'imprison him?

Evan.

Discover (Prospero) the inside of Thy breast; dost thou affect the Prince?

Pro.

Next to the absent blessings that our faith Perswades us to, eternity of joyes.

Evan.

VVhy then wilt thou permit that he should taste A long forgetfulnesse in a darke grave? Let us invent some way to ease him of This penance undeserv'd, and suffer it our selves.

Mel.

O glorious maid! th's goodnesse will confer A dignity for ever on our Sexe.

Pro.

I'm strangely taken with this virgins thoughts, Let me embrace your hand upon my knee— I thank you much, you have some mercy on My dull unknowing youth, and can believe Me fit for noble enterprize, though he Unkindly did deny my sute: Ile to The Duke and tempt his fury till he cause My death, perhaps when his revenge hath quench'd Her thirst with my warm bloud, it may grow cold, And kindly temperd to you both, And then I've fully satisfied the crime Of your captivity, and his free sufferance.

Mel.

This Souldier hath a great and da∣ring heart.

Pro.

But how shall I enjoy her then? I scarce Can understand the happinesse it beares: Tis odd ambition this, but yet 'tis brave, He do't: besides, though I'm not learn'd to know VVith certainty, yet I have hope I shall Be sensible of all her visits to

My tombe, and ev'ry flower she strewes will there Take growth as on my garden banks, whilst I (Delighted spirit) walke and hover 'bout Their leaves, comparing still their sent with hers; O twill be wondrons brave! Lady, dispatch, That I may goe, and die.

Evan.

Since you expresse your will, so kinde, and violent, That small provision there allotted to Sustaine my life, reach up, and straight con∣vay Into the cave, that he may finde it out, And not exchange the paine his father would Inflict, for famishment.

Pros. takes from behind the Arras a bottle and bag, they open the Cave.

Pros.

I had almost forgot false Leonell, He waits me on the mount, I will be with Him straight, and end his hopes by a long sleepe Ere I begin mine owne.

Descends the Cave.

Evan.

Once more Melora lock the doore; now they Are both secure, tis thou and I that must Take solemne leave, and never meete in this Our beauty, colour, or our warmth agen.

Melo.

I am astonish'd at her excellence, And scarce have humble grace enough to keepe Ambitious envy from my thoughts.

Evan.

VVhy should these mighty spirits lay so vast An obligation on our sex, and leave Eternall blushes on our soules, 'cause we In acts of kinder pitty, and remorse (The vertues sure, wherein we most excell) Durst not adventure like to them?

Melo.

The Prince deserves a liberall choice of lives To ransome his; would mine would satisfie.

Evan.

How Melora? I cannot thinke thou dost So faintly love my happinesse, and my Renowne, to wish to hinder me of both.

Melo.

Alas, th'example is so good, I faine would follow it.

Evan.

But there is reason that I suffer first. I have a mourning weed within which thou Shalt dresse, and teach me weare, then so Apparelled like my cause, I'le walke to'th Duke.

Melo.

O leave me not behind, let me ac∣company Your mourning too, perhaps my death may be Accepted best, and you bee thought more fit to live.

Evan.

Thy inclinations have a noble sence, Thou shalt along; go, call thy brother in, And call aloud, this hollownesse is such He will not heare thee else.

Mel.

Hoa, Leonell? my brother Leonell.

Enter Leonell

Leo.

Tis strange, this Prospero appeares not yet, Sure he is faint, and's aguish courage comes To him by fitts; what is your will?

Evan.

If thou dost love me Leonell (as thou Hast sworn, and with assertions most devout) I know there is no strict command I can Present, but thy obedience will performe.

Leo.

Bring me to triall straight, if I prove weake Or false, I am unworthy to appeare In the suns light, or evermore enjoy The better influence of your eyes.

Evan.

Give me confirm'd assurance on your knee That you will execute with reall faith, And punctuall circumstance, what I injone.

Leo.

Let me salute your hand, I breath on it my vow.

Evan.

Now Ile informe thee Leonell; the Prince And Prospero are both within the cave, Shut and inclos'd by us, where hourely thou Through a small slender wicket shall't convay Such food, as a disguised servant of The house (who heretofore provided our Reliefe) shal helpe thee to, take here this key And not permit their passage forth, till I Am gone t'ordaine by death their liberty Secure, which I will suffer to appease the angry Duke.

Leon.

Furies and Fiends cease on my sences straight; What have I promis'd in the rashnes of My dull and inconsiderate love?

Evan.

If thou dost break thy vow the cur∣ses of The Saints, and mine (which dying will not least Afflict thy perjury) fall on thy heart.

Mel.

Never be call'd my brother, nor assume The honour of my valiant Fathers name.

Evan.

Melora come, we are too slow in such An act as will outlive all history.

Ex. Evan. and Mel.

Leon.

O what a dull inhumane Lover am I grown! that simply by a forward and Unskilfull duty can consent the Queene And Lady of my life should be a Sacrifice To hinder others deaths? this sure is such A great example of a female fortitude As must undo all men, and blushing make Us steale from our unjust advancement ore The world; teare off our sawcy beards before The scatt'ring winds that give us the prehe∣minence Of Sexe; when this is known let women sway Counsels, and war, whilst feeble men obey.

Exit.