Five nevv playes, viz. The English moor, or the mock-marriage. The love-sick court, or the ambitious politique: Covent Garden weeded. The nevv academy, or the nevv exchange. The queen and concubine. / By Richard Brome.

ACT. 1. SCENE. 1.

Disanius. Justinius.

Meeting.

DIs.

Good morrow my good Lord. How fares the King?

Jus.

More sick in mind then body, by th'opinion, (Not onely of the skilful Doctors, but) of all That come about him.

Dis.

I that have not seen him Since he was sick, can guess, then at the cause Of his distemper. He is sick o'th'subject; Th'unquiet Commons fill his head and breast With their impertinent discontents and strife. The peace that his good care has kept'hem in For many years, still feeding them with plenty, Hath, like ore pampered steeds that throw their Masters, Set them at war with him. O misery of kings! His vertue breeds their vices; and his goodness Pulls all their ills upon him. He has been

Too long too lenetive: A thousand heads (Or say a hundred, or but ten) cut off Of the most gross ones, the prime, leading heads Of theirs a moneth since, had preserv'd him better Then all his doctors pills can purge him now.

Jus.

You are too sharp Disanius. There's a means, As milde as other of the Kings clear Acts, In agitation now, shall reconcile All to a common peace no doubt.

Dis.

What's that Justinius?

Jus.

Stay: Here comes Stratocles.

Ent. Strat.

Dis.

I fear, in that Ambitious pate lies the combustable stuff Of all this late commotion.

They con∣fer aside

Str.

Why is man Prescrib'd on earth to imitate the Gods, But to come nearest them in power and action? That is to be a King! That onely thought Fills this capacious breast. A King or nothing!

Jus.

He's deep in meditation.

Dis.

On no good. It is some divellish waking dream affects him. I'le put him out—And as I was about To say my Lord.

Str.

What? when Disanius?

Dis.

About a moneth since, It stick still in my jaws. Be not ambitious, Affect not popularity. 'Tis the most Notable break-neck in a kingdom.

Str.

In whom?

Dis.

I know to whom I speak; would Stratocles As well knew who he is, and what he does: It would be better for him. Thank me not, I wish it for the king and kingdoms good, Not yours I do assure you, my great Lord; Yet mine own Peer, if you forget me not.

Str.

You take your time Sir to make me your mirth. A time may come—

Dis.

When you may be my King, And then up goes Disanius. Is't not so?

Str.

Yes, upto Court, to be king Stratocles fool.

Dis.

The Court now priviledges thee, or I would change A cuffe with your great Souldier-ship and popular great∣ness With clowns and Citizens, and Gentry, sprung By their late peaceful wealth, out of their dongue. But let'em thank our pious King, not you That claim (as merit for your service done) Their loves and voices.

Jus.

Cease my Lords this strife. The King may hear on't, whose perplexities Already are too grievous. Pray be silent, The king approaches.

Enter king & Eupathus.

Dis.

Wee'll attend his entrance.

King.

Upon those terms they are come then, Eupathus?

Eu.

Four of the chief in the commotion, Upon the ingagement of my faith, that you Had past your kingly word for their return In safety, I have brought to Court, who wait Your present will and pleasure.

King.

Bring'em in. Disanius, welcome. I thought well to send for you To take a Councellors part of my late cares Into your consideration.

Dis.

I attend Your Highness pleasure.

King.

Nearer good Disanius.

They talk privately.

Str.

Do you deal in secret king? The Commons sent for To their examination, and this old Antagonist of mine cal'd to confront me, And I prepar'd by no intelligence To fit me for th'incounter? Let'em come. I must not be deny'd to stand as fair

In competition for the Crown as any man The King himself elects for his successor; The people are mine own thro' all his parts: He may command their knees, but I their hearts.

King.

Stratocles, Justinius, Disanius sit. My lords, altho'our Lawes of Thessaly To you, as well as to our self, are known, And all our customs, yet for orders sake I shall lay open one to you. That is, when A king deceaseth without issue male (As I unfortunately must) the Commons Are to elect their King, provided that He be of noble blood, a sculdier, and one That has done publick service for the Crown—

Str.

That makes for me.

King.

Or else the son of some Great General slain in battel for his countrey (As my Adrastus was.)

Dis.

O my brave brother!

King.

Twenty years sorrow for that Souldiers loss Has not worn out his memory.

Str.

Your grace Forgets not then Souldiers of fresher fame.

King.

Some other time to boast good Stratocles.

Dis.

Twere good youl'd hear the king—A general, Or a Generals son may be elected. There Your Majesty left.

King.

Or if the sonless King Yet has a daughter, and he match her in His life time to a husband that is noble, He stands immediate heir unto the Crown Against all contradiction.

Str.

Now think upon my service, Royal Sir.

Dis.

Now think upon my Nephewes, Royal Master, The sons of brave Adrastus, who was slain Twenty years since in fighting of your battel.

Str.

Twere good you would hear the king. The husband of Your daughter must be elected. There you left, sir.

King.

It rests now that a speedy choice be made Of a fit husband, one that may acquire Eudynas love, and peoples approbation, The people, (for whose noise I must not rest Till my successor be appointed to them) Are wild till this election be made: They have, in arms, made their demand, and wait

Enter Eupathus

My present answer.

Dis.

O here they come. These be the principals 4 Rustiks. The heads, the heads, forsooth they call themselves. Head-carpenter, head-smith, head-plowman, & head-shep∣herd.

Kin.

Nay, pray approach; & seem no more abash'd Here then amongst your giddy-headed rowts,

they all kneel.

Where every man's a King, and wage your powers Gainst mine in soul defiance. Freely speak Your grievance, and your full demand.

1. Rus.

Tis humbly all exprest in this petition.

2. Rus.

By all means have a care that, to any question, we give the King good words to his face; He is another manner of man here then we took him for at home.

3. Rus.

I sweat for't. I am sure I have scarce a dry thred in my leather lynings.

4. Rus.

They made us heads i' the countrey: But if our head-ships now, with all our countrey care should be hang'd up at court for displeasing of this good King, for the next Kings good our necks will not be set right a-again in the next Kings raign I take it.

1. Rus.

My head itches to be at home again.

2. Rus.

My head itches to be at home again.

3. Rus.

My head and heart both akes for fear. Would I were honestly hang'd out o'the way to be rid on't.

King

There you may read my Lords what we before Found would be their demand. Tis for a King That must succeed me.

Dis.

And because you have Govern'd them long in peace, by which they thrive Their wisdom would have you intail that piece On them for after times; and so they nominate Ambitious Stratocles to be your heir.

Str.

Envious Disanius, my merit is Their Motive.

King.

Cease your strife.—You have stood, more in∣clin'd To lay your choise on Philocles, or Philargus The Twin-born sons of long since slain Adrastus.

1. Rus.

May't please your Majesty we are inform'd That in their travails unto Delphos, both Of them are dead.

Dis.

That information Was meerly by suggestion (I dare speak it) Insinuated by Stratocles. They both live And are upon return.

1. Rus.

Would we knew that. Lord Stratocles then should pardon us. Hee's a man Gracious amongst us. But—

2. Rus.

Philargus! O— Philargus, be he living.

3. Rus.

I say Philocles. Brave Philocles is the man.

Str.

False, empty weathercocks.

4. Rus.

I say Lord Stratocles is the man we know And ought to honour.

Str.

There lives yet some hope.

Jus.

What strange confusions this? Or whither will You run by several wayes? Philargus one, Another Philocles; a third cries Stratocles. In this you say you'l have no king at all. This must be reconcil'd, or you pull ruine Upon your selves. He, whom the king is pleas'd To give his daughter to must be your King.

1. Rus.

All that we crave (and that upon our knees)

Is, that the king will graciously be pleas'd To make a speedy choice, and give us leave With pardon to depart, and signifie His Royal pleasure to the doubtful countreys.

King.

Tell'em they shall expect, then, but a moneth, In which short time my daughters marriage Shall be consummate.

All Rus.

The Gods protect your Majesty.

Ex. Rust.

King.

And now, my Lords, the commons being at peace, Let me prevail your private jarrs to cease.

Exeunt omnes.

ACT 1. SCENE 2.

Eudyna. Thymele weeping.

Eud.

Madam, the cause is mine; tis mine to mourn In chief, if they be dead. They were your sons, Tis true, and though they were your onely comforts Upon this earth, you but resigne to heaven The blessings that it lent you. But to me They were a pair of equal lovers; and By me so equally belov'd; and by The king my father so 'bove all men respected That I by either had been made a Queen, Which title I for ever will disclaim If they be dead.

Thy.

O my Philargus. O my Philocles! Ye Gods I know they did not seek your Counsels Nor dare to approach your altars, but with all Due reverence and required ceremony. And could your Delphian Oracle, when they Were friendly competitioners for love, Answer them but with death?

Eud.

The rumor, Madam, Carries so little shew of truth, that you Do ill to take so deep a sense of it;

Much worse t'expostulate, as if you had An injury done you by the Gods. Have you Been from mine infancy my governess, And careful councel-giver; and must I Find cause to chide you now? come dry these tears.

Enter Garrula.

Gar.

Where's my sweet princess? Where's my Lady governess?

Eud.

O Garrula, welcome. I could never wish Thy company more usefully: For thou bring'st Some recreation on thy countenance alwayes.

Gar.

I am glad my countenance pleases you. It may: For I have on it now (could you discern'em) A thousand joyes dancing within these wrincles More then my feeble failing tongue can utter. And that's a grief to me 'mong all my joyes; The failing of the tongue, the tongue, the tongue Is a great grief to any woman. But To one in years, and well in years, as I am, It is a grief indeed, more then the loss Of any other member.

Eud.

But I pray thee Let not that grief deprive us of the hearing Of, at least, one of thy whole thousand joyes.

Gar.

Tis a report of joy and wonder, princess; Enough to make not onely you, and you, But King and kingdom glad, could I but utter't.

Eud.

Thou dost speak well enough, and enough too, I pray thee tell it.

Thy.

Tis some faign'd stuffe She hopes to palliate our sorrowes with.

Gar.

'Tis a report, worth more then all the stories That I my self have told in child-bed chambers, To restore spirit to the pallid flesh. And I have been a woman as good at it (Without vain boast bee't spoke) as any she In Thessaly, that ere durst undertake

The office of a Midwise: And that the queen Your Mother knew, when I delivered her Of the sweet babe (your self.) She is in blisse Now in Elisium. But you, Madam Governesse, Can yet remember good old Garrula, That took into the light your twin-born sons, And thereby hangs a tale—

Thy.

What means this woman?

Eud.

Good Garrula, thy newes? thy present story?

Gar.

'Tis such a story, that could I but utter't With volubility of tongue!—But O This tongue, that fails me now; for all the helps Of Syrups, and sweet sippings. I still go

She sips oft of a bottle ather girdle.

Provided, as you see, to cherish it. And yet it falters with me.

Eud.

We shall ha't Anon I hope. Placilla, whats your news?

Ent. Placilla.

Pla.

'Tis excellent Madam. And I was ambitious To bring you the first taste of it. But if Garrula has in that prevented me, I can with no lesse joy relate it yet. My brothers are return'd, and safe, from Delphos.

Thy.

Be thou as true as th'Oracle.

Eud.

Now, Madam.

Pla.

Mother, tis true.

Gar.

'Tis that I would ha'told you Had not my tongue fail'd me i'th' utterance.

Eud.

Thy tongue ran fast enough, but lost its way.

Pla.

Three minutes, Madam, brings'em to your presence.

Eud.

How is it with you, Madam? Let not joy Beget a worse effect then did your fears.

Thym. swounds

Help, Garrula.

Gar.

Ods pity, what dee mean. Madam, look up, and speak up too you were best, Do you know who talks to you? Speak; and speak well too. I shall speak that will be worse for you else.

Madam, you know, that I know what I know.

Thy.

I am well I thank you, Garrula.

Gar.

O are you so?

Eud.

I have observ'd that often in her language, This chattring Midwife glanceth at the knowledge Of some strange hidden thing, which like as with A Charm, she keeps my Governess in aw with. I guess it but some trifle: For I know The Lady is right vertuous; yet it may Be worth my inquisition at fit time.

Thy.

You have felt the comforts of my friendship Gar∣rula, And had you common charity, you'd forbear me.

Gar.

I—done Madam. Be secure. But yet, Though I forbear to speak, I not forget.

Eud.

You have not yet, Placilla, told the means

A shout & crying Phi∣lar. & Phi∣locles, &c.

Of your rich knowledge.

Pla.

Nor shall I need now Madam These shouts of joy that follow'd them to Court Attend them to your presence.

Eud.

O let us meet'em. Madam, come away.

Thy.

O ye Gods, I thank ye.

Ex. omnes pret. Gar.

Gar.

I have a son there too, as dear to me As any Mothers onely born can be, Whose name's not voic'd with theirs. Yet by your favour Great Madam Governess, he has discharg'd The office of a Governor ore your sons, As well as you have over the Kings daughter. And they have suck'd more of his Helycon Then she has of your doctrin: which their breeding

sips he bottle.

Together with their Travels through his care Will testifie (I doubt not) to my honor, That have brought forth a son of such performance.

Dis.

Did not I say, 'twas Stratocles that rais'd

Ent. Dis. Jus. Phila. Philo. Eud. Thy: Pla. Geron.

That hideous rumor of their deaths, among His wilde idolators, in hope to gain Election by their ignorance and rudeness?

Jus.

'Twas well those factious heads were wrought to come Before the King to finde his clemencie, And probabilily that these were living.

Dis.

And how they then shrunk in their necks from Stratocles! It has so laid the flames of his ambition, That these may safely now tread out the fire.

Phila.

Welcom again my princely Nephews, welcom.

Phil.

Thanks, courteous Uncle.

Thy.

You interrupt me, brother.

Dis.

Good woman, cry thee mercy. Mothers are such things!

Gar.

Why, what things are we mothers?

Dis.

O the old night-piece with her dark lanthorne by her.

Gar.

You'l give us leave to take The comforts due unto us in our age, For which we suffer'd sorrow in our youth! Our children are our children young or old.

Dis.

So is my horse my horse.

Gar.

You have repli'd, As Whilome did a Councellour at Law, Who said his adverse Advocate had pleaded To as much purpose as a hen i'th'forehead.

Dis.

Geron. th'art welcom. Thou still keepst thy humor, Thy travels ha'not chang'd thee. Thou camest home As wise as thou wentst out.

Ger.

So Whilome said, A miser, having much increas'd his store, He had as much still as he had before.

Dis.

Enough, I'le give thee over.

Thy.

O my dear off-spring; every sight of you Is a new recompence, and satisfaction For all the pain and travel of your birth. In you your fathers memory shall live Beyond the malice of the grave and death: And I, when my rejoycing shall be full, And cannot take addition, freely yeelding My flesh to dust, shall yet be blest by those VVho shall give testimony to your vertue.

Philar.

Twere a sufficient spur to noble actions To be rewarded but with your content, Which to procure we make our businesse.

Thy.

Philocles, Your brow is clouded. Has the Oracle Adjudg'd against you. Pray let us partake The knowledge of the Delphian decree; And which of you stands highest in the favour Of wise Apollo, to be husband to Princesse Eudyna here the Kingdoms heir. What speaks the Oracle?

Philoc.

Such a Verdict, Madam, Requires an O Edipus to construe it. I neither know't, nor am solicitous After the meaning.

Gar.

Wisely spoken, Pupil. So Whilome answered an Aegyptian Porter To one demanding what he bore conceal'd? Tis therefore cover'd that thou shouldst not know▪ The cases are alike.

Eud.

Pray let us hear it. Cannot your Tutor Geron play the Hermes T'interpret it?

Gar.

I am not Aenigmatical: But all for Apothegmes. Besides, I say (As Whilome Aristippus of a Riddle) It is not safe to loose what being bound Doth trouble us so much.

Gar.

Let me come to't.

Dis.

Yes by all means: For as one Whilome said The blinde are best i'th' dark.

Gar.

My Lord, your trumps Are ever shot at me. Blinde as I am, I perceive that. And make much of your Riddle, I know both what it can and will come to, Better without the sight of it, then all

You can, with all your wise constructions. And so I leave you.

Thy.

Not in anger, Garrula.

Gar.

Madam, you know I know. I must take leave To take a Nap▪

Exit.

Dis.

And Governour Geron, wait upon your mother, Trust our cares with your charge.

Ger.

So Whilome said A School boy, when another rais'd his top, Let me alone, my self can keep it up.

Exit.

Eud.

And now let me entreat that we may hear The hidden sentence. Happily so many May guesse at the intent.

Dis.

She longs to hear Which of the two is prickt to be her husband.

Phi.

Here it is. If there be any thing.

Dis.

Let me be Clerk. I hope at least to read it.

Contend not for the Jewel, which Ere long shall both of you enrich. Pursue your Fortune: For tis she Shall make you what you seem to be.

Apollo, thy great wisdom hath quite fool'd mine.

Philo.

Nothing but contradictions.

Thy.

As how, Philocles.

Philo.

He commands here. Contend not for the Jewel—we agree, Eudyna is the Jewel.—which shall both of you enrich. How shall she enrichus both? Can she be wife to us both? Then here he bids Pursue your Fortune.—And we both agree Eudyna is that Fortune too: she's both The Jewel we must not contend for; and The Fortune we must both pursue. Then here He sayes tis she shall make us what we seem to be. What do we seem? we are no Hypocrites In flesh or spirit; no phantastick bodies

Or shadows of humanity.

Philar.

No, Delphos is but a den of jugglers, which profanely Abuse divinity, and pretend a God Their Patron to authorize their delusions.

Dis.

Nephews, the Gods had need be cautilous For what they speak if you may be their Judges.

Thy.

What thinks good Justinius?

Jus.

My Lords, here's two commands; One, that you not contend to gain the jewel; The other, that you both pursue your fortune. Both these commands are thus to be obey'd; Contend not for her as to violate Your unexampled friendship, which you are Renown'd for ore all Greece; And both pursue Your fortune in her without eithers grudge, At tothers happiness in her choice.

Philar.

Noble Justinius, thanks.

Philoc.

This we can do.

Philar.

And for the happiness which we both aspire to We here confirm the friendship long since plighted, Which never shall be broken by Philargus.

Eud.

Noble Philargus.

Philoc.

So vows Philocles, 'Tis not the cloudy language of the Gods Shall make our breasts tempestuous or stormy: But with the same serenity and quiet, As heretofore our hearts shall mingle still, And fortifie their truce. Let the event Expound their Ridle. If good, it is our merit; If bad, we know our vertue can correct it. Mean time Philargus take the word of Philocles, That though there be no happiness on earth I can esteem above Philargus friendship, But fair Eudyna's love, which onely is The treasure I can covet from Philargus; And cannot look to live but to enjoy it

Rather then justle with his friendship, I Will die to lose it.

Eud.

Noble Philocles.

Philar.

You have made my vow, my brother Philocles, And friend, which is above it. I will seek And rather die then fail to gain her love: But that, and the whole kingdom in addition Must divide our friendship or affection. As we are Twins in birth, we'le be in mind Unto our latest breath. Let Greece hereafter Forget to mention the Tyndarides With their alternate Deities, and tell Of two Thessalian brothers could refuse A happiness (which onely is not Heaven) In detestation of priority; Would not be happy, 'cause they might not share An individual, both Time and Thing.

Eud.

Love, and ambition (I have heard men say) Admit no fellowship; It holds not here. These will have neither wife nor crown alone. They each desire my love; but neither can Enjoy't unless he were the other man. My love is doubly tane, yet must gain neither, Unless I could enjoy them both together. O, ye Gods! Why made ye them two persons, and assign'd To both but one inseparable mind? Or, why was I mark'd out to be that one, That loves and must embrace, or two, or none; O my perplexity.

Sinks.

Dis.

Look to the Princess.

Philar.

Madam. How fares the life of goodness.

Philoc.

She sinks. Dear Mother, Sister; bring your aids.

Philar.

To keep the world alive give your assistance.

Jus.

Ye Gods be now auspicious.

Dis.

A love-qualm. To bed with her and call for Cupids aid,

He best can cure the wound that he has made.

Exeunt omnes.

Explicit Actus primus.