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. I.

Scoen. I.

Enter Horatio, Lodovico.

Hor.

THe clouds of Doubts and Fears are now dispers'd, And Joy, like the resplendent Sun, spreads forth New life and spirit over all this Kingdom, That lately gasp'd with Sorrow.

Lod.

Now the Court Puts on her rich Attire, and like fresh Flora, After the blasts of winter, spreads her Mantle, Deck'd with delightful Colours, to receive The jocund Spring, that brings her this new life.

Scoen. II.

Enter Flavello bare before the Prince, the Queen Eulalia, Alinda, Attendants, Hoboys,

Hor.

The Queen comes on, Joy in that face ap∣pears That lately was overwhelmed in her tears,

Lod. and Hor.

Health and perpetual Joy unto the Queen,

Eul.

Thanks my good Lords, I am prepar'd to meet it. How neer's the King?

Hor.

At hand, my Soveraign.

Eul.

Welcome that happy word that leads the way,

But yet he is not come, he is not here: Never so sweet an expectation Appear'd so tedious: pray set on apace, That I may live yet to an interview With my lov'd honour'd Lord.

Hor.

That your delay May seem less grievous, hear this by the way, A brief relation of the Kings success In this his late well-won Battail.

Eul.

Be it so. But mention not his dangers, good my Lord.

Hor.

That were to make his Conquest nothing worth: It would make Victory upon his head, As she had flown into his Burgonet, To shrowd her from a storm, and not to sit Or rather stand triumphant on a foot, With display'd wings upon the utmost Sprigg Of his high stourishing P••ume, vaunting her safety So perch'd and so supported by his Valour.

Prin.

Pray Mother hear the dangers too; the worst Will make the best the sweeter: I could hear Of dangers yet to come; and Women may Discourse of Perils past each Holy-day.

Hor.

Well said, young Prince, right of the Kings own Metal: And gracious Madam, let me tell you, though You do not love to hear of blood and danger, Y' have brought a Warrior forth, I do foresee't: I love to speak my thoughts, I hope you trust me, A right old Courtier I, still true to th' Crown.

Prin.

How this old fellow talkes! you said, my Lord, You would discourse the Battail.

Ho.

Excellent Prince, I was i'th' way: but the Queen put me out on't.

Eul.

Well, well my Lord, deliver't your own way.

Hor.

Then, humph, humh, humh, in my own way. But by the way, no way to derogate

From the Kings matchless resolution. A word or two of the best Soldier In all the world (under the King I mean, I know my limits) that's our brave General, Lord Sforza, Madam, your stout Country-man, Though our Kings Subject now; that bore him so At the great marriage-Triumph in Tourneament, Tumbling down Peers and Princes, that e'er since, He's cal'd your Champion, and the Queens old Soul∣dier.

Eul.

But what of him now in the battail?

Hor.

Marry but this, That as we have a King, And as the King brings victory, nay life, Home to his Queen, his Country and our comforts, Next under Heaven we are to give the praise To this old Souldier, to this man, the man Indeed, another man is not to be (Except the King) nam'd in this Victory.

Eul.

You seem my Lord to honour Sforza yet Before the King.

Hor.

Excuse me gracious Madam, I know my limits: what? before the King? I am an old Courtier I, still true to th' Crown, But thus it is declar'd, that in the battail, When in the heat of fight the mingled bloods Of either Army reek'd up to the Sun, Dimming its glorious light with goryvapour, When slaughter had rang'd round about the field, Searching how by advantage to lay hold upon out King.

Eul.

Prithee no more.

Prin.

Good mother.

Hor.

At last she spied and circled him about With Spears and swords so thickly pointed on him. That nothing but his sacred valour could Give light for a supply to his relief, Which shin'd so through and through his wals offoes,

As a rich Diamond 'mongst an heap of Ruines, And so was found by the quick eye of Sforza, When like a Deitie arm'd with wrath and Thunder, He cut a path of horror through the Battail Raining down blood about him as he flew, Like a prodigious Cloud of pitch and fire, Until he pierc'd into the straight, wherein The Royal Person of our King was at His last bare stake of one life to a thousand.

Eul.

I dare not hear it, yet.

Hor.

Then in a word, old Sforza fetcht him off, And with his sword which never touch'd in vain, Set him i'th' heart of's Army once again.

Eul.

That I like well.

Hor.

That did your Champion, Madam, The Queens old Souldier, and your Father, Lady: D'ye simple at it? such a Souldier breaths not, Only the King except: now note the Miracle, The King receiv'd and gave new life at once Of and unto his Army, which new life Was straight way multipli'd, as if the lives Of all the slain on both sides were transfus'd In our remaining part, who with a present fury Made on with that advantage on the Foe, That the whole field was won as at one blow. I am prevented.

[Shout within, Victory]

Scoen. III.

Enter Captain, Drum and Colours, King and Sforza, Souldiers.

The King embraces and kisses the Queen, the Prince and Alinda.

King.

Now cease our Drums, and furle our En∣signes up:

Dismiss the Souldiers, hostile Armes surcease, Whiles we rejoyce, safe in these Armes of Peace.

Sfor.

Go Souldiers, better never stood the shock Of danger, or made good their Countreys cause. Drink this to the Kings health and victory.

Sold.

Heaven bless the King, and our good General Sforza.

Again.

Long live the King and Sforza, Sforza and the King,

Kin.

The King and Sforza, Sforza and the King, Equal at least, and sometimes three notes higher,

Exit Capt. and Sould.

Sound Sforza's name then doth the Kings: the voyce Of the wild People as I pass'd along Threw up his praises neerer unto Heaven Ever methought then mine: but be it so, He has deserv'd well, now let me again Embrace the happie comforts of my life. Through deadly dangers, yea through death it self, I am restor'd unto my Heaven on Earth, My wife and Son: a thousand blessings on thee. Say, dearest life, whose prayers I know have been Successful to me in this doubtful War, How welcome am I?

Eul.

That's more than I can speak: For should I bring comparisons of the Spring, After a Frosty winter to the Birds, Or rich returns of ventures to the Merchant, After the twentieth currant news of Shipwrack, Redemption from captivity, or the Joyes Women conceive after most painful Childbirths, All were but Fabulous nothings to the Bliss Your presence brings in answer to my Prayers: Heaven heard me at the full: when I forget To send due praises thither, let me die Most wretched, though my gratitude shall never

Sleep to th' inferior means, e'en to the meanest Souldier assistant to your safe return, Especially to you good Sforza, Noble Souldier, I heard of your fidelitie.

Sfor.

My duty Madam.

King.

Are you one of his great Admirers too? The world will make an Idol of his Valour, While I am but his shadow: Ile but think on't, Indeed he's worth your favour, he has done won∣ders.

Sfor.

Let me now speak, I may not hear these wonders bounc'd,

King.

You do forget your self.

Eul.

What says my Lord?

King.

Nay I have done. Gonzago, you and I have chang'd no words yet; I have brought Victory home, which may perhaps Be checkt at when my heat shall fall to ashes. How will you maintain your Fathers quarrels ore his Grave?

Prin.

I do not hope t' outlive you Sir, but if I must, I sure shall hope to keep your name and right Alive whilst I live, though I cannot hope To have so good a Souldier at my Standard As Warlike Sforza.

King.

This is more and worse Then all the rest: the childe has spoken plainly, I had been nothing without Warlike Sforza: Ile make him nothing, and no longer stand His Cypher that in number makes him ten. My Lords, my thanks to you for your due care In my late absence.

Hor.

All was Loyal Dutie, As we are old Courtiers Sir, still true to th' Crown.

King.

I have found you faithful.

Hor.

It befits true Statesmen Watchful to be at home 'gainst civil harms, When Kings expose themselves to hostile Arms.

King.

There's a State-Rime now: but Horatio, Has not Petruccio visited the Court Since our departure?

Hor.

Pox on Petruccio. Bless me, and be good to me: how thinks your Grace of my Allegiance, and can ask Me that Question?

King.

Now he is in his Fit.

Hor.

The Hangman take him. Petruccio King? Peugh, peugh; I hate to name him. How can you think your State had been secur'd If he had breath'd amongst us? That vile wretch, Whom in your Kingly wisdom you did banish The Court for a most dangerous Male-content, After his just repulse from being your General, When he durst stand in Competition VVith brave deserving Sforza here, the best Most absolute Souldier of the world.

King.

Still Sforza!

Hor.

Except your Majesty.

King.

There is an Exception wrung out,

Hor.

He come at Court by my permission? I should as soon be won to set your Court On fire, as see him here.

King.

Send for him speedily.

Hor.

[Starts]

Your Majesty is pleas'd to have it so.

King.

And upon your Allegiance Which you so boast of, let me have him here, And very speedily; Ile have your head else.

Hor.

Nay since it is your Highness pleasure, and So seriously commanded, I will send My own head off my shoulders, but wee'l have him: In what you can command, I dare be Loyal.

King.

Look to it,

[goes to the Queen]

Hor.

It must be so, this is one of his un-to-be-examin'd hastie Hu∣mours, one of his starts: these and a devillish gift

He has in Venerie, are all his faults. Well, I must go, and still be true to th' Crown.

Exit Horatio.

Lod.

Petruccio sent for! who for braving of Brave Sforza here, so lately was confin'd.

Flav.

I cannot think the Court must hold 'm both At once, less they were reconcil'd, which is As much unlikely: what do you think my Lord?

Lod.

I know not what to think.

King.

She Sforza's Daughter, say you?

Queen.

Yes my Lord.

King.

She's a right handsome one: I never knew he had a Daughter.

Eul.

He brought her o'er a Childe with me, when happily I came your Bride, bred her at home, she never saw the Court, till now I sent for her to be some comfort in your long absence.

King.

Sforza's absence, I fear you mean.

[aside]

Eul.

And trust me Sir, Her simple Countrey In∣nocence at first Bred such delight in me, with such affection, That I have call'd her Daughter, to embolden her.

King.

O did you so?

Eul.

And now she has got some spirit, A prettie lively spirit, which becomes her Methinks so like her Fathers.

King.

Very good. I like her strangely.

Eul.

What was that she said To you Conzago?

Gonz.

That Heaven might ha' pleased T' have fashion'd her out to have been a Queen.

King.

Comely Ambition.

Sfor.

Reconcile all quickly, Or you had better never have been born, Then disobey my last command, which was Neve•• to see the Court till I induc'd you. Do you stare at me?

Alin.

I but obey'd the Queen. I hope shee'l answer't.

Sfor.

No more, Ile talk with you anon.

King.

Come Sforza, Welcome to Court, so is your Daughter too, I have tane notice of her: O f••irest, welcome.

Kisses her. Sforza storms.

Come you both with me this night, weel Feast: Pray bid us welcome all, as but one Guest.

Eul.

I shall in all obey you.

Alin.

And for this, Less then a King I shall abhor to kiss.

Exeunt.

Scoen. IV.

Enter Petruccio.

Petr.

Repuls'd? disgrac'd? and made the scorn o'th' Court? Is the advancement of an upstart stranger, Because he is the Queens dear Countrey-man? Have I for all my many Services, Found the reward of being made an outcast? Could not the King be pleas'd, though he advanc'd Sforza unto the Honour I deserv'd, To trust me in his service? could he think My sword could be an hinderance in the Battail, Or have delay'd the winning of the Field! And must his Court and presence which I have VVith my observance dignifi'd, reject me Now, as a dangerous and infectious person! Tis a new way to gratifie old Souldiers. So soon return'd? I do commend thy speed. The news at Court.

Enter Servant in haste: switch.

Serv.

The King's come bravely home, And every ear is fill'd with Victory, But chiefly with the Fame of Sforza's Valour.

Petr.

Sforza? Ser. Lord Sforza Sir, I cry him mercy, The new Lord General.

Petr.

Thou com'st too fast

[strikes him]

Serv.

So me thinks too, less 'twere to better purpose.

Petr.

The Fame of Sforza's Valour, good if it last. VVhat other news?

Serv.

I have told you all the best.

Petr.

If thou hast worse, let's have it quickly.

Serv.

You shall, That you may flie the danger.

Petr.

VVhat is't, without your Preface?

Serv.

Here are Messengers sent from the King to you; pray Heaven all be well. Ther's the old tutchie testie Lord, that rails, and never could abide you, since the King look'd from your Honour.

Petr.

Th' hast made me amends, ther's for thy news. Is this bad news?

Serv.

Truely my Lord, I think so: For if the King had sent to you for good, I think he would have sent one lov'd you better.

Petr.

VVhat? then the old Courtier? thou knowst him not. Ile shew him thee. He is the onely man That does the King that service, just to love Or hate as the King does, so much and so long, Just to a scruple or a minute, and then he has an ignorant Loyaltie, to do as the King bids him, though he fear immediate death by it. Call him in.

Serv.

They come.

Scoen. V.

Enter Horatio and guard.

Hor.

My masters, come along, and close up to me: my Loyaltie defend me, I shall not dare to trust me in this devillish fellows reach else. And thus it is Sir.

Petr.

'Tis thus Sir, I can tell you.

[drawes]

Hor.

Good friends look well to me.

Petr.

You come with strength of armed men, to bear me

From mine own House which was my appointed Pri∣son, Unto a stronger Hold.

Hor.

Look every way.

Petr.

The King it seems now that his Nignion General is Landed, cannot think him safe, and I not Faster: which though I can prevent, I will not. Come, what Gaol will you remove me to?

Hor.

I would thou wert in Hell for me: No Sir, I come to call you to the King.

Petr.

What? with a Guard?

Hor.

That's for my Self. I know thou lovest not me.

Petr.

Nor you me, do you?

Hor.

Nor cannot, less the King could love thee.

Petr.

Why perhaps he does, you see he sends for me.

Hor.

Why if he does, I do, but 'tis more then I know, or can collect yet by his Majesties affection.

Petr.

Here's an Humour now.

Hor.

I know my Loyalty, and I know the King has sent for you; But to what end I know not: and if it be to hang thee I cannot help it. Look to me now my masters. Nor do I care, that's the plain troth on't, while the King is pleas'd, and thou wert my Brother. I am an old Courtier I, still true to the Crown.

Petr.

I commend your Loyaltie: Come, we are Friends.

Hor.

Look to me for all that.

Petr.

Were you afraid, you came so arm'd and guarded?

Hor.

That's because I would not be afraid: look to me still.

Petr.

Indeed my Lord you are welcome.

Hor.

Yes, as much as I look for.

Petr.

VVhat should the King intend by this? I fear no ill, For I have done none; therefore I may go. Perhaps he thinks to make me honour Sforza

Now in his time of Jollitie, and be friends: I need not go for that; he cannot do't, Yet I will go to tell him so: my Lord, My joy to see the King will post me faster Than your grave Loyaltie, or Massie Bill-men.

Hor.

Yes, prethie keep afore with thy back to∣wards me, and so long I dare trust thee. Have an eye though.

Exeunt Omnes.

Scoen. VI.

Enter King and Flavello.

King.

Her Father hath surpriz'd her then?

Flav.

Yes, and means to hurry her away from Court this night: I heard him threaten it.

King.

But he must not do't, she is too sweet Fla∣vello, and too fit for my embraces, to be snatch'd away.

Flav.

Now that shee's ripe and ready for your use, Like fruit that cryes, Come eat me. Ile not boast The pains I took to fit her to your Appetite, before she saw you.

King.

How, my carefull Agent?

Flav.

At first sight of her Feature, I foresaw She was compliable to your affection. Then by discourse I found she was ambitious, I ply'd her then with Pills that puff'd her up To an high longing, till she saw the hopes She had to grow by. Pray stand close, they come.

Enter Sforza and Alinda.

Sfor.

Has the air of Court infected you already? Has the Kings kisses mov'd by adulterate heat, Swoln you into astubborn loathsomness Of wholsom Counsel? Come your wayes; Ile try If Countrey-Air and Diet can restore you To your forgotten modestie and Duty.

Alin.

VVhat have I done amiss?

Sfor.

Do you capitulate? But so much satisfaction as may make Thee sensible of shame, I will afford thee: Didst thou not after Banquet, when the King Heated with wine, and lust rais'd in his eyes, Had kiss'd thee once, twice, thrice, though I look'd on, And all the Presence whispered their cold fears Of the Kings wantonness and the Queens abuse; Didst thou not then still gaze upon his Face, As thou hadst long'd for more? O impudence!

Alin.

Impudence? Sir, pray give it the right name, Courtship, 'twas Courtship Sir, if I have learn'd Any since I came here.

King.

Brave metal'd wench!

Sfor.

I am amaz'd.

Alin.

Besides Sir, the Kings kisses Are great inestimable Honours, and VVhat Lady would not think her self the more Honour'd, by how much the King did kiss her?

Sfor.

And should he more then kiss, still more Honour'd?

Alin.

It might be thought so.

Sfor.

Durst thou argue thus?

Alin.

I know he dares not beat me here. Pray Sir Let me but ask you this, then use your pleasure: (Cause you stile Impudence, that which I call Court∣ship) VVhat Courtier sits down satisfied with the first Office or Honour is confer'd upon him? If he does so, he leaves to be a Courtier. And not the thing we treat of. Did your self After the King had grac'd you once, twice, thrice, (As he kiss'd me) expect no further from him?

Sfor.

She's wonderously well read in Court alreadie: VVho i'th' Devils name has been her Lecturer?

Flav.

Do but your Majesty observe that, and think VVhat pains I took with her.

Alin.

How many Offices Did you run through before you were made General? And as the more the King confers upon us, Is more our Honour, so 'tis more the Kings, VVhen most his Favours shine upon Desert.

King.

I like her better still.

Sfor.

Insufferable Bag∣gage.! Dar'st thou call any thing in thee Desert? Or mention those base Favours which the King Maintains his Lust by, with those real Honours Confer'd on me, who have preserv'd his life? Is it such Dignity to be a VVhore?

Alin.

Pray Sir, take heed: Kings Mistrisses must not Be call'd so.

Sfor.

Dar'st thou talk thus to me?

Alin.

Yes, Sir; If you dare think me worth the Kings embraces, In that neer kind, howe 'er you please to stile it: Sure I shall dare, and be allow'd to speak.

King.

That word makes thee a Queen.

Sfor.

The King dares not Maintain it.

King.

And that costs you your Head.

Alin.

Dear Sir, take heed; Protest I dare not hear you:

Suppose I were advanc'd so far above you To be your Queen, would you be therefore desperate, And fall from what you are to nothing? Pray Utter no more such words, I'd have you live.

Flav.

She vexes him handsomelie.

Sfor.

As I live she's mad. Do you dream of being a Queen?

Alind.

VVhy if I should, I hope that were no Treason: Nor if I were a Queen, were that sufficient VVarrant for you, to utter Treason by, Because you were my Father; No dear Sir, Let not your Passion be Master of your Tongue.

Sfor.

How she flies up with the conceit? d'yee hear?

Alind.

Because you were my Father. Soveraignty you know, admits no Parentage. Honour, poor petty Honour forgets Descent. Let but a silly Daughter of a City Become a Countesse, and note how squeamishly She takes the wind of her Progenitors.

Sfor.

She has swallowed an Ambition That will burst her: I'll let the humour forth.

Alin.

You will not kill your Child?

Sfor.

Though all Posterity should perish by it.

Alin.

Not for the Jewel in your Ear.

Sfor.

Impudent Harlot! she has heard me value This Jewel, which I wear for her dead Mother, I would not part with, whilst I wore my Head; And now she threatens that: a Kingdom shall not save thy life.

Alin.

Know where you are, Sir, at Court, the Kings House.

Sfor.

Were it a Church, and this unhallowed Room Sanctum Sanctorum, I will bring you to your knees, And make me such a Recantation

As never follow'd Disobedience; I'll take thy life else, and immediately.

King. Flav.

Treason! a Guard! Treason! &c.

Omn.

Heaven save the King.

Enter Capt. & Guard

King.

Lay hold on Sforza, the dangerous Traytor.

Sfor.

'Tis Sforza is betray'd.

King.

Away with him, see he be kept close Prisoner. Flavello, see that his daughter have convenient Lodg∣ing.

Sfor.

Let me but speak; I hope your Majesty—

King.

Let not a word come from him: hence, away. VVhat a most dangerous estate even Kings do live in? VVhen those that we do lodge so neer our Breast Study our Death, when we expect our Rest.

Exeunt.

Scoen. VII.

Enter Lodovico and Eulalia.

Lod.

Be comforted good Queen, and I beseech Your Grace to pardon me in this command The King has laid upon me.

Eul.

Lodovico, I do, and must no less submit my self To the Kings soveraign will then you: and though I am committed to your house and custody, I am his Highness Prisoner: and more, Though I know not my crime, unless it be My due Obedience, I am still so far From grudging at his pleasure, as I fear To ask you what it is suppos'd to be; But rather wait th' Event, which though it bring My Death, 'tis welcom from my Lord and King.

Lod.

VVas ever Vertue more abus'd then hers?

Eul.

Yet thus much, good my Lord, vvithout of∣fence;

Let me demand, Is Sforza still close Prisoner?

Lod.

Yes, and Petruccio his Adversarie Governs his Place, and high in the Kings Favour.

Eul.

I will not ask his Trespass neither, it Sufficeth it is the Kings high pleasure. But Alinda•• Sforza's fair Daughter, what becomes of her? Poor vertuous Maid, is she thrown out of Favour Because I lov'd her too?

Lod.

Alas good Queen!

Eul.

What do you weep? nay then all is not well With her, I fear.

Lod.

Good Queen, I fear so too; And that all ill proceeds from her to you.

Eul.

I may not understand thee, Lodovico: I'll still retain the duty of a wife, Which though it be rejected, shall not throw Me from the path a Subject ought to go.

Lod.

Two such wives more might save a Nation. But see Petruccio the now-powerful man, under tho King.

Eul.

Horatio with him too, are they such Friends?

Lod.

None greater since the King was pleas'd to grace Petruccio.

Scoen. VIII.

Enter Petruccio and Horatio.

Petr.

Madam, howe'er my Person, no less then my Authority, I know is most unwelcom to you; I must appear, and lay the Kings Command upon you, which you must obey.

Eul.

I must? see, Lodovico, here's a plain- Dealing Lord, that knows, my Love and my Obedience to the King, and warnes me Faithfully to observe it: good my Lord, I will obey the Kings Command in you: Lay't on me. What must I do?

Petr.

You must go to the Bar, to answer to Those Accusations that will be brought Against your Life and Honour, as touching Your foul Disloyaltie unto the King.

Eul.

He is a Traytor to the King and Me, That dares accuse me of Disloyaltie. Patience assist me, and controul my Passion. The greatest Crime that ever I committed Against my Soveraign, was, To be so neer The Vice of Anger in the presence of One that he lov'd so well; but pray your Pardon, Though truly those sharp-pointed words drew Blood From my oppressed heart: and though you love me not, I hope you think me innocent.

Petr.

Would I could.

Eul.

You do.

Petr.

I would I durst speak what I think.

Eul.

My Lord, you ever lov'd me, can you think?

Hor.

Come, what I think, I think; my love to you Was the Kings love, if it were love at all: If he will say, he ever lov'd you, I can say so too. But to speak truth, I know not if I did, Or I did not; but now you're hateful to me; That I dare speak, because he hates you soundly. And your old Russian Sforza, that fell Traytor, That would have kill'd the King: do you look up at it? You may look down with sorrow enough: Your Country-man, your brave old Champion, He has Champion'd you sweetly it seems. Is there no honest VVoman?

Eul.

VVhat means this unknown Language?

Hor.

VVomen are alwayes ignorant of Reproof: I'll tell you what it means, for that loves sake You thought I lov'd you once. Or do you know

VVhat Mars and Venus meant, when injur'd Vulcan Had e'm in's Net? Good King, how wert thou a∣bus'd? And this good honest, faithful, loyal Lord, Full to the brim, of Merit, and true Valour, By that Blade-brandishing Sforza, that meer Fencer▪ To this great Martialist: but he is fast enough, And all's come out, howe'er you'l answer it.

Eul.

VVhat must I answer? I know not yet your meaning.

Hor.

Nor ever shall, for me.

Petr.

You'll know too much I fear, anon. Come, Madam, vvill you go? The High-Court stayes your coming.

Eul.

I must submit me to it, and its Laws; But to a higher Judge refer my Cause.

Lod.

Good Queen, thy wrongs are manifest, though none Must dare to utter them, but in our Mone.

Exeunt Omnes.

Scoen. IX.

Enter Alinda.

Alin.

Mount, mount, my thoughts, above the earthy Of Vassal minds, whilst strength of womans wit (pitch Props my Ambition up, and lifts my hope Above the flight of Envy. Let the base And abject mindes be pleas'd with servile Bondage▪ My Breast breeds not a thought that shall not flie The lofty height of towring Majesty. My power upon the weakness of the King (Whose raging Dotage to obtain my Love, Like a devouring flame, seeks to consume

All interposed Lets) hath laid a Ground-vvork So sure upon those Ruines, that the power Of Fate shall not controul, or stop my building Up to the top of Soveraignty, vvhere I'll stand And dare the VVorld to dis-commend my Act: It shall but say, when I the Crown have won, The vvork was harsh in doing, but well done.

Enter Flavello.

Flavello, welcom!

Flav.

Hail, my Soveraign Queen.

Alin.

'Tis a brave sound, and that vvhich my Soul thirsts for; But do not mock mine Ears.

Flav.

Believe it Madam, Joyn your attention but vvith one hours patience, And you shall hear the gen'ral Voice o'th' Kingdom Give you that stile, vvith large and loud allowance.

Alin.

Stile thy self happy then, in vvhat Reward A Subject can receive, or a Queen give. How moves our great proceedings?

Flav.

Fairly, thus: Eulalia, for now I must no more Give her the Title that belongs unto Your Execellence, of Queen.

Alin.

Advance that Harmonie.

Flav.

Eulalia is brought unto the Bar, accus'd, Convicted of that high offence, that instantlie Shall pull that Judgement on her, that shall crush Her into nothing.

Alin.

Appear the proofs manifest?

Flav.

That vvas my care, it behoov'd me to work the VVitnesses, vvho swore (in brief) most bravely, that they heard Lord Sforza, vvhom you also may forget now to call Father.

Alin.

That vvithout your instruction.

Flav.

They swore, I say, they heard that Sforza boast The knovvledge of the Queen in carnal Lust.

Alin.

VVas that enough?

Flav.

No, but it serv'd to put The question to her, Was it true or not? No, cries the Queen, nor can I think that Sforza Would lay that scandal on himself and me. Those Witnesses were two cashier'd Lieutenants That Sforza should have hang'd for Mutinies In the late war, but threw 'em by, it seems, To serve him in this Office: me they cost Five hundred Crowns apiece, and well they got it. But where I left: the Queen denies their Oath. And though it had been true that Sforza had Affirm'd as much, that had not found her guilty.

Alin.

What Witnesses were next?

Flav.

Two dainty devils Birds, a Doctor and a Midwife, who accus'd Themselves for Bawds i'th' Action, and depos'd I know not how many, how many, how many times, They saw 'em link'd in their unlawful pleasures. These were the Queens own people, and deserv'd A thousand Crowns apiece, and had it instantly, Afore-hand too.

Alin.

What could the Queen say then?

Flav.

She denied all, but in such a patient way, After her foolish fashion, that it gave strength To th' Evidence against her; then she wept For their iniquity, and gave them a God forgive ye. And so attends the censure of the Court, VVhich straightway will be given: they'l be set Before my coming.

Alin.

Hast, Flavello, hast, And let thy next news be to this a Crown, That she is not a Queen, and I am one.

Exit Flav.

This Father and this Queen I now could pity, For being hew'd out and squar'd thus to my use, But that they make those necessary steps By which I must ascend to my Ambition.

They that will rise unto a supream Head, Should not regard upon whose Necks they tread.