Poems, viz. 1. A panegyrick to the king. 2. Songs and sonnets. 3. The blind lady, a comedy. 4. The fourth book of Virgil, 5. Statius his Achilleis, with annotations. 6. A panegyrick to Generall Monck. / By the Honorable Sr Robert Howard.

ACT 4.

SCEN. 1.

Enter Caeca, as to dressing, a Table set out, and glasse, Quinever attending, Pysander following.

Caeca.

IS my Captain here?

Quin.

Now enter'd, and like your Ladiship.

Caeca.

Very well, leave us then: Come neer good Captain.

Exit. Quin.

Pys.

Mercy defend me. A dressing, or setting up a Barber's shop, Here the teeth lye, what's this an old head?

A lecture for the best Anatomist; like a rusty Clock, Taken a pieces to cleanse all the devices, Set them together some engineer for me.

Caeca.

Pray sit neer me, Captain,

Pys.

I do.

Caeca.

O Captain, what a hideous noise Was there ene now of bouncing, pray what i'st?

Pys.

Only some wandring Raskalls at the gate, They'l have their errand suddenly.

Caeca.

I would they were gone, truly at the first noise, I brake one of my pots of Mit••ridate, VVith Dragon-water, good for the head and sto∣mack.

Pys.

Was there ever such an old Almanack,

[aside

At the end of the year Medicines set down?

Caec.

Besides the great disturbance from your com∣pany.

Pys.

Nay, you see when I have freedom I use into my own advantage, Visit you before you'r ready—

Caec.

I shall be ready presently, the time will come You shall be welcome to me quite undrest.

Pys.

The Devill of thy young bones

[aside.

Lockt in thy old Cabinet.

Caec.

I shall unparrell then faster than now I dress me; You'l help to pull out pins I'le warrant you.

Pys.

Rather drive in wedges—

[aside.

Why you know we men must court, You would be bashfull else, and it were pitty To loose that time which should be better spent.

Caec.

You say true indeed.

Pys.

Come Madam, pray dresse your self

I'le serve you instead of a better chambermaid S'death would she were once furnish'd

[aside.

One may dresse and undresse Long-lane as soon. VVhat want you now, Madam?

Caec.

My night-rale, good Captain.

Pys.

I shall give her a sheet instead on't, It lies about her like a casting net 'Slid I have given her never a wascoat, And now will she call for her farthingale, I must make haste but cannot go without her; For her wise tenant's now before they fight VVill see their Land-Lady

Caec.

My farthingale, good Captain.

Pys.

I thought so, now is she like an old Camel VVith that hideous mount on her unfurnisht body. Mercy how have I set her out! she may make Good harmony; for shee's composed of different notes She would yield a man more money to shew Than an outlandish beast; my sweet Quinever I have employ'd to stave off formall Peter From making tenants seem as wise as he. VVhat want you now, Madam?

Caec.

My Perriwig, good Captain.

Pys.

VVhich way to set this on now, is the que∣stion: 'Tis no matter I can't mistake now More than I have done.

Caec.

I thank you Captain, I hope you and I Shall live happily and comfortably together. I was told, my seventh husband Should be a wondrous honest and an able man.

Pys.

That, experience will let you know: I shall tell you A merry tale towards bed time that will cure The cough of th'lungs.

Caec.

And make one dream huge pleasantly And that's a sign of youth I can assure you.

Pys.

That and your toothlesse Chap's are main ones. If surious Medea had thrown thee

[Aside.

Into her age-renuing Kettle, thoud'st have lept out With a medley of years upon thee. Hark, a noise! by heaven it increases still, hark

[Noise

Caec.

O Captain, a noise!

Pys.

Nay there's two now in the Devill's name: It still encreases, come Madam you must down.

Hyp.

'Sdeath, Pysander, they'r falling on

Enter Hyp∣pasus.

The men stand all at gaze And swear they'le see their Land-Lady, We are all lost without some help.

Pys.

Madam, you must needs walk And encourage your tenants, to send these fools away 'Twill defer our Marriage.

Caec.

Pray lead and I will follow.

Pys.

Come Hyppasus, how fares the noble Miro∣nault?

Hyp.

As a brave Ship hemm'd by a raging storm Resolves to throw the ballance ore, Lose all and perish carelessly: But come, we trifle time.

Pys.

Along then, and for your blind Ladyship If you had no tongue You should make signs to your tenants.

[Exeunt.

ACT. 4. SCEN. 2.

Enter Phylanter, Lycespes.

Phyl.

COme Lycespes, is the alarme given To amuse them on t'other side?

Lyc.

Yes.

Phyl.

What resistance does appear?

Lyc.

As yet all's wrapt in silence.

Phyl.

Where did the messenger say my Father was?

Lyc.

At hand Sir with 5000 men; wer't not best We should defer the storm till then?

Phyl.

By no means; we will attempt it first, For by that time they may have relief Come from the Court, my father's suddain flight Confirm'd the least suspition, helpt by the Prin∣cesse too.

Lyc.

It could not chuse, you have thrust your self Into a troubled Ocean.

Phyl.

I know it, and now must sink or else go on, There is no choice in Crimes but of our Fate, The affrighting freedom of a wretched state. We cannot hope ere to return again Back on our fancies to our first conditions, What tob'd us of the safety we enjoyd First made us to contemne it; 'Tis a stayd gamester too, that would give o're Upon the losing-hand; the most metl'd, or let it be

The maddest one, would stake on all his wealth, Venter to tire Fortune or himself. We have bargain'd now, and chopt a Peace for War 'Twere foolish to d••pend on ought but Victorie; For that will change our acts, or others natures: The vanquish'd wear the crimes, and all will fear To judge or question what they too must bear. This slender glosse I know must startle thee That has so much of honesty and courage; And if we fail I'le quarrell with my self That cousend thee to follow what thou once Didst love with'honour: fearing to be unjust To friendship, made thee more unto thy self: I have used thee as some that have seduced Young men into bad company, thou hast found Things much unworthy of thee—

Lyc.

Tis true, dear Sir, I will not face a lye: Our acts have given me both amaze and trouble, The last I threw behind me, may the VVorld Forget the rest, there is a Fate hangs over all That shews it's force when it resolves to strike VVhen we can act at once, at once dislike, And t'is the sad necessity that we must Persist in crimes again to reach the good That you intend; this nobly does deserve My friendship now, and if we fail —The world may yet believe▪ Our thought's were better, let them chuse to grieve.

Phyl.

Set on then, brave Lycespes, danger not found VVomen frig tchildren with, and perills met

Uncheat us of our lives, that render'd us But an unhappy treasurie for our cares, Made monstrous by our joys, the hopes and fears That spring from them, onely the stock we spend on. This cannot add, I know, to thee; and I should blush If it could ought to me. But 'tis mens pleasure To undervalue what they think will go, And they must loose—the world's fond nature's so; And 'tis the bravest scorn ill men can have, To change this world, as freely for a grave.

[Exeunt.

ACT. 4. SCEN. 3.

Enter Pysander hastily, the Blind Lady fol∣lowing, Peter directing.

[Alarm.

Pys.

NOw the Devill raise a Barricado, I am storm'd too; I have pepper'd the Rogues on my side, I must go see how the other fares.

Caec.

Is he here, Peter?

Pet.

Straight on, an't like your Ladiship.

Caec.

Pray stay, sweet Captain; Oh, oh, All my corn's a-fire, good Captain. Straight before still, Peter?

Pet.

Yes Madam.

Pys.

By this light, Sir, I'le direct your nose to the wall,

Caec.

Good Captain, all, all, my corn, oh, oh; The great Barn's on fire, look how it burns. Is this your kindnesse? pray, your hand.

Pys.

Pray take this for interposition.

he laies some∣thing in the way.

It will not do, she'l run her head Against something or other, and beat her brains out. —I must place her in here— VVhat's this, a Corn-house—Here Madam. Give me your hand, rest your self a little, And I'le be with you presently: and for you, wise Sir,

he places her in the Vault.

Let her alone, til I, like a good Midwife, Come and deliver her: This, Sir, you had best ob∣serve.

[Exit.

Pet.

VVhy its very well, I thought at least I might have given her A hot fire-shovell to have bak'd a cake upon. Nothing troubles me— But that the Rats and Mice may play with her nose. I thought she would be brought to this, Mrs. Quinever Is employ'd in casting bullets with a face Like fiery Sol in Leo, if this hurry hold long, My poor old Lady may wish she had lost All senses as well as seeing; for god knows The employment for the rest are miserable. Hark, a noise, they are at it, much good may't do them;

[a noise.

To run away it is impossible, and from my chamber I can see all the shooting; it has made me wish a thousand times

I were as blind as my old Lady, I'le to her in the Vault, I never thought my self too safe, he that did, Let him leap Towers for Peter.

[He descends into the Vault.

ACT 4. SCEN. 4.

Enter Mironault, Hyppasus, Pysander.

Mir.

BRave Hyppasus, how to forgive my self I cannot tell, For all that you have suffered.

Hyp.

Still on that strain, Sir! VVe could not serve you thus if we repined, Or feared to suffer for you; wrong not our honesty And courage both.

Mir.

They are too excellent, I swear it were a pleasure To share in danger with you, were't not a pain To see you there—Gallant Pysander, You brought us timely aid, and from our sinking fates Raised us again; but you had quickly done On t'other side.

Pys.

O mine were pittifull rascalls, Yours came to their businesse handsomly.

Mir.

They did indeed, Phylanter first Advanc'd before his men, bold in despight Of all his crimes, and carelesse both alike Of honesty and danger.

Pys.

He was the wiser; To what purpose Should any one be thrifty of, that the world So little cares for, this trifle Honesty.

Hyp.

Come Pysander, you must get the Soldiers drest, That have been hurt, we may have more need of them.

Pys.

Yes, yes, as far as her Smocks will extend in Lint.

Mir.

I find I need a little dressing too. —Let's in, and there— Provide for after-claps of treacherous Fortune. We must not fear a Frown, or court a Smile; One may the VVise, t'other the Brave beguile.

[Exeunt.

ACT. 4. SCEN. 5.

Enter Albertus, and Others▪

Alb.

HOw far is't to his Quarters now?

1.

A little way, Sir.

Alb.

Be sure that all the Soldiers march in order, And on their lives no outrage to the Country. Let all be done in silence. No Scouts return'd yet?

1.

Not any, Sir.

Alb.

I am jealous of this Court, the King enclined But little, suspition could not mingle with his nature, The Princesse has confirm'd him sure; we act On the uncertain'st Stage, the strangest parts

That ever yet were play'd, I would the world VVould take it so. VVe have now stept Beyond the power of Retreat or Fortune, The one's too poor for us, and we for t'other. VVe are like tired Gamesters with ill Cards VVeary to hold the game, and yet play on To save if not to win; perhaps If we prevailed, Ambition would as well Play on the game as now we do, Though from a modester designe. How little ought man to be trusted then With power in this world, when even the things He aims to thrive by are the crimes of Kings, Good Princes, like best Juglers, still find first The lesser sleights of others. How now, What news?

Enter Mess.

Mess.

As we were scouting on the way, Which leads unto Cracovia, we espied The Body of an Army moving within Two hours march.

Alb.

Ha, it must be so—she has don't. Bid instantly Botiscay march with haste,

[exit Mess.

For fear we are hindred joyning with my son. Amidst these crimes a little policy does well, It must be so, all we can hope for now will be to make But good conditions— —To put it to the venture of a day were madnesse, We can have no supplies, they may have more. And yet—I know not what to think, Distractions mingle with my thoughts,

And we still lose our judgments with successe. Our resolutions waited on us then Like servants wanting wages. All Mankind Is one of those two Cowards, —Either to wish to die When we should live, or live when we should die. Some fear, some wish, too early, or too late Most fall, yet none must chuse his Fate; Those that prepare for every storm, do seldom cast Themselves away, It is but bravely sinking at the last.

[Exit.

ACT. 4. SCEN. 6.

Enter Princesse, Amione, Phylena, and others.

Prin.

No news yet? 1. Not any Madam.

Prin.

Leave us, and give notice when any comes.

1.

I shall—

[Exit.

Prin.

We have not now sure far, And yet me thinks 'tis along while Ere we are there, time is thought The fastest undiscerned flying thing That is, but yet Love's wings are swifter, Swift wishes impe his ragged plumes And pull the feathers from the wings of Time,

—And every houer bears Double proportion from our hopes and fears.

Phyl.

This pretty way of account Madam, will rise Unto a sum of ages, added To what now Mironault's a heaping, 'Twill make a new Chronologie, But we still reckon on the old account.

Prin.

You'r merry still, Phylena, when your day comes You'le give me leave to do the same.

Phyl.

Yes Madam, we both agree, And yet you shrewdly once suspected it Of this fair maid,

Prin.

You make me blush, she way forgive me though For she deserved it,

Amio.

O Madam,— Could you fall so much below The power of all your beauties in such fears That you could justly let suspition dwell Where you pretend an interest? The Rose as well May drooping hang it's fragrant head Jealous of meaner Flowers, and the Sun Suspect his light when mortalls kindle fires.

Prin.

Nay Amione you court me now I will not call it flattery, whil'st it comes From thee, for that's a crime That dwells with crooked natures, yet it was Mistaken kindnesse.

Amio.

'Twas you mistook it sure, for none will find Themselves deceived that love you,

Enter Mess.

Prin.

How now, what news?

Mess.

Just now for certain, Madam The Lord Albertus joyned unto his son With a great Body,

Prin.

They have not yet attempted ought.

Mess.

Yes Madam, before his Father's coming, Phylanter storm'd the house.

Prin.

Ha: hast thou learnt no particulars?

Mess.

Yes all, for before the Lord Albertus coming The smallnesse of their numbers gave us freedom To enquire near the place of all particulars, —And thus it was, Soon as Phylanter had found out The house they stayed at, presently he ghest That wounds had caused their stay, by reason They strove to reach no place of more security And so indeed it was; ghessing besides, They should have smal resistance: upon these thoughts Phylanter draws about it, then summons them. But in the midst the gallant Mironault Hinders the parly with a hasty scorn, As if he meant to drive no bargain, But sell at his own rate, at which The bravely bad Phylanter sweld with rage Prepar'd to give th'assault, and in the head Of all his men advanc't (some distance) first, To bring on ruine great as was his crimes, Or else to perish with them, and seem'd half willing To be forgotten on a noble score; So equally divided, or to hide His mischiefs in their Fates, or in his own.

The storm grew hot, yet still Phylanter urged Beyond belief, now out of Love with safety, Because his foes in spight of him enjoyd it (With an unlookt for power to resist him) Branded the name of Fortune with a whore, As if they had begot supplies upon her; On t'other side his men sees shrinking from him, When mad with rage he easily retires With such a look as longing Lovers send When they must part, so much he coutted danger, And now retreating with his drooping forces, The gallant Mironault like a bright Sun Broke from the smoakie storm, and issues forth, Acting new Tragedies, till, being jealous More forces might come in, In order they retreated, and for certain Phylanter both and Mironault are hurt.

Prin.

O me!

Phyl.

Madam send off the messenger, Let not him see The least disorder.

Prin.

Go instanly, and bid Symathocles Let all the Army march in readinesse to fight.

Mess.

I shall.

Prin.

And acquaint him with all you know

Exit Mess.

Nay do not hide thy tears Amione They can't displease me, wench, nor shall I think That there is grief enough for him, Though I am fully stor'd.

Amio.

Alas, what a condition Fortune throws him in?

Did he but know by whom he were lamented He could not have so much of joy, As grief to think how he was ravisht From the lov'd mourner;

Prin.

I prethee peace; not that I fear To have more grief for him, for I have that Within me has made that impossibility, But to inlarge thy own, 'tis true too That I should give thee counsell not to grieve, But I shall grieve the while, yet if thou thinkest I wrong thy kindnesse then wee'le mourn together And joyn our stock of tears, for no one store Is worthy of him.

Amio.

Though nature made me partiall, it robd me not Of so much reason, to be so impudent, The Fates perhaps, or some great power That has a speciall care for you, or kindnesse, Preserved you for themselves, and lent you to the world As the S••n was, not for the happinesse Of one alone but all.

Prin.

May we not yet amidst our greatest grief Believe it is not dangerous; for after he was hurt They leisurely retired.

Amio.

Would I could so be satisfied— And yet that clearly justifies we wish Our own contents, then when we raise Our fears to equall power in our thoughts Of what we doubt, yet what we wish to have; None e're yet wish'd a life, but fear'd a grave.

Prin.

'Tis true Amione, those torturing ••ivalls

Hope and fear are ever whispering, And they that have most need of one, Have ever most of t'other. When I think this, Though I would willingly pretend to counsell, Or any thing would ease thy grief, I must Believe it both impossible and needlesse.

Am.

Were it not just to linger then no longer In all these doubts, since we might give them ease.

Prin.

As how can it be done?

Am.

I would attempt to see him, I onely want your leave.

Prin.

It is impossible, the ways are all shut up.

Am.

I do not mean to go concealed. They say Phylanter is so much a Gentleman, He will not certainly deny a woman. Fear not, Madam, 'tis but two hours time, And I am there, or here again.

Prin.

I can deny thee nothing, not this I'me sure; If thou seest him, tell him, that Love and Constancy's rewarded In t'other world, and will be so in this. Tell him, I wish his happinesse And mine own together. And be sure You take a Chirurgeon with you.

Phyl.

My service, Madam.

Am.

I will not fail, Heaven keep you. May I return with such a blessing As I now bear to him.

[Exit.

Prin.

Farewell, dear Maid. Phylena, now The time draws near of joy or misery, —We live at an uncertain rate, Or flatter'd stil, or else displeas'd with fate.

[Exeunt.

ACT 4. SCEN. 7.

Enter at one dore Albertus and Others, at an∣other Phylanter, Lycespes, and Others.

Alb.

I Should chide now, but the condition of your fortunes Cannot be that way helpt, nor are you fit For a disturbance, I hear you have succesless Storm'd the house; Why stai'd you not till I arriv'd? 'Twas folly to attempt it with so few.

Phyl.

But that has hapned now which I then feared, For I did ghesse supplies would come to them As soon as you to us. Besides, who would have ghest, Or now can think, how they come by their aid? Had we proved fortunate, we might have made Our own conditions.

Alb.

In that you have hit my thoughts, for now we must Not lose our selves by fear or folly; The one's too mean, the other but a madnesse. And we must look on these we have Without a hope of more, and on them As an encreasing body; by this we are constrain'd Upon the nick to make our compositions, Or put it to the venture of a Day; The first's the better, were the last the likelier. For I believe that, passion laid aside That first incited these rash thoughts and actions,

You look upon't as not to be pursu'd, But fairly to be le••t. Men may erre, It is the influence of Chance and Nature, But to pursue it, is their own—Lycespes— There is much due to you, you were still honest, And most a friend in danger, Who are in safety onely are their own.

Lyc.

My Lord, I always owed your son as much, And did resolve to pay it, till I had cause To leave, or feared to avow it.

Alb.

You are still noble. But Phylanter, VVhat certain intelligence have you?

Phyl.

VVe know, Sir, the Army of the King Is hard at hand, they say the Princesse too Is with them.

Alb.

I ghess'd as much, and for that reason I left the Court, for I heard That she was big with rage—VVell, The time's now short, and something must be done: Let all be in a readinesse, and prepare Nobly to reach successe, or ill to share. In the mean time wee'l presently advise The honorablest way for composition. For to be safe and good is better far, Than trust our crimes unto the chance of War.

[Exeunt.