The floating island a tragi-comedy, acted before his Majesty at Oxford, Aug. 29. 1636. by the students of Christ-Church.
Strode, William, 1600 or 1601-1645., Lawes, Henry, 1569-1662.
SCENA II.
Enter to him Malevolo.
Mal.
In mischeif we must use the men we hate.
You are the man I seek. Have you con∣sider'd
Those State-projections?
Mem.
Sr. we want some Lawes,
Such as were made for certain Lord Pro∣tectors.
Mal.
Indeed this lawful murder is an
Art
Of Excellence, and yet as easie too
For Statesmen Lawyers as Physitians.
Mem.
An Art familiar in the Roman
State,
As ancient too as the first Monarchy.
O I could tell you Lawes worth millions to us,
By faire intrapping of the wealthy Clergy.
;Mal.
Have you no model to insnare a Prince?
Mem.
Henry the third, though wise and valiant,
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Was caught in a strong line knit by him∣selfe,
Here ith mad Parliament,
Mal.
As how?
Mem.
Twelve Peers
Under pretence of evil Officers
And grand abuses, were selected out,
Strengthen'd with Lawes to prune Pre∣rogatives,
To tutour and reform the State; to size
The Kings expence, and to appoint him
Servants,
Both menial and forinsecal.
Mal
I'st possible
The King should seale to this?
Mem.
O Poverty,
She to Obedience is the Lay-mother.
As some say Ignorance is the Clarklike,
Betwixt Superiours and Inferiours,
Look either way, this rule is mutual,
The poorer must be servant to the richer.
Henry brought low with various Action
Could not subsist without their subsi∣dies.
Keep thy Prince poor, then thou shalt rule thy Ruler,
And subject thy Commander.
Mal.
This we try'd
To fasten on Prudentius: but he
Too wise, too frugal was. Now Fancie
Through giddinesse of minde, and vast expence,
Will prove lesse wary and more prodi∣gal.
Mem.
Let some insnareing Law be once propos'd,
Fancie will yeild, not ponder.
Mal.
Well, think you;
Ile speak and speed. O 'tis the praise of hate
To practise ruine and pretend the State.
Mem.
But Sir, I trust upon your fur∣therance
(Mal. about to go.
About impropriations.
Mal.
You Ile remember
First, or my selfe I ever shall forget.
(Ex. Mal.
