Fifty comedies and tragedies written by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Gentlemen ; all in one volume, published by the authors original copies, the songs to each play being added.

Scaena Prima.

A Bell Rings.

Enter Pymero, Christophero, and Pedro.

Pymero.

OPen the Ports, and see the Watch reliev'd, And let the guards be careful of their business, Their vigilant eyes fixt on these Islanders, They are false and desperate people, when they find. The least occasion open to encouragement, Cruel, and crafty souls, believe me Gentlemen, Their late attempt, which is too fresh amongst us, In which, against all arms and honesty, The Governor of Ternata made surprize. Of our Confederate, the King of Tidore, As for his recreation he was rowing Between both Lands, bids us be wise and circumspect.

Chr.

It was a mischief suddenly imagin'd, And as soon done; that Governor's a fierce knave, Unfaithful as he is fierce too, there's no-trusting; But I wonder much, how such poor and base pleasures, As tugging at an Oar, or skill in Steerage, Should become Princes.

Py.

Base breedings, love base pleasure;

They take as much delight in a Baratto, A little scurvy boat to row her tightly, And have the Art to turn and wind her nimbly, Think it as noble too, though it be slavish, And a dull labour that declines a Gentleman: As we Portugals, or the Spaniards do in riding, In managing a great horse, which is princely: The French in Courtship, or the dancing English, In carrying a fair presence.

Ped.

He was strangely taken; But where no faith is, there's no trust: he has paid for't His Sister yet the fair and great Quisara, Has shew'd a noble mind, and much love in't To her afflicted brother, and the nobler still it appears, And seasons of more tenderness, because his ruin stiles her absolute And his imprisonment adds to her profit. Feeling all this, which makes all men admire her, The warm beams of this fortune that fall on her, Yet has she made divers and noble Treaties, And propositions for her brothers freedom, If wealth or honor—.

Py.

Peace, peace, you are fool'd, Sir; Things of these natures have strange outsides Pedro, And cunning shadows, set'em far from us, Draw 'em but near, they are gross, and they abuse us; They that observe her close, shall find her nature, Which I doubt mainly will not prove so excellent; She is a Princess, and she must be fair, That's the prerogative of being Royal: Let her want eyes and nose, she must be beauteous, And she must know it too, and the use of it, And people must believe it, they are damn'd else: Why, all our neighbor Princes are mad for her,

Chr.

Is she not fair then?

Py.

But her hopes are fairer, And there's a haughty Master, the King of Bakan, That lofty Sir, that speaks far more, and louder In his own commendations, than a Cannon: He is strucken dumb with her.

Ped.

Beshrew me she is a sweet one.

Py.

And there's that hopeful man of Syana, That sprightly fellow, he that's wise and temperate, He is a Lover too.

Chr.

Wou'd I were worth her looking For; by my life I hold her a compleat one, The very Sun, I think affects her sweetness, And dares not, as he does to all else, dye it Into his tauny Livery.

Py.

She dares not see him, But keeps her self at distance from his kisses, And her complexion in a Case; let him but like it A week, or two, or three, she would look like a Lion; But the main sport on't is, or rather wonder The Governor of Ternata, her mortal enemy, He that has catcht her brother King, is struck too, And is arriv'd under safe conduct also, And hostages of worth delivered for him; And he brought a Letter from his prisoner, Whether compell'd, or willingly delivered From the poor King, or what else dare be in't,

Chr.

So it be honourable, any thing, 'tis all one For I dare think she'll do the best.

Py.

'Tis certain He has admittance, and sollicites hourly, Now if he have the trick —

Ped.

What trick?

Py.

The true one, To take her too, if he be but skill'd in Bat-fowling, And lime his bush right.

Chr.

I'll be hang'd when that hits, For 'tis not a compell'd, or forc'd affection That must take her, I guess her stout and virtuous, But where's your Uncle, Sir, our valiant Captain, The brave Ruy Dias all this while?

Py.

I marry. He is amongst 'em too.

Ped.

A Lover.

Py.

Nay, I know not that, but since he stands in favour, Or would stand stifly, he is no Portugal else.

Chr.

The voice says in good favour, in the list too Of the privy wooers, how cunningly of late I have observ'd him, and how privately He has stolen at all hours from us, and how readily He has feign'd a business to bid the Fort farewel For five or six days, or a month together, Sure there is something —

Py.

Yes, yes, there is a thing in't, A thing would make the best on's all dance after it; A dainty thing; Lord how this Uncle of mine Has read to me, and rated me for wenching. And told me in what desperate case 'twould leave me, And how 'twould stew my bones.

Ped.

You car'd not for it.

Py.

I'faith not much, I ventur'd on still easily, And took my chance, danger is a Soldiers honor; But that this man, this herb of Grace, Ruy Dias, This father of our faculties should slip thus, For sure he is a ferriting, that he That would drink nothing, to depress the spirit, But milk and water, eat nothing but thin air To make his bloud obedient, that his youth, In spight of all his temperance, should tickle, And have a love mange on him.

Chr.

'Tis in him, Sir, But honourable courtship, and becomes his rank too.

Py.

In me 'twere abominable Leachery, or would be, For when our thoughts are on't, and miss their level, We must hit something.

Ped.

Well, he's a noble Gentleman, And if he be a suitor, may he speed in't.

Py.

Let him alone, our family ne'r fail'd yet.

Chr.

Our mad Lieutenant still, merry Pyniero, Thus wou'd he do, if the Surgeon were searching of him.

Ped.

Especially if a warm wench had shot him.

Py.

But hark Christophero; come hither Pedro; When saw you our brave Countrey-man Armusia? He that's arriv'd here lately, and his gallants? A goodly fellow, and a brave companion Methinks he is, and no doubt, truly valiant, For he that dares come hither, dares fight any where.

Chr.

I saw him not of late, a sober Gentleman I am sure he is, and no doubt bravely sprung, And promises much nobleness.

Py.

I love him, And by my troth wou'd fain be inward with him; Pray let's go seek him.

Ped.

We'll attend you Sir.

Py.

By that time we shall hear the burst of business,

Exeun••

Enter Ruy Dias, Quisara, Quisana; and Panura.

Quisar.

Aunt, I much thank you for your courtesie, And the fair liberty you still allow me, Both of your house and service, though I be A Princess, and by that Prerogative stand free From the poor malice of opinion, And no ways bound to render up my actions, Because no power above me can examine me; Yet my dear brother being still a prisoner, And many wandring eyes upon my ways, Being left alone a Sea-mark, it behoves me To use a little caution, and be circumspect.

Quisan.

You're wise and noble Lady.

Quisar.

Often Aunt I resort hither, and privately to see you, It may be to converse with some I favour;

•• wou'd not have it known as oft, nor constru'd, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stands not with my care.

Quisan.

You speak most fairly, For even our pure devotions are examin'd.

Quisar.

So mad are mens minds now.

Ruy.

Or rather monstrous; They are thick dreams, bred in fogs that know no fairness.

Quisan.

Madam, the House is yours, I am yours, pray use me, And at your service all I have lies prostrate; My care shall ever be to yield ye honor, And when your fame falls here, 'tis my fault Lady; A poor and simple banquet I have provided, Which if you please to honor with your presence —

Quisar.

I thank ye Aunt, I shall be with you instantly, A few words with this Gentleman.

Quisan.

I'll leave ye,

Exeunt Quis. & Pan.

And when you please retire, I'll wait upon you.

Quisar.

Why, how now Captain, what afraid to speak to me? A man of Armes, and danted with a Lady? Commanders have the power to parle with Princes.

Ruy.

Madam, the favors you have still showr'd on me, Which are so high above my means of merit, ••o infinite, that nought can value 'em ••••t their own goodness, no eyes look up to 'em But those that are of equal light, and lustre, Strike me thus mute, you are my royal Mistriss, And all my services that aime at honor, Take life from you, the Saint of my devotions; Pardon my wish, it is a fair ambition, And well becomes the Man that honors you; I wou'd I were of worth, of something near you, Of such a royal piece, a King I wou'd be, A mighty King that might command affection, And bring a youth upon me might bewitch ye, And you a sweet sould Christian.

Quisar.

Now you talk Sir; You Portugals, though you be rugged Soldiers, Yet when you list to flatter, you are plain Courtiers; ••d could you wish me Christian, brave Ruy Dias?

Ruy.

At all the danger of my life great Lady, At all my hopes, at all—

Quisar.

Pray ye stay a little, ••o what end runs your wish?

Ruy.

O glorious Lady, That I might— but I dare not speak.

Quisar.

I dare then, That you might hope to marry me; nay blush not, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honorable end needs no excuse; ••••d would you love me then?

Ruy.

My soul not dearer.

Quisar.

Do some brave thing that may entice me that way, ••omething of such a meritorious goodness, Of such an unmatcht nobleness, that I may know ••ou have a power beyond ours that preserves you: Tis not the person, nor the royal title, Not wealth, nor glory, that I look upon, That inward man I love that's lin'd with virtue, That well deserving soul works out a favor; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have many Princes suiters, many great ones, Yet above these I love you, you are valiant, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 active man, able to build a fortune; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do not say I dote, nor meane to marry, Only the hope is, something may be done, That may compel my faith, and ask my freedome, And leave opinion fair.

Ruy.

Command dear Lady, And let the danger be as deep as Hell, As direful to attempt —

Quisar.

Y'are too sudden, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 m••st be rul'd by you, find out a fortune ••isely, and hansomely, examine time, ••••d court occasion that she may be ready; A thousand uses for your forward spirit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may find daily, be sure ye take a good one, A brave and worthy one that may advance ye, Forc'd smiles reward poor dangers; you are a Soldier, I wou'd not talke so else, and I love a Soldier, And that that speaks him true, and great, his valor; Yet for all these which are but Womens follies, You may do what you please, I shall still know ye, And though ye weare no Sword.

Ru.

Excellent Lady, When I grow so cold, and disgrace my Nation, That from their hardy nurses suck adventures, 'Twere fit I wore a Tombstone; you have read to me The story of your favor, if I mistake it, Or grow a truant in the study of it, A great correction Lady—

Quisar.

Let's toth' banquet, And have some merrier talk, and then to Court, Where I give audience to my general Suiters; Pray heaven my womans wit hold; there brave Captain, You may perchance meet something that may startle ye; I'll say no more, come be not sad— I love ye.

Exeunt.

Enter Pyniero, Armusia, Soza, Christophero, and Emanuel.

Py.

You are wellcome Gentlemen, most worthy welcom, And know there's nothing in our power may serve ye, But you may freely challenge.

Arm.

Sir we thank ye, And rest your servants too.

Py.

Ye are worthy Portugals, You shew the bravery of your minds and spirits; The nature of our Country too, that brings forth Stirring, unwearied soules to seek adventures; Minds never satisfied with search of honor Where time is, and the Sun gives light, brave Countrymen, Our names are known, new worlds disclose their riches, Their beauties, and their prides to our embraces; And we the first of Nations find these wonders.

Arm.

These noble thoughts, Sir, have intic'd us forward, And minds unapt for ease to see these miracles, In which we find report a poor relater; We are arriv'd among the blessed Islands, Where every wind that rises blows perfumes, And every breath of air is like an Incence: The treasure of the Sun dwells here, each Tree As if it envied the old Paradice, Strives to bring forth immortal fruit; the Spices Renewing nature, though not deifying, And when that falls by time, scorning the earth, The sullen earth should taint or suck their beauties, But as we dreamt, for ever so preserve us: Nothing we see, but breeds an admiration; The very rivers as we float along, Throw up their pearls, and curle their heads to court us; The bowels of the earth swell with the births Of thousand unknown gemms, and thousand riches; Nothing that bears a life, but brings a treasure; The people they shew brave too, civil manner'd, Proportioned like the Masters of great minds, The Women which I wonder at—

Py.

Ye speak well.

Ar.

Of delicate aspects, fair, clearly beauteous, And to that admiration, sweet and courteous.

Py.

And is not that a good thing? brave Armusia You never saw the Court before?

Ar.

No certain, But that I see a wonder too, all excellent, The Government exact.

Chr.

Ye shall see anon, That that will make ye start indeed, such beauties, Such riches, and such form.

Enter Bakam, Syana, Governor.

Soz.

We are fire already; The wealthy Magazine of nature sure Inhabits here.

Arm.

These sure are all Ilanders.

Py.

Yes. and great Princes too, and lusty lovers.

Ar.

They are goodly persons; What might he be Signior That bears so proud a state?

Py.

King of Bakam, A fellow that sarts terror,

Em.

He looks highly. Sure he was begot o'th' top of a Steeple.

Chr.

It may well be, For you shall hear him ring anon.

Py.

That is Syana, And a brave temper'd fellow, and more valiant.

Soz.

What rugged face is that?

Py.

That's the great Governor, The man surpriz'd our Friend, I told ye of him.

Ar.

'Has dangerous eyes.

Py.

A perilous Thief, and subtile.

Chr.

And to that subtilty a heart of Iron.

Py.

Yet the young Lady makes it melt.

Ar.

They start all, And thunder in the eyes.

Ba.

Away ye poor ones, Am I in competition with such bubbles? My virtue, and my name rank'd with such trifles?

Sy.

Ye speak loud.

Ba.

Young-man, I will speak louder; Can any man but I deserve her favor, You petty Princes.

Py.

He will put 'em all in's pocket.

Sy.

Thou proud mad thing be not so full of glory, So full of vanity.

Ba.

How? I contemn thee, And that sort-keeping fellow.

Py.

How the Dog looks, The bandog Governor?

Gov.

Ha, Why?

Ba.

Away thing, And keep your rank with those that fit your royalty; Call out the Princess.

Gov.

Dost thou know me bladder, Thou insolent impostume?

Ba.

I despise thee;

Gov.

Art thou acquainted with my nature baby? With my revenge for Injuries? darst thou hold me So far behind thy file, I cannot reach thee? What canst thou merit?

Ba.

Merit? I am above it; I am equal with all honors, all atchievements, And what is great and worthy; the best doer I keep at my command, fortune's my servant, 'Tis in my power now to despise such wretches, To look upon ye slightly, and neglect ye, And but she daines at some hours to remember ye, And people have bestowed some Titles on ye, I should forget your names—

Sy.

Mercy of me; What a blown fool has self affection Made of this fellow? did not the Queen your Mother Long for bellows, and bagpipes, when she was great with ye, She brought forth such a windy birth?

Gov.

'Tis ten to one She eat a Drum, and was deliver'd of alarum, Or else he was swadled in an old saile when he was young.

Sy.

He swells too mainly with his meditations; Faith, talk a little handsomer, ride softly That we may be able to hold way with ye, we are Princes, But those are but poor things to you; talk wiser, 'Twill well become your mightiness; talk less, That men may think ye can do more.

Gov.

Talk truth, That men may think ye are honest, and believe ye, Or talk your self asleep, for I am weary of you.

Ba.

Why? I can talk and do.

Gov.

That wou'd do excellent.

Ba.

And tell you, only I deserve the Princess, And make good only I, if you dare, you sir, Or you Syanas Prince.

Py.

Heres a storm toward, Methinks it sings already, to him Governor.

Gov.

Here lies my proof.

Draw••

Sy.

And mine.

Gov.

I'll be short with ye, For these long arguments I was never good at.

Py.

How white the boaster looks?

Enter Ruy Dias, Quisara, Quisana, Panura.

Ar.

I see he lacks faith.

Ru.

For shame forbear great Princes, rule your angers You violate the freedom of this place, The state and Royalty—

Gov.

He's well contented It seems, and so I have done.

Ar.

Is this she Signior?

Py.

This is the Princess Sir.

Ar.

She is sweet and goodly, An admirable form, they have cause to justle.

Quisar.

Ye wrong me and my court, ye forward Prince•• Comes your Love wrapt in Violence to seek us? Is't fit though you be great, my presence should be Stain'd, and polluted with your bloody rages? My privacies affrighted with your Swords? He that loves me, loves my command; be temper'd, Or be no more what ye profess, my Servants.

Omnes.

We are calme as peace.

Ar.

What command she carries? And what a sparkling Majesty flies from her?

Quisar.

Is it ye love to do? ye shall find danger, And danger that shall start your resolutions, But not this way; 'tis not contention, Who loves me to my face best, or who can flatter most Can carry me, he that deserves my favor, And will enjoy what I bring, love and Majesty, Must win me with his worth; must travel for me; Must put his hasty rage off, and put on A well confirmed, a temperate, and true valor.

Omnes.

But shew the way.

Quisar.

And will, and then shew you A will to tread the way, I'll say ye are worthy.

Py.

What task now Will she turn 'em to? these hot youths, I fear will find a cooling card, I read in her eyes Something that has some swinge must flye amongst 'em; By this hand I love her a little now.

Quisar.

'Tis not unknown to you I had a royal Brother, now miserable, And Prisoner to that Man; if I were ambitious, Gap'd for that glory was n're born with me, There he should lie his miseries upon him: If I were covetous, and my heart set On riches, and those base effects that follow On pleasures uncontrol'd, or safe revenges, There he should die, his death will give me all these; For then stood I up absolute to do all; Yet all these flattering shews of dignity, These golden dreams of greatness cannot force To forget nature and my fair affection. Therefore that Man that would be known my lover, Must be known his redeemer, and must bring him Either alive or dead to my embraces. For even his bones I scorn shall feel such slavery, Or seek another Mistriss, 'twill be hard

To do this, wondrous hard, a great adventure, Fit for a spirit of an equal greatness; But being done, the reward is worthy of it,

Chr.

How they stand gaping all?

Quisar.

Ruy Dias cold? Not flye like fire into it? may be you doubt me, He that shall do this is my husband Prince; By the bright heavens he is, by whose justice I openly proclaim it; if I lye, Or seek to set you on with me, and reward my falshood. No stirring yet, no start into a bravery?

Ruy.

Madam, it may be, but being a main danger, Your grace must give me leave to look about me, And take a little time, the cause will ask it. Great Acts require great counsels.

Quisar.

Take your pleasure, I fear the Portugal.

Ba.

I'll raise an Army That shall bring back this Island, Fort and all, And fix it here.

Gov.

How long will this be doing? You should have begun in your Grandfather's days.

Sy.

What may be, And what my power can promise noblest Lady, My will I am sure stands fair.

Quisar.

Faire be your fortune, Few promises are best, and fair performance.

Gov.

These cannot doe, Their power and arts are weak ones. 'Tis in my will, I have this King your brother, He is my prisoner, I accept your proffer, And bless the fair occasion that atchiev'd him: I love ye, and I honor ye, but speak; Whether alive or dead he shall be rendred, And see how readily, how in an instant, Quick as your wishes Lady—

Quisar.

No, I scorn ye, You and your courtesie; I hate your love Sir; And ere I would so basely win his liberty, I would study to forget he was my brother; By force he was taken; he that shall enjoy me, Shall fetch him back by force, or never know me.

Py.

As I live, a rare Wench,

Ar.

She has a noble spirit.

Gov.

By force?

Quisar.

Yes Sir, by force, and make you glad too To let him goe.

Gov.

How? you may look nobler on me, And think me no such Boy; by force he must not, For your love much may be.

Quisar.

Put up your passion, And pack ye home, I say, by force, and suddenly. He lies there till he rots else, although I love him ••ost tenderly and dearly, as a brother, And out of these respects would joy to see him; ••••t to receive him as thy courtesie, With all the honor thou couldst add unto him From his hands that most hate him, I had rather, Though no condition were propounded for him, ••ee him far sunke i'th earth, and there forget him.

Py.

Your hopes are gelt good Governor.

Arm.

A rare Woman.

Gov.

Lady, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pull this pride, I'll quench this bravery, And turne your glorious scorn to tears and howlings; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will proud Princess; this neglect of me ••all make thy brother King most miserable; ••all turn him into curses 'gainst thy cruelty: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where before I us'd him like a King, ••d did those Royal Offices unto him: Now he shall lie a sad lump in a dungeon, ••den with chains and fetters, colds and hunger, ••rkness, and lingring death for his companions; And let me see who dare attempt his rescue, What desperate fool? ••ook toward it; farewel, And when thou know'st him thus, lament thy follies, Nay I will make thee kneel to take my offer: Once more farewel, and put thy trust in puppits.

Exit.

Quisar.

If none dare undertake it, I'll live a mourner.

Ba.

You cannot want.

Sy.

You must not.

Ru.

'Tis most dangerous, And wise men wou'd proceed with care and counsel, Yet some way would I knew— Walke with me Gentlemen—

Exeunt. Manent, Arm. and his Comp.

Ar.

How do you like her spirit?

Soz.

'Tis a clear one, Clog'd with no dirty stuff, she is all pure honor.

Em.

The bravest Wench I ever look'd upon, And of the strongest parts, she is most fair, Yet her mind such a mirrour —

Arm.

What an action Wou'd this be to put forward on, what a glory, And what an everlasting wealth to end it? Methinks my soul is strangely rais'd.

Soz.

To step into it, Iust while they think, and ere they have determin'd To bring the King off.

Ar.

Things have been done as dangerous.

Em.

And prosper'd best when they were least consider'd.

Ar.

Bless me my hopes, And you my friends assist me. None but our companions.

Soz.

You deale wisely, And if we shrink the name of slaves dye with us.

Em.

Stay not for second thoughts.

Ar.

I am determin'd; And though I lose, it shall be sung, I was valiant, And my brave offer shall be turn'd to story, Worthy the Princess tongue. A Boat, that's all That's unprovided, and habits like to Merchants, The rest wee'l councel as we goe.

Soz.

A way then, Fortune looks fair on those, make haste to win her.

Exeunt.