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 Prina.

Enter King and Governor, like a Moor-Priest.

Kin.

SO far and truly you have discovered to me The former currents of my life and fortune, That I am bound to acknowledge ye most holy, And certainly to credit your predictions, Of what are yet to come.

Gov.

I am no lyer, 'Tis strange I should, and live so near a neighbor; But these are not my ends.

Kin.

Pray ye sit good father, Certain a reverend man, and most religious.

Gov.

I, that belief's well now, and let me work then, I'll make ye curse Religion e'r I leave ye. I have liv'd a long time Son, a mew'd up man, Sequester'd by the special hand of Heaven From the worlds vanities, bid farewel to follies, And shook hands with all heats of youth and pleasures, As in a dream these twenty years I have slumber'd, Many a cold Moon have I, in meditation And searching out the hidden Wils of heaven, Lain shaking under; many a burning Sun Has fear'd my body, and boil'd up my blood, Feebl'd my knees, and stampt a Meagerness Upon my figure, all to find out knowledge, Which I have now attained to, thanks to heaven, All for my countreys good too: and many a vision, Many a mistick vision have I seen Son. And many a sight from heaven which has been terrible, Wherein the Goods and Evils of these Islands Were lively shadowed; many a charge I have had too, Still as the time grew ripe to reveal these, To travel and discover, now I am come Son, The hour is now appointed, My tongue is touch'd, and now I speak.

Kin.

Do Holy man, I'll hear ye.

Gov.

Beware these Portugals; I say beware 'em, These smooth-sac'd strangers; have an eye upon 'em. The cause is now the God's, hear, and believe King.

King.

I do hear, but before I give rash credit, Or hang too light on belief, which is a sin, father; Know I have found 'em gentle, faithful, valiant, And am in my particular, bound to 'em, I mean to some for my most strange deliverance.

Gov.

Oh Son, the future aims of men, observe me, Above their present actions, and their glory,

Are to be look'd at, the Stars shew many turnings, If you could see, mark but with my eyes, pupil; These men came hither, as my vision tells me, Poor weather-beaten, almost lost, starv'd, feebled, Their vessels like themselves, most miserable; Made a long sute for traffique, and for comfort, To vent their childrens toys, cure their diseases: They had their sute, they landed, and to th' rate Grew rich and powerful, suckt the fat, and freedom Of this most blessed Isle, taught her to tremble, Witness the Castle here, the Citadel, They have clapt upon the neck of your Tidore, This happy Town, till that she knew these strangers, To check her when she's jolly.

King.

They have so indeed Father.

Gov.

Take heed, take heed, I find your fair delivery, Though you be pleas'd to glorifie that fortune, And think these strangers gods, take heed I say, I find it but a handsome preparation, A fair-fac'd Prologue to a further mischief: Mark but the end good King, the pin he shoots at That was the man deliver'd ye; the mirror, Your Sister is his due; what's she, your heir, Sir? And what's he a kin then to the kingdom? But heirs are not ambitious, who then suffers? What reverence shall the gods have? and what justice The miserable people? what shall they do?

King.

He points at truth directly.

Gov.

Think of these Son: The person, nor the manner I mislike not Of your preserver, nor the whole man together, Were he but season'd in the Faith we are, In our Devotions learn'd.

King.

You say right Father.

Gov.

To change our Worships now, and our Religion? To be traytor to our God?

King.

You have well advised me, And I will seriously consider Father, In the mean time you shall have your fair access Unto my Sister, advise her to your purpose, And let me still know how the gods determine.

Gov.

I will, but my main end is to advise The destruction of you all, a general ruine, And when I am reveng'd, let the gods whistle.

Exeunt.

Enter Ruy Dias, and Pyniero.

Ruy.

Indeed, I am right glad ye were not greedy, And sudden in performing what I will'd you, Upon the person of Armufia, I was afraid, for I well knew your valour, And love to me.

Py.

'Twas not a fair thing, Uncle, It shew'd not handsome, carried no man in it.

Ruy.

I must confess 'twas ill; and I abhor it, Only this good has risen from this evil; I have tried your honesty, and find proof, A constancy that will not be corrupted, And I much honor it.

Py.

This Bell sounds better.

Ruy.

My anger now, and that disgrace I have suffer'd, Shall be more manly vented, and wip'd off, And my sick honor cur'd the right and straight way; My Sword's in my hand now Nephew, my cause upon it, And man to man, one valour to another, My hope to his.

Py.

Why? this is like Ruy Dias? This carries something of some substance in it; Some mettle and some man, this sounds a Gentleman; And now methinks ye utter what becomes ye; To kill men scurvily, 'tis such a dog-trick, Such a Rat-catchers occupation—

Ru.

It is no better, But Pyniero, now—

Py.

Now you do bravely.

Ru.

The difference of our States flung by, forgotten, The full opinion I have won in service, And such respects that may not shew us equal, Laid handsomly aside, only our fortunes, And single manhoods—

Py.

In a service, Sir, Of this most noble nature, all I am, If I had ten lives more, those and my fortunes Are ready for ye, I had thought ye had for sworn fighting, Or banish'd those brave thoughts were wont to wait upon you; I am glad to see 'em call'd home agen.

Ruy.

They are Nephew, And thou shalt see what fire they carry in them, Here, you guess what this means.

Shews a challenge.

Py.

Yes very well, Sir, A portion of Scripture that puzles many an interpreter.

Ruy.

As soon as you can find him—

Py.

That will not be long Uncle, And o' my conscience he'll be ready as quickly.

Ruy.

I make no doubt good Nephew, carry it so If you can possible, that we may fight.

Py.

Nay you shall fight, assure your self.

Ru.

Pray ye hear me In some such place where it may be possible The Princess may behold us.

Py.

I conceive ye, Upon the sand behind the Castle, Sir, A place remote enough, and there be windows Out of her Lodgings too, or I am mistaken.

Ruy.

Y'are i' th' right, if ye can work that handsomly—

Py.

Let me alone, and pray be you prepar'd Some three hours hence.

Ruy.

I will not fail.

Py.

Get you home, And if you have any things to dispose of, Or a few light prayers That may befriend you, run 'em over quickly, I warrant, I'll bring him on.

Ruy.

Farewel Nephew, And when we meet again—

Py.

I, I, fight handsomly; Take a good draught or two of Wine to settle ye, 'Tis an excellent armour for an ill conscience, Uncle; I am glad to see this mans conversion, I was afraid fair honor had been bed-rid, Or beaten out o' th' Island, soldiers, and good ones, Intended such base courses?? he will fight now; And I believe too bravely; I have seen him Curry a fellows carkasse handsomely: And in the head of a troop, stand as if he had been rooted there Dealing large doles of death; what a rascal was I I did not see his Will drawn? What does she here?

Enter Quisara.

If there be any mischief towards, a woman makes one still Now what new business is for me?

Quisar.

I was sending for ye, But since we have met so fair, You have sav'd that labour; I must intreat you, Sir—

Py.

Any thing Madam, Your Wils are my Commands.

Quisar.

Y'are nobly courteous; Upon my better thoughts Signior Pyniero, And my more peaceable considerations, Which now I find the richer ornaments; I wou'd desire you to attempt no farther Against the person of the noble stranger, In truth I am asham'd of my share in't; Nor be incited farther by your Uncle, I see it will sit ill upon your person; I have considered, and it will shew ugly, Carried at best, a most unheard of cruelty;

Good Sir desist—

Py.

You speak now like a woman, And wondrous well this tenderness becomes ye; But this you must remember—your command Was laid on with a kiss, and seriously It must be taken off the same way, Madam, Or I stand bound still.

Quisar.

That shall not endanger ye, Look ye fair Sir, thus I take off that duty.

Py.

By th' mass 'twas soft and sweet, Some bloods would bound now, And run a tilt; do not you think bright beauty; You have done me in this kiss, a mighty favour, And that Island bound by virtue of this honor, To do what ever you command me?

Quisar.

I think Sir, From me these are unusual courtefies, And ought to be respected so; there are some, And men of no mean rank, would hold themselves Not poorly blest to taste of such a bounty.

Py.

I know there are, that wou'd do many unjust things For such a kiss, and yet I hold this modest; All villanies, body and soul dispense with, For such a provocation, kill their kindred, Demolish the fair credits of their Parents; Those kisses I am not acquainted with, most certain Madam, The appurtenance of this kiss wou'd not provoke me To do a mischief, 'tis the devils own dance. To be kiss'd into cruelty.

Quisar.

I am glad you make that use Sir.

Py.

I am gladder That you made me believe you were cruel, For by thiS hand, I know I am so honest, However I deceiv'd ye, 'twas high time too, Some common slave might have been set upon it else; That willingly I wou'd not kill a dog That could but fetch and carry for a woman, She must be a good woman made me kick him, And that will be hard to find, to kill a man, ••f you will give me leave to get another, Or any she that plaid the best game at it, And 'fore a womans anger, prefer her fancy.

Quisar

I take it in you well.

Py.

I thank ye Lady, And I shall study to confirm it.

Quisar.

Do Sir, For this time, and this present cause, I allow it, Most holy Sir.

Enter Governor, Quisana, and Panura.

Gov.

Bless ye my Royal Daughter, And in you, bless this Island Heaven.

Quisar.

Good Aunt, What think ye of this man?

Quisan.

Sure h' is a wise man, And a Religious, he tells us things have hapened So many years ago, almost forgotten, As readily as if they were done this hour.

Quisar.

Does he not meet with your sharp tongue?

Pan.

He tells me Madam, Marriage, and mouldy Cheese will make me tamer.

Gov.

A stubborn keeper, and worse fare, An open stable, and cold care, Will tame a Jade, may be your snare.

Pan.

Bir Lady, a sharp prophet, when this proves good, I'll bequeath you a skin to make ye a Hood.

Gov.

Lady, I would talk with you.

Quisar.

Do reverend Sir.

Gov.

And for your good, for that that must concern ye, And give ear wisely to me.

Quisar.

I shall father.

Gov.

You are a Princess of that excellence, ••••etness, and grace, that Angel-like fair feature, Nay, do not blush, I do not flatter you, Nor do I dote in telling this, I am amazed Lady, And as I think the gods bestow'd these on ye, The gods that love ye.

Quisar.

I confess their bounty.

Gov.

Apply it then to their use, to their honor, To them, and to their service give this sweetness; They have an instant great use of your goodness; You are a Saint esteem'd here for your beauty, And many a longing heart—

Quisar.

I seek no fealty, Nor will I blemish that, heaven has seal'd on me, I know my worth, indeed the Portugals I have at those commands, and their last services, Nay, even their lives, so much I think my handsomness, That what I shall enjoyn—

Gov.

Use it discreetly. For I perceive ye understand me rightly, For here the gods regard your help, and suddainly; The Portugals, like sharp thorns (mark me Lady) Stick in our sides, like Razors, wound Religion, Draw deep, they wound, till the Life-bloud follows, Our gods they spurn at, and their worships scorn, A mighty hand they bear upon our government, These are the men your miracle must work on, Your heavenly form, either to root them out, Which as you may endeavour, will be easie, Remember whose great cause you have to execute, To nip their memory, that may not spring more, Or fairly bring 'em home to our devotions, Which will be blessed, and for which you sainted, But cannot be, and they go; let me buzle.

Quisar.

Go up with me, Where we'll converse more privately; I'll shew ye shortly how I hold their temper; And in what chain thir souls.

Gov.

Keep fast that hold still, And either bring that chain, and those bound in it, And link it to our gods, and their fair worships. Or Daughter, pinch their hearts a pieces with it, I'll wait upon your grace.

Quisar.

Come reverend father. Wait you below.

Ex. Quisar. and Gov.

Pan.

If this Prophet were a young thing, I should suspect him now, he cleaves so close to her; These holy Coats are long, and hide iniquities.

Quisan.

Away, away fool, a poor wretch.

Pan.

These poor ones Warm but their stomachs once—

Quisan.

Come in, thou art foolish.

Ex. Quisania and Panura.

Enter Armusia, Emanuel, and Pyniero.

Arm.

I am sorry, Sir, my fortune is so stubborn, To court my sword against my Countreyman, I love my Nation well, and where I find A Portugal of noble Name and Virtue, I am his humble servant, Signior Pyniero, Your person, nor your Uncles am I angry with, You are both fair Gentlemen in my opinion, And I protest, I had rather use my sword In your defences, than against your safeties; 'Tis methinks a strange dearth of enemies, When we seek foes among our selves.

Em.

You are injured, And you must make the best on't now, and readiest—

Arm.

You see I am ready in the place, and arm'd To his desire that call'd me.

Py.

Ye speak honestly, And I could wish ye had met on terms more friendly, But it cannot now be so.

Enter Ruy Dias.

Em.

Turn Sir, and see.

Py.

I have kept my word with ye Uncle, The Gentleman is ready.

Enter Governor, and Quisara above.

Arm.

Ye are welcome.

Ru.

Bid those fools welcome, that affect your courtesie, I come not to use compliment, ye have wrong'd me, And ye shall feel, proud man, e'r I part from ye, The effects of that, if fortune do not fool me; Thy life is mine, and no hope shall redeem thee.

Arm.

That's a proud word. More than your saith can justifie.

Quisar.

Sure they will fight.

Ruy.

She's there, I am happy.

Gov.

Let 'em alone, let 'em kill one another, These are the main posts, if they fall, the buildings Will tumble quickly.

Quisar.

How temperate Armusia? No more, be quiet yet.

Arm.

I am not bloody, Nor do not feel such mortal malice in me, But since we cannot both enjoy the Princess, I am resolv'd to fight.

Ruy.

Fight home Armusia, For if thou faint'st, or fall'st—

Arm.

Do ye make all vantages?

Ruy;

Always; unto thy life I will not spare thee, Nor look not for thy mercy.

Arm.

I am arm'd then.

Ruy.

Stand still I charge ye Nephew, as ye honor me.

Arm.

And good Emanuel stir not—

Py.

Ye speak fitly, For we had not stood idle else.

Gov.

I am sorry sor't.

Em.

But since you will have it so —

Ruy.

Come Sir.

Arm.

I wait ye.

Py.

I marry, this looks handsomely, This is warm work.

Gov.

Both fall and't be thy Will.

Ruy. falls.

Py.

My Uncle dead?

Em.

Stand still, or my swords in —

Arm.

Now brave Ruy Dias, Now where's your confidence, your prayers? quickly Your own spite has condemn'd ye.

Quisar.

Hold Armusia.

Ar.

Most happy Lady.

Quisar.

Hold, and let him rise, Spare him for me.

Ar.

Along life may he enjoy, Lady.

Gov.

What ha you done? 'tis better they had all perisht.

Quisar.

Peace father, I work for the best; Armusia. Be in the Garden an hour hence.

Ex. Qu. and Gov.

Ar.

I shall Madam.

Py.

Now as I live, a Gentleman at all inches, So brave a mingled temper saw I never.

Ar.

Why are ye sad Sir? how would this have griev'd you, If ye had fall'n under a profest enemy? Under one had taken vantage of your shame too? Pray ye be at peace, I am so far from wronging ye, Or glorying in the pride of such a victory, That I desire to serve ye, pray look chearfully.

Py.

Do you hear this Sir? this love Sir? do you see this Gentleman How he courts ye? why do you hold your head down? 'Tis no high Treason, I take it, to be equall'd; To have a slip i' th field, no sin, that's mortal; Come, come, thank fortune and your friend.

Ar.

It may be You think my tongue may prove your enemy; And though restrain'd sometimes, out of a bravery, May take a License to disable ye: Believe me Sir, so much I hate that liberty, That in a strangers tongue, 'twill prove an injury, And I shall right you in't.

Py.

Can you have more, Uncle?

Ru.

Sir, you have beat me both ways, yet so nobly, That I shall ever love the hand that did it: Fortune may make me worthy of some title That may be near your friend.

Ar.

Sir, I must leave ye, But with so hearty love; and pray be confident, I carry nothing from this place shall wrong ye.

Exit Arm. and Em.

Py.

Come, come, you are right agen, Sir, love your honor, And love your friend, take heed of bloody purposes, And unjust ends, good heaven is angry with ye; Make your fair virtues, and your fame your Mistriss, And let these trinkets go.

Ru.

You teach well Nephew, Now to be honourably even with this Gentleman, Shall be my business, and my ends his.

Enter Governor and King.

Gov.

Sir, Sir, you must do something suddainly, To stop his pride so great and high, he is shot up, Upon his person too, your state is sunk else: You must not stand now upon terms of gratitude, And let a simple tenderness besot ye: I'll bring ye suddenly where you shall see him, Attempting your brave Sister, privately, Mark but his high behaviour then.

King.

I will Father.

Gov.

And with scorn, I fear contempt too.

King.

I hope not.

Gov.

I will not name a lust; It may be that also; A little force must be applyed upon him, Now, now applyed, a little force to humble him These sweet intreaties do but make him wanton.

King.

Take heed ye wrong him not.

Gov.

Take heed to your safety, I but forewarn ye King; if you mistrust me, Or think I come un-sent—

King.

No, I'll go with you.

Exeunt

Enter Armusia, Quisara.

Arm.

Madam, you see there's nothing I can reach at, Either in my obedience, or my service, That may deserve your love, or win a liking, But a poor thought, but I pursue it seriously, Take pleasure in your Will, even in your anger, Which other men would grudge at, and grow stormy; I study new humility to please ye, And take a kind of joy in my afflictions, Because they come from ye, I love my sorrows: Pray Madam but consider—

Quisar.

Yes, I do Sir, And to that honest end I drew ye hither; I know ye have deserv'd as much as man can, And know it is a justice to requite you: I know ye love.

Arm.

If ever love was mortal, And dwelt in man, and for that love command me, So strong I find it, and so true, here Lady, Something of such a greatness to allow me, Those things I have done already, may seem foyls too: 'Tis equity that man aspires to heaven, Should win it by his worth, and not sleep to it.

Enter Governor, and King.

Gov.

Now stand close King and hear, and as you find him, Believe me right, or let Religion suffer.

Quisar.

I dare believe your worth without additions; But since you are so liberal of your love Sir, And wou'd be farther tried, I do intend it, Because you shall not, or you wou'd not win me At such an easie rate.

Arm.

I am prepared still, And if I shrink—

Quisar.

I know ye are no coward, This is the utmost trial of your constancy, And if you stand fast now, I am yours, your wife Sir; You hold there's nothing dear that may atchieve me, Doubted or dangerous.

Arm.

There's nothing, nothing: Let me but know, that I may straight flie to it.

Quisar.

I'll tell you then, change your Religion. And be of one belief with me.

Arm.

How?

Quisar.

Mark, Worship our Gods, renounce that faith ye are bred in; 'Tis easily done, I'll teach ye suddenly; And humbly on your knees—

Arm.

Ha? I'll be hang'd first.

Quisar.

Offer as we do.

Arm.

To the devil Lady? Offer to him I hate? I know the devil. To dogs and cats? you make offer to them; To every bird that flies, and every worm. How terribly I shake? Is this the venture? The trial that you talk'd of? where have I been? And how forgot my self? how lost my memory? When did I pray, or look up stedfastly? Had any goodness in my heart to guide me? That I should give this vantage to mine enemy; The enemy to my peace, forsake my faith?

Quisar.

Come, come, I know ye love me.

Arm.

Love ye this way? This most destroying way? sure you but jest, Lady.

Quisar.

My Love and Life are one way.

Arm.

Love alone then, and mine another way, I'll love diseases first, Doat on a villain that would cut my throat, Wooe all afflictions of all sorts, kiss cruelty. Have mercy heaven, how have I been wand'ring? Wand'ring the way of Lust, and left my Maker? How have I slept like Cork upon a water, And had no feeling of the storm that tost me? Trode the blind paths of death? forsook assurance, Eternity of blessedness for a woman? For a young handsome face, hazard my Being?

Quisar.

Are not our powers eternal, so their comforts? As great and full of hopes as yours?

Arm.

They are puppets.

Gov.

Now mark him Sir, and but observe him nearly,

Ar.

Their comforts like themselves, cold, sensless outsides; You make 'em sick, as we are, peevish, mad, Subject to age; and how can they cure us, That are not able to refine themselves?

Quis.

The Sun and Moon we worship, those are heavenly, And their bright influences we believe.

Arm.

Away fool, I adore the Maker of that Sun and Moon, That gives those bodies light and influence; That pointed out their paths, and taught their motions; They are not so great as we, they are our servants, Plac'd there to teach us time, to give us knowledge; Of when and how the swellings, of the main are, And their returns agen; they are but our Stewards To make the earth fat, with their influence, That she may bring forth her increase, and feed us. ••••l I fall from this faith to please a woman? For her embraces bring my soul to ruin? I look'd you should have said, make me a Christian Work that great cure, for 'tis a great one woman; That labor truly to perform, that venture, The crown of all great trial, and the fairest: I look'd ye should have wept and kneel'd to beg it, Washt off your mist of ignorance, with waters Pure and repentant, from those eyes; I look'd You should have brought me your chief god ye worship, He that you offer humane bloud and life to, And make a sacrifice of him to memory, Beat down his Altars, ruin'd his false Temples.

Gov.

Now you may see.

Quisar.

Take heed, you goe too far, Sir, And yet I love to hear him, I must have ye, And to that end I let you storm a little; I know there must be some strife in your bosom To cool and quiet ye, e'r you can come back: I know old friends cannot part suddainly, There will be some lett still, yet I must have ye, Have ye of my faith too, and so enjoy ye.

Arm.

Now I contemn ye, and I hate my self For looking on that face lasciviously, And it looks ugly now me thinks.

Quisar.

How Portugal?

Arm.

It looks like death it self, to which 'twou'd lead me; Your eyes resemble pale dispair, they fright me, And in their rounds, a thousand horrid ruins, Methinks I see, and in your tongue hear fearfully The hideous murmurs of weak souls have suffer'd; Get from me, I despise ye; and know woman, That for all this trap you have laid to catch my life in, To catch my immortal life, I hate and curse ye, Contemn your Deities, spurn at their powers, And where I meet your Mahumet gods, I'll swing 'em Thus o'r my head, and kick 'em into puddles, Nay, I will out of vengeance search your Temples. And with those hearts that serve my God, demolish Your shambles of wild worships.

Gov.

Now, now you hear Sir.

Arm.

I will have my faith, since you are so crafty, The glorious cross, although I love your brother; Let him frown too, I will have my devotion, And let your whole State storm.

King.

Enter and take him; I am sorry friend that I am forc'd to do this.

Gov.

Be sure you bind him fast.

Quisar.

But use him nobly.

King.

Had it to me been done, I had forgiven it, And still preserv'd you fair, but to our gods Sir—

Quisar.

Methinks I hate 'em now.

King.

To our Religion, To these to be thus stubborn, thus rebellious To threaten them.

Arm.

Use all your violence, I ask no mercy, nor repent my words: I spit at your best powers; I serve one, Will give me strength to scourge your gods.

Gov.

Away with him.

Arm.

To grind 'em into base dust, and disperse 'em, That never more their bloudy memories—

Gov.

Clap him close up.

King.

Good friend be cooler.

Arm.

Never; Your painted Sister I despise too.

King.

Softly.

Arm.

And all her devilish Arts laugh and scorn at, Mock her blind purposes.

King.

You must be temperate; Offer him no violence, I command you strictly.

Gov.

Now thou art up, I shall have time to speak too.

Quisar.

Oh how I love this man, how truly honor him.

Exeunt.