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.

Actus Primus.

Scena Prima.

Enter King Frederick, Sorano, Valerio, Camillo, Cleanthes, Menallo, and Attendants.

Sor.

WILL your Grace speak?

Fre.

Let me alone, Sorano, Although my thoughts seem sad, they are welcome to me.

Sor.

You know I am private as your secret wishes, Ready to fling my soul upon your service, E're your command be on't.

Fre.

Bid those depart.

Sor.

You must retire my Lords.

Cam.

What new design is hammering in his head now?

Cle.

Let's pray heartily None of our heads meet with it, my Wife's old, That's all my comfort.

Men.

Mine's ugly, that I am sure on, And I think honest too, 'twould make me start else.

Cam.

Mine's troubled in the Country with a Feaver, And some few infirmities else; he looks again, Come let's retire, certain 'tis some she-business, This new Lord is imployed.

Val.

I'le not be far off, because I doubt the cause.

Ex.

Fre.

Are they all gone?

Sor.

All but your faithful Servant.

Fre.

I would tell thee,

But 'tis a thing thou canst not like.

Sor.

Pray ye speak it, is it my head? I have it ready for ye, Sir: Is't any action in my power? my wit? I care not of what nature, nor what follows.

Fre.

I am in love.

Sor.

That's the least thing of a thousand, The easiest to atchieve.

Fre.

But with whom, Sorano?

Sor.

With whom you please, you must not be deny'd, Sir.

Fred.

Say it be with one of thy Kinswomen.

Sor.

Say withal, I shall more love your Grace, I shall more honour ye, And would I had enough to serve your pleasure.

Fred.

Why 'tis thy Sister then, the fair Evanthe, I'le be plain with thee.

Sor.

I'le be as plain with you, Sir, She brought not her perfections to the world, To lock them in a case, or hang 'em by her, The use is all she breeds 'em for, she is yours, Sir.

Fred.

Dost thou mean seriously?

Sor.

I mean my Sister, And if I had a dozen more, they were all yours: Some Aunts I have, they have been handsome Women, My Mother's dead indeed, and some few Cousins That are now shooting up, we shall see shortly.

Fred.

No, 'tis Evanthe.

Sor.

I have sent my man unto her, Upon some business to come presently Hither, she shall come; your Grace dare speak unto her? Large golden promises, and sweet language, Sir, You know what they work, she is a compleat Courtier, Besides I'le set in.

Fred.

She waits upon my Queen, What jealousie and anger may arise, Incensing her?

Sor.

You have a good sweet Lady, A Woman of so even and still a temper, She knows not anger; say she were a fury, I had thought you had been absolute, the great King, The fountain of all honours, plays and pleasures, Your will and your commands unbounded also; Go get a pair of Beads and learn to pray, Sir.

Enter Servant.

Ser.

My Lord, your servant stayes.

Sor.

Bid him come hither, and bring the Lady with him.

Fred.

I will woo her, And either lose my self, or win her favour.

Sor.

She is coming in.

Fred.

Thy eyes shoot through the door, They are so piercing, that the beams they dart Give new light to the room.

Enter Podramo and Evanthe.

Evan.

Whither dost thou go? This is the Kings side, and his private lodgings, What business have I here?

Pod.

My Lord sent for ye.

Evan.

His lodgings are below, you are mistaken, We left them at the stair-foot.

Pod.

Good sweet Madam,

Evan.

I am no Counsellor, nor important Sutor, No have no private business through these Chambers, To feel him this way, o' my life thou art drunk, Or worse than drunk, hir'd to convey me hither To some base end; now I look on thee better, Thou hast a bawdy face, and I abhor thee, A beastly bawdy face, I'le go no further.

Sor.

Nay shrink not back, indeed you shall good Sister, Why do you blush? the good King will not hurt ye, He honours ye, and loves ye.

Evan.

Is this the business?

Sor.

Yes, and the best you ever will arrive at if you be wise.

Evan.

My Father was no bawd, Sir, Nor of that worshipful stock as I remember.

Sor.

Your are a Fool.

Evan.

You are that I shame to tell ye.

Fred.

Gentle Evanthe.

Evan.

The gracious Queen, Sir, Is well and merry, Heaven be thanked for it, And as I think she waits you in the Garden.

Fre.

Let her wait there, I talk not of her Garden, I talk of thee sweet Flower.

Evan.

Your Grace is pleasant, To mistake a Nettle for a Rose.

Fre.

No Rose, nor Lilly, nor noglorious Hyacinth Are of that sweetness, whiteness, tenderness, Softness, and satisfying blessedness As my Evanthe.

Evan.

Your Grace speaks very feelingly, I would not be a handsome wench in your way, Sir, For a new Gown.

Fred.

Thou art all handsomness, Nature will be asham'd to frame another Now thou art made, thou hast rob'd her of her cunning: Each several part about thee is a beauty.

Sor.

Do you hear this Sister?

Evan.

Yes, unworthy Brother, but all this will not do.

Fred.

But love Evanthe. Thou shalt have more than words, wealth, ease, and honours, My tender Wench.

Evan.

Be tender of my credit, And I shall love you, Sir, and I shall honour ye.

Fred.

I love thee to enjoy thee, my Evanthe, To give thee the content of love.

Evan.

Hold, hold, Sir, ye are too fleet, I have some business this way, your Grace can ne'r content.

Sor.

You stubborn toy.

Evan.

Good my Lord Bawd I thank ye.

Fre.

Thou shalt not go believe me, sweet Evanthe, So high I will advance thee for this favour, So rich and potent I will raise thy fortune, And thy friends mighty.

Evan.

Good your Grace be patient, I shall make the worst honourable wench that ever was, Shame your discretion, and your choice.

Fred.

Thou shalt not.

Evan.

Shall I be rich do you say, and glorious, And shine above the rest, and scorn all beauties, And mighty in command?

Fred.

Thou shalt be any thing.

Eva.

Let me be honest too, and then I'le thank ye. Have you not such a title to bestow too? If I prove otherwise, I would know but this, Sir; Can all the power you have or all the riches, But tye mens tongues up from discoursing of me, Their eyes from gazing at my glorious folly, Time that shall come, from wondering at my impudence, And they that read my wanton life from curses? Can you do this? have ye this Magick in ye? This is not in your power, though you be a Prince, Sir, No more than evil is in holy Angels, Nor I, I hope: get wantonness confirm'd By Act of Parliament an honesty, And so receiv'd by all, I'le hearken to ye. Heaven guide your Grace.

Fred.

Evanthe, stay a little, I'le no more wantonness, I'le marry thee.

Evan.

What shall the Queen do?

Fred.

I'le be divorced from her.

Eva.

Can you tell why? what has she done against ye? Has she contrived a Treason 'gainst your Person? Abus'd your bed? does disobedience urge ye?

Fred.

That's all one, 'tis my will.

Evan.

'Tis a most wicked one, A most absurd one, and will show a Monster; I had rather be a Whore, and with less sin, To your present lust, than Queen to your injustice.

Yours is no love, Faith and Religion sly it, Nor has no taste of fair affection in it, Some Hellish flame abuses your fair body, And Hellish furies blow it; look behind ye, Divorce ye from a Woman of her beauty, Of her integrity, her piety? Her love to you, to all that honours ye, Her chaste and vertuous love, are these fit causes? What will you do to me, when I have cloy'd ye? You may find time out in eternity, Deceit and violence in heavenly Justice, Life in the grave, and death among the blessed, Ere stain or brack in her sweet reputation.

Sor.

You have fool'd enough, be wise now, and a woman, You have shew'd a modesty sufficient, If not too much for Court.

Evan.

You have shew'd an impudence, A more experienc'd bawd would blush and shake at; You will make my kindred mighty.

Fred.

Prethee hear me.

Evan.

I do Sir, and I count it a great offer.

Fred.

Any of thine.

Evan.

'Tis like enough you may clap honour on them, But how 'twill sit, and how men will adore it, Is still the question. I'le tell you what they'l say, Sir, What the report will be, and 'twill be true too, And it must needs be comfort to your Master, These are the issues of her impudence: I'le tell your Grace, so dear I hold the Queen, So dear that honour that she hurs'd me up in, I would first take to me, for my lust, a Moor, One of your Gally-slaves, that cold and hunger, Decrepit misery, had made a mock-man, Than be your Queen.

Fred.

You are bravely resolute.

Evan.

I had rather be a Lep••r, and be shun'd, And dye by pieces, rot into my grave, Leaving no memory behind to know me, Than be a high Whore to eternity.

Fre.

You have another Gamester I perceive by ye, You durst not slight me else.

Sor.

I'le find him out, Though he lye next thy heart hid, I'le discover him, And ye proud peat, I'le make you curse your insolence.

Val.

Tongue of an Angel, and the truth of Heaven, How am I blest!

Exit Val.

Sor.

Podramo go in hast To my Sisters Gentlewoman, you know her well, And bid her send her Mistris presently The lesser Cabinet she keeps her Letters in, And such like toyes, and bring it to me instantly. Away.

Pod.

I am gone.

Exit.

Enter the Queen with two Ladies.

Sor.

The Queen.

Fred.

Let's quit the place, she may grow jealous.

Ex. Fred. Sorano.

Queen.

So suddenly departed! what's the reason? Does my approach displease his Grace? are my eyes So hateful to him? or my conversation Infected, that he flies me? Fair Evanthe, Are you there? then I see his shame.

Evan.

'Tis true, Madam, 'Thas pleas'd his goodness to be pleasant with me.

Que.

'Tis strange to find thy modesty in this place, Does the King offer fair? does thy face take him? Ne'r blush Evanthe, 'tis a very sweet one, Does he rain gold, and precious promises Into thy lap? will he advance thy fortunes? Shalt thou be mighty, Wench?

Evan.

Never mock, Madam; 'Tis rather on your part to be lamented, At least reveng'd, I can be mighty Lady, And glorious too, glorious and great, as your are.

Que.

He will Marry thee?

Evan.

Who would not be a Queen, Madam?

Que.

'Tis true Evanthe, 'tis a brave ambition, A golden dream, that may delude a good mind, What shall become of me?

Evan.

You must learn to pray, Your age and honour will become a Nunnery.

Que.

Wilt thou remember me?

Weeps.

Evan.

She weeps. Sweet Lady Upon my knees I ask your sacred pardon, For my rude boldness: and know, my sweet Mistris, If e're there were ambition in Evanthe, It was and is to do you faithful duties; 'Tis true I have been tempted by the King, And with no few and potent charms, to wrong ye, To violate the chaste joyes of your bed; And those not taking hold, to usurp your state; But she that has been bred up under ye, And daily fed upon your vertuous precepts, Still growing strong by example of your goodness, Having no errant motion from obedience, Flyes from these vanities, as meer illusions; And arm'd with honesty, defies all promises. In token of this truth, I lay my life down Under your sacred foot, to do you service.

Que.

Rise my true friend, thou vertuous bud of beauty, Thou Virgins honour, sweetly blow and flourish, And that rude nipping wind, that seeks to blast thee, Or taint thy root, be curst to all posterity; To my protection from this hour I take ye, Yes, and the King shall know—

Evan.

Give his heat way, Madam, And 'twill go out again, he may forget all.

Exeunt.

Enter Camillo, Cleanthes, and Menallo.

Cam.

What have we to do with the times? we cannot cure 'em Let 'em go on, when they are swoln with Surfeits They'l burst and stink, then all the world shall smell 'em.

Cle.

A man may live a bawd, and be an honest man.

Men.

Yes, and a wise man too, 'tis a vertuous calling.

Cam.

To his own Wife especially, or to his Sister, The nearer to his own bloud, still the honester; There want such honest men, would we had more of 'em.

Men.

To be a villain is no such rude matter.

Cam.

No, if he be a neat one, and a perfect, Art makes all excellent: what is it, Gentlemen, In a good cause to kill a dozen Coxcombs, That blunt rude fellows call good Patriots? Nothing, nor ne'r look'd after.

Men.

'Tis e'en as much, as easie too, as honest, and as clear, To ravish Matrons, and deflower coy Wenches, But here they are so willing, 'tis a complement.

Cle.

To pull down Churches with pretension To build 'em fairer, may be done with honour, And all this time believe no gods.

Cam.

I think so, 'tis faith enough if they name 'em in their angers, Or on their rotten Tombs ingrave an Angel; Well, brave Alphonso, how happy had we been, If thou had'st raign'd!

Men.

Would I had his Disease, Tyed, like a Leprosie to my posterity, So he were right again.

Cle.

What is his Malady?

Cam.

Nothing but sad and silent melancholy, Laden with griefs and thoughts, no man knows why neither; The good Brandino Father to the Princess, Used all the art and industry that might be, To free Alphonso from this dull calamity, And seat him in his rule, he was his eldest And noblest too, had not fair nature stopt in him, For which cause this was chosen to inherit, Frederick the younger.

Cle.

Does he use his Brother With that respect and honour that befits him?

Cam.

He is kept privately, as they pretend, To give more ease and comfort to his sickness; But he has honest servants, the grave Rugio, And Fryar Marco, that wait upon his Person. And in a Monastery he lives.

Men.

'Tis full of sadness, To see him when he comes to his Fathers Tomb, As once a day that is his Pilgrimage, Whilst in D••votion, the Quire sings an Anthem: How piously he kneels, and like a Virgin That some cross Fate had cozen'd of her Love, Weeps till the stubborn Marble sweats with pity, And to his groans the whole Quire bears a Chorus.

Enter Frederick, Sorano, with the Cabinet, and Podramo.

Cam.

So do I too. The King with his Contrivers, This is no place for us.

Exeunt Lords.

Fred.

This is a jewel, Lay it aside, what paper's that?

Pod.

A Letter, But 'tis a womans, Sir, I know by the hand, And the false Orthography, they write old Saxon.

Fred.

May be her ghostly Mother's that instructs her.

Sor.

No, 'tis a Cousins, and came up with a great Cake.

Fred.

What's that?

Sor.

A pair of Gloves the Dutchess gave her, For so the outside says

Fred.

That other paper?

Sor.

A Charm for the tooth-ach, here's nothing but Saints and Crosses.

Fre.

Look in that Box, methinks that should hold secrets.

Pod.

'Tis Paint, and curls of Hair, she begins to exercise. A glass of Water too, I would fain taste it, But I am wickedly afraid 'twill silence me, Never a Conduit-Pipe to convey this wat••r.

Sor.

These are all Rings Deaths heads, and such Memento's Her Grandmother, and worm-eaten Aunts left to her, To tell her what her Beauty must arrive at.

Fred.

That, that.

Pod.

They are written songs, Sir, to provoke young Ladies; Lord, here's a Prayer Book, how these-agree! Here's a strange union.

Sor.

Ever by a surfeit you have a julep set to cool the Patient.

Fred.

Those, those.

Sor.

They are Verses to the blest Evanthe.

Fred.

Those may discover, Read them out, Sorano,

To the blest Evanthe.

Let those complain that feel Loves cruelty, And in sad legends write their woes, With Roses gently has corected me, My War is without rage or blows: My Mistriss eyes shine fair on my desires, And hope springs up enflam'd with her new fires. No more an Exile will I dwell, With folded arms, and sighs all day, Reckoning the torments of my Hell, And stinging my sweet joys away: I am cal'd home again to quiet peace, My Mistriss smiles, and all my sorrows cease. Yet what is living in her Eye? Or being blest with her sweet tongue, If these no other joys imply? A golden Give, a pleasing wrong: To be your own but one poor Month, I'd give My Youth, my Fortune, and then leave to live.

This is my Rival, that I knew the hand now.

Sor.

I know it, I have seen it, 'tis Valerio's That hopeful Gentlemans, that was brought up with ye, And by your charge, nourish'd and fed At the same Table, with the same allowance.

Fred.

And all this courtesie to ruine me? Cross my desires? 'had better have fed humblier, And stood at greater distance from my fury: Go for him quickly, find him instantly, Whilst my impatient heart swells high with choler; Better have lov'd despair, and safer kiss'd her.

Ex. Lords.

Enter Evanthe, and Cassandra.

Evan.

Thou old weak fool, dost thou know to what end, To what betraying end he got this Casket? Durst thou deliver him without my Ring, Or a Command from mine own mouth, that Cabinet That holds my heart? you unconsiderate Ass, You brainless Ideot.

Cas.

I saw you go with him, At the first word commit your Person to him, And make no scruple, he is your Brothers Gentleman, And for any thing I know, an honest man; And might not I upon the same security deliver him a Box?

Evan.

A Bottle-head.

Fred.

You shall have cause to chafe, as I will handle it.

Evan.

I had rather thou hadst delivered me to Pirats, Betray'd me to uncurable diseases, Hung up my Picture in a Market-place, And sold me to wild Bawds.

Cas.

As I take it, Madam, Your maiden-head lies not in that Cabinet, You have a Closer, and you keep the Key too, Why are you vex'd thus?

Evan.

I could curse thee wickedly, And wish thee more deformed than Age can make thee, Perpetual hunger, and no teeth to satisfie it, Wait on thee still, nor sleep be found to ease it; Those hands that gave the Casket, may the Palsie For ever make unuseful, even to feed thee: Long winters, that thy Bones may turn to Isicles, No Hell can thaw again, inhabit by thee. Is thy Care like thy Body, all one crookedness? How scurvily thou cryest now? like a Drunkard, I'll have as pure tears from a dirty spout; Do, swear thou didst this ignorantly, swear it, Swear and be damn'd, thou half Witch.

Cas.

These are fine words, well Madam, Madam.

Evan.

'Tis not well, thou mummy, 'Tis impudently, basely done, thou durty—

Fred.

Has your young sanctity done railing, Madam, Against your innocent 'Squire? do you see this Sonnet, This loving Script? do you know from whence it came too?

Evan.

I do, and dare avouch it pure, and honest.

Fred.

You have private Visitants, my noble Lady, That in sweet numbers court your goodly Vertues, And to the height of adoration.

Evan.

Well, Sir, There's neither Heresie nor Treason in it.

Fred.

A Prince may beg at the door, whilst these feast with ye; A favour or a grace, from such as I am,

Enter Valerio, and Podramo.

Course common things. You are welcome; Pray come neat Sir, Do you know this paper?

Val.

I am betray'd; I do, Sir, 'Tis mine, my hand and heart, if I dye for her, I am thy Martyr, Love, and time shall honour me.

Cas.

You sawcy Sir, that came in my Ladies name, For her gilt Cabinet, you cheating Sir too, You scurvy Usher, with as scurvy legs, And a worse face, thou poor base hanging holder, How durst thou come to me with a lye in thy mouth? An impudent lye?

Pod.

Hollow, good Gill, you hobble.

Cas.

A stinking lye, more stinking than the teller, To play the pilfering Knave? there have been Rascals Brought up to fetch and carry, like your Worship, That have been hang'd for less, whipt they are daily, And if the Law will do me right—

Pod.

What then old Maggot?

Cas.

Thy Mother was carted younger; I'll have thy hide, Thy mangy hide, embroider'd with a dog-whip, As it is now with potent Pox, and thicker.

Fred.

Peace good Antiquity, I'll have your Bones else Ground into Gunpowder to shoot at Cats with; One word more, and I'll blanch thee like an almond, There's no such cure for the she-falling sickness As the powder of a dryed Bawds Skin, be silent. You are very prodigal of your service here, Sir, Of your life more it seems.

Val.

I repent neither, Because your Grace shall understand it comes From the best part of Love, my pure affection, And kindled with chaste flame, I will not flye from it, If it be errour to desire to marry, And marry her that sanctity would dote on, I have done amiss, if it be a Treason To graft my soul to Vertue, and to grow there, To love the tree that bears such happiness; Conceive me, Sir, this fruit was ne'r forbidden; Nay, to desire to taste too, I am Traytor; Had you but plants enough of this blest Tree, Sir, Set round about your Court, to beautifie it, Deaths twice so many, to dismay the approachers, The ground would scarce yield Graves to noble Lovers.

Fred.

'Tis well maintain'd, you wish and pray to fortune, Here in your Sonnet, and she has heard your prayers, So much you dote upon your own undoing, But one Month to enjoy her as your Wife, Though at the expiring of that time you dye for't.

Val.

I could wish many, many Ages, Sir, To grow as old as Time in her embraces, If Heaven would grant it, and you smile upon it; But if my choice were two hours, and then perish, I would not pull my heart back.

Fred.

You have your wish, Tomorrow I will see you nobly married, Your Month take out in all content and pleasure; The first day of the following Month you dye for't; Kneel not, not all your Prayers can divert me; Now mark your sentence, mark it, scornful Lady, If when Valerio's dead, within twelve hours, For that's your latest time, you find not out Another Husband on the same condition To marry you again, you dye your self too.

Evan.

Now you are merciful, I thank your Grace.

Fred.

If when you are married, you but seek to 'scape Out of the Kingdom, you, or she, or both, Or to infect mens minds with hot commotions, You dye both instantly; will you love me now, Lady? My tale will now be heard, but now I scorn ye.

Exit.

Manent Valerio, and Evanthe.

Evan.

Is our fair love, our honest, our entire, Come to this hazard?

Val.

'Tis a noble one, and I am much in love with malice for it, Envy could not have studied me a way, Nor fortune pointed out a path to Honour, Straighter and nobler, if she had her eyes; When I have once enjoy'd my sweet Evanthe, And blest my Youth with her most dear embraces, I have done my journey here, my day is out, All that the World has else is foolery, Labour, and loss of time; what should I live for? Think but mans life a Month, and we are happy. I would not have my joys grow old for any thing; A Paradise, as thou art, my Evanthe, Is only made to wonder at a little; Enough for human eyes, and then to wander from. Come, do not weep, sweet, you dishonour me, Your tears and griefs but question my ability, Whether I dare dye; Do you love Entirely?

Evan.

You know I do.

Val.

Then grudge not my felicity.

Evan.

I'll to the Queen.

Val.

Do any thing that's honest, But if you sue to him, in Death I hate you.

Exeunt.