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 Quintus.

Scena Prima.

Enter Seberto, Curio.

Seb.

NOw, o' my conscience, we have lost him utterly, He's not gone home: we heard from thence this morning, And since our parting last at Roderigo's You know what ground we have travel'd.

Cur.

He's asleep sure? For if he had been awake, we should have met with him: 'Faith let's turn back, we have but a fruitless journey; And to hope further of Alindas recovery, (For sure she'l rather perish than return) Is but to seek a Moth i'th' Sun.

Seb.

We'l on sure; Something we'l know, some cause of all this fooling, Make some discovery.

Cur.

Which way shall we cast then, For all the Champion Country, and the villages, And all those sides?

Seb.

We'l cross these woods awhile then: Here if we fail, we'l gallop to Segovia. And if we light of no news there, hear nothing; We'l even turn fairly home, and coast the other side.

Cur.

He may be sick, or faln into some danger; He has no guide, nor no man to attend him.

Seb.

He's well enough, he has a travel'd body, And though he be old, he's tough, and will endure well; But he is so violent to finde her out, That his anger leads him a thousand wild-goose chases: I'le warrant he is well.

Cur.

Shall we part company?

Seb.

By no means, no: that were a sullen bus ness: No pleasure in our journey: come, let's cross here first, And where we find the paths, let them direct us.

Exeu••t.

SCENE II.

Enter Juletta, Alinda.

Jul.

Why are you still so fearfull of m••, Lady? So doubtfull of my faith, and honest service? To hide your self from me, to fly my company? Am I not yours? all yours? by this light you shake still; Do ye suspect me false? did I ever fail ye? Do you think I am corrupted? base? and treacherous? Lord, how ye look! Is not my life ty'd to ye? And all the power I have to serve, and honour ye? Still do ye doubt? still am I terrible? I will not trouble ye: good Heaven preserve ye, And send ye what ye wish: I will not see ye, Nor once remember I had such a Mistris. I will not speak of ye, nor name Alinda, For fear you should suspect I would betray ye: Goodness and peace conduct ye.

Alin.

Prethee pardon me, I know thou art truly faithfull: and thou art welcom, A welcom partner to my miseries; Thou knowst I love thee too.

Jul.

I have thought so, Lady.

Alin.

Alas, my fears have so distracted me I durst not trust my self.

Jul.

Come, pray ye think better, And cast those by: at least consider, Lady, How to prevent 'em: pray ye put off this fools coat; Though it have kept ye secret for a season, 'Tis known now, and will betray ye; your arch enemy Roderigo is abroad: many are looking for ye.

Alin.

I know it: and those many I have cozen'd.

Jul.

You cannot still do thus.

Alin.

I have no means to shift it.

Jul.

I have: and shift you too. I lay last night At a poor widows house here in the Thicket, Whither I will conduct ye, and new shape ye, My self too to attend ye.

Alin.

What means hast thou? For mine are gone.

Jul.

Fear not, enough to serve ye; I came not out so empty.

A in.

Prethee tell me, (For thou hast struck a kind of comfort through me.) When saw'st thou Roderigo?

Jul.

Even this morning,

And in these woods: take heed, h'as got a new shape.

Alin.

The habit of a Pilgrim? yes, I know it, And I hope shall prevent it; was he alone?

Jul.

No Madam, and which made me wonder mightily, He was in company with that handsom Pilgrim, That sad sweet man.

Alin.

That I forgot to give to?

Jul.

The same, the very same, that you so pitied, A man as fit to suit his villanies.

Alin.

And did they walk together?

Jul.

Wondrous civilly.

Alin.

Talk, and discourse?

Jul.

I think so, for I saw 'em Make many stands, and then embrace each other,

Alin.

The Pilgrim is betrai'd, a Judas dwells with him, A Sinon, that will seem a Saint to choak him. Canst thou but shew me this?

Jul.

Lord how she trembles! Not thus, for all the world, ye are undone then; But let's retire, and alter, then we'l walk free; And then I'le shew ye any thing.

Alin.

Come, good wench, And speedily: for I have strange faiths working, As strange fears too, I'le tell thee all my life then.

Jul.

Come quick, I'le conduct ye, and still serve ye, And do not fear; hang fear, it spoils all projects. This way; I'le be your guide.

Exeunt.

SCENE III.

Enter Governour, Verdugo, Citizens.

Gov.

Use all your sports, All your solemnities, 'tis the Kings day to morrow, His birth-day, and his marriage, a glad day, A day we ought to honour, all.

1 Citi.

We will Sir, And make Segovia ring with our rejoycings.

Gov.

Be sumptuous, but not riotous; be bounteous, But not in drunken Bacchanals: free to all strangers, Easie, and sweet in all your entertainments, For 'tis a Royal day admits no rudeness.

2 Citi.

Your Lordship will do us the honour to be here your self, And grace the day?

Gov.

'Tis a main part of my service.

3 Citi.

I hope your honour has taken into your consideration The miseries we have suffered by these Out-laws, The losses, hourly fears; the rude abuses Strangers that travel to us are daily loaden with, Our Daughters, and our wives complaints.

Gov.

I am sorry for't, And have Commission from the King to ease it: You shall not be long vext.

1 Cit.

Had we not walls, Sir, And those continually man'd too with our watches, We should not have a bit of meat to feed us. And yet they are our friends, and we must think so, And entertain 'em so sometimes, and feast 'em, And send 'em loaden home too, we are lost else.

2 Cit.

They'l come to Church amongst us, as we hope Christians, When all their zeal is but to steal the Chalices; At this good time now, if your Lordship were not here, To awe their violence with your authority, They would play such gombals.

Gov.

Are they grown so heady?

2 Cit.

They would drink up all our Wine, piss out our Bonfires; Then, like the drunken Centaures, have at the fairest, Nay, have at all: four-score and ten's a Goddess, Whilst we, like fools, stand shaking in our cellars.

Gov.

Are they so fierce upon so little sufferance? I'le give 'em such a purge, and suddenly. Verdugo, after this solemnity is over, Call on me for a charge of men, of good men, To see what house these knaves keep: of good Souldiers, As sturdy as themselves: that dare dispute with 'em, Dare walk the woods as well as they, as fearless, But with a better faith be labour 'em; I'le know what claim they have to their possession. 'Tis pity of their Captain Roderigo, A well-bred Gentleman, and a good Souldier, And one his Majesty has some little reason To thank, for sundry services, and fair ones; That long neglect bred this, I am sorry for him.

Ver.

The hope of his estate keeps back his pardon, There's divers wasps, that buz about that hony-box, And long to lick themselves full.

Gov.

True Verdugo, Would he had but the patience to discern it, And policy to wipe their lips.

Verd.

To fetch him in Sir, By violence, he being now no infant, Will ask some bloody crowns. I know his people Are of his own choice men, that will not totter, Nor blench much at a Bullet; I know his order, And though he have no multitude, h'as manhood; The elder-twin to that too, staid experience. But if he must be forced, Sir,—

Gov.

There's no remedy, Unless he come himself.

Ver.

That will be doubtfull. Did you never hear yet of the noble Pedro?

Gov.

I cannot by no means: I think he's dead sure; The court bewails much his untimely loss: The King himself laments him.

Verd.

He was sunk; And if he be dead, he died happily, He buried all he had in the Kings service, And lost himself.

Gov.

Well: if he be alive, Captain, (As hope still speaks the best) I know the Kings mind So inwardly and full, he will be happy. Come, to this preparation; when that's done, The Out-laws expedition is begun.

Cit.

We'l contribute all to that, and help our selves too.

Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

Enter Roderigo, Pedro.

Rod.

How sweet these solitary places are! how wantonly The wind blows through the leaves, and courts, and playes with 'em. Will ye sit down, and sleep? the heat invites ye. Hark how yond purling stream dances, and murmurs, The Birds sing softly too: pray take some rest, Sir. I would fain wooe his fancie to a peace, It labours high and hastily upon him; Pray ye sit, and I'le sit by.

Ped.

I cannot sleep friend, I have those watches here admit no slumbers, Saw ye none yet?

Rod.

No creature.

Ped.

What strange Musick Was that we heard afar off?

Rod.

I cannot guess; 'Twas loud, and shrill: sometimes it shew'd hard by us, And by and by the sound fled as the wind does; Here's no inhabitants.

Ped.

It much delighted me.

Rod.

They talk of Fairies, and such demi-devils, This is a fine place to dance their gambols.—

Ped.

Me thought I heard a voyce.

Musick and Birds.

Rod.

They can sing admirably, They never lose their maiden-heads: I would fool any way To make him merry now: methink yond rocks yonder Shew like inchanted Cells, where they inhabit.

Musick afar off. Pot Birds.

Ped.

'Tis here again, hark gentle Roderigo, Hark, hark: O sweet, sweet, how the Birds record too! Mark how it flies now every way. O love,

In such a harmony art thou begotten, In such soft air, so gentle, lull'd and nourish'd, O my best Mistris!

Rod.

How he weeps! dear Heaven Give him his hearts content, and me forgive too. I must melt too.

Ped.

The Birds sing louder, sweeter, And every note they emulate one another. Lie still and hear: These when they have done their labours,

Enter Alinda, and Juletta, like old Women.

Their pretty airs, fall to their rests, enjoy 'em. Nothing rocks Love asleep, but death.

Rod.

Who are these?

Ped.

What.

Rod.

Those there, those, those things that come upon us, Those grandam things, those strange antiquities. Did not I say these woods begot strange wonders?

Jul.

Now ye may view 'em.

Alin.

Ha?

Jul.

The men ye long'd for, Here they are both: now ye may boldly talk with 'em, And never be ghess'd at: be not afraid, nor faint not; They wonder at us; let's maintain that wonder; Shake not, but what ye purpose do discreetly, And from your tongue I'le take my part.

Alin.

Ha?

Jul.

There: before ye, there, do not turn coward Mistress, If ye do love, carry your Love out handsomely.

Alin.

'Tis he and Roderigo; what a peace Dwells in their faces, what a friendly calm Crowns both their souls?

Rod.

They show as if they were mortal, They come upon us still.

Ped.

Be not afraid, Man, Let 'em be what they will, they cannot hurt us,

Rod.

That thing i'th' Button'd-cap looks terribly. She has Guns in her eyes, the Devils Ingeneer.

Ped.

Come, stand, and let's go meet 'em.

Rod.

Go you first. I have less faith: when I have said my Prayers—

Ped.

There needs no fear, hale reverend dames.

Alin.

Good even. What do ye seek?

Ped.

We would seek happier fortunes.

Rod.

That little devil has main need of a Barber, What a trim beard she has?

Alin.

Seek 'em, and make 'em, Lie not still, nor longer here, Here inhabits nought but fear, Be constant good, in faith be clear, Fortune will wait ye every where.

Ped.

Whither should we go? for we believe thy reverence, And next obey.

Alin.

Go to Segovia, And there before the Altar pay thy vowes, Thy gifts, and prayers: unload thy heaviness, To morrow shed thy tears, and gain thy suit, Such honest noble showrs, ne're wanted fruit.

Jul.

Stand you out too.

Rod.

I shall be hang'd, or whipt now: These know, and these have power.

Jul.

See how he shakes. A secure conscience never quakes, Thou hast been ill; be so no more, A good retreat is a great store. Thou hast commanded men of might, Command thy self, and then thou art right.

Alin.

Command thy will: thy soul desires. Put out and quench thy unhallowed fires: Command thy mind, and make that pure; Thou art wise then, valiant, and secure. A blessing then thou maist beget.

Jul.

A curse else that shall never set Will light upon thee: Say thy Prayers, Thou hast as many sins, as hairs. Thou art a Captain, let thy men Be honest, and good thoughts, and then Thou maist command, and lead in chief, Yet thou art bloody, and a thief.

Rod.

What shall I do? I do confess.

Alin.

Retire, And purge thee perfect in his fire: His life observe; live in his School, And then thou shalt put off the fool.

Jul.

Pray at Segovia too, and give Thy Offrings up, repent, and live.

Musick within.

Alin.

Away, away: enquire no more, Do this, ye are rich, else fools, and poor; What musick's this?

Jul.

Retire? 'tis some neat Joy, In honour of the Kings great day: they wonder, This comes in right to confirm their reverence. Away, away, let them admire, it makes For our advantage: how the Captain shakes!

Exit.

Ped.

This was the Musick.

Rod.

Yes, yes, how I sweat! I was never so deserted; sure these woods Are only inhabited with rare dreams, and wonders; I would not be a knave again, a villain: O how I loath it now: for these know all Sir, And they would find me out.

Ped.

They are excellent women, Deep in their knowledge, friend.

Rod.

I would not be traytor, And have these of my Jury; how light I am, And how my heart laughs now me thinks within me? Now I am Catechiz'd, I would ever dwell here, For here is a kind of Court of Reformation; Had I been stubborn friend.

Ped.

They would have found it.

Rod.

And then they would have handled me a new way, The Devils dump had been danced then.

Ped.

Let's away And do their great commands, and do 'em handsomely: Contrite, and true, for I believe Roderigo, And constantly believe, we shall be happy.

Rod.

So you do well; fall edge or flat o' my side; All I can stagger at is the Kings anger, W••ich if it come, I am prepar'd to meet it.

Ped.

The King has mercy, friend, as well as Justice: And when you fall: no more —

Rod.

I hope the fairest.

Exeunt.

SCENE V.

Enter Master, Seberto, Curio.

Cur.

We have told ye what he is: what time we have sought him: His nature, and his name: the seeming Boy too Ye had here, how, and what by your own relation, All circumstances we have clear'd: That the Duke sent him We told ye how impossible; he knows him not; That he is mad himself, and therefore fit To be your Prisoner, we dare swear against it.

Seb.

Take heed Sir, be not madder than you would make him; Though he be rash, and suddain (which is all his wildness) Take heed ye wrong him not: he is a Gentleman, And so must be restor'd and clear'd in all points; The King shall be a Judge else.

Cur.

'Twas some trick That brought him hither: the boy, and letter conterfeit, Which shall appear, if ye dare now detain him.

Mast.

I dare not Sir; nor will not: I believe ye, And will restore him up: had I known sooner H'ad been a neighbour, and the man you speak him, (Though as I live, he carried a wild seeming)

My Service, and my self had both attended him How I have us'd him, let him speak.

Seb.

Let's in, and visit him: Then to the holy Temple: there pay our duties, And so we••l take our leaves.

Mast.

I'le wait upon you.

Exeunt.

SCENE VI.

An Altar prepar'd. Solemn Musick.

Enter Governour, Verdugo, Courtiers, Ladies, &c.

Gov.

This to devotion sacred be, This to the Kings prosperity, This to the Queen, and Chastity.

Musick.

Ver.

These Oblations first we bring To purge our selves: These to the King. To love, and beautie these: now sing.

Musick.

Ladies.

Holy A••tar, daign to take These for our selves: For the Kings sake And honour these: These sacred lye To Vertue, Love, and Modesty, Our wishes to Eternity.

Musick.

Enter Pedro, and Roderigo.

Ped.

For our selves first, thus we bend, Forgive us heaven, and be our friend.

Rod.

And happy fortune to us send.

Ped.

To the King, honour, and all Joy, Long, and happy from annoy.

Rod.

Prosperous be all his dayes Every new hour, a new praise.

Ped.

Every minute th••s be seen,

Both.

And thousand honours Crown the Queen.

Musick.

Enter Alphonso, Curio, Seberto.

Seb.

Come to the Altar: let us do our duties.

Alph.

I have almost forgot a Church.

Cur.

Kneel reverently.

Alph.

For my lost wits (let me see) First I pray: and secondly To be at home again, and free, And if I travel more, hang me. For the King, and for the Queen, That they may be wise, and seen Never in the Mad mans Inne, For my Daughter, I would pray But she has made a holy day, And needs not my devotion now Let her take her own course, Heaven, Whether it be odd, or even,

Musick.

Enter Alinda, and Juletta, like Shepheards.

And if that please not, take her you.

Seb.

A short, and sweet Meditation: what are these here?

Alin.

Hale to this sacred place.

Jul.

They are all here, Madam: No violence dare touch here; be secure: My Bilbo Master too: how got he loose again? How lamentably he looks! he has had discipline. I dare not let him know my pranks.

Seb.

'Tis she sure.

Cur.

'Tis certainly.

Ped.

Ha! do I dazel?

Rod.

'Tis the fair Alinda.

Gov.

What wonder stand these strangers in?

Rod.

Her woman by her. The same Sir, as I live,

Alph.

I had a Daughter, With such a face once: such eyes and nose too, Ha, let me see, 'tis wondrous like Alinda, Their devotion ended, I'le mark 'em and nearer. And she had a Filly that waited on her, Just with such a favour: Do they keep Goats now?

Alin.

Thus we kneel, and thus we pray A happy honour to this day, Thus our Sacrifice we bring Ever happy to the King.

Jul.

These of Purple, Damask green Sacred to the vertuous Queen Here we hang.

Alin.

As these are now Her glories ever spring, and show. These for our selves: our hopes, and loves, Full of pinks, and Ladies gloves, Of hearts-ease too, which we would fain As we labour for, attain; Hear me Heaven, and as I bend, Full of hope, some comfort send.

Jul.

Hear her: hear her: if there be

Musick.

A spotless Sweetness, this is she.

Ped.

Now Roderigo stand.

Rod.

He that divides ye Divides my life too.

Gov

Pedro, Noble Pedro, Do not you know your friend?

Ped.

I know, and honour ye.

Gov.

Lady this leave I'le crave, pray be not angry, I will not long divide you: how happy, Pedro, Would all the court be now, might they behold thee? Might they but see you thus, and thus embrace you? The King will be a joyfull man believe it, Most joyfull, Pedro.

Ped.

I am his humble Servant. Nay, good Sir, speak your will, I see you wonder, one easie word from you —

Alph.

I dare say nothing My tongue's a new tongue Sir, and knows his tither, Let her do what she please, I dare do nothing, I have been damn'd for doing, will the King know him? That fellow there, will he respect and honour him? He has been look'd upon they say: will he own him?

Gov.

Yes certainly and grace him, ever honour him, Restore him every way, he has much lamented him.

Alp.

Is't your will too? this is the last time of asking.

Rod.

I am sure, none else shall touch her, none else enjoy her. If this, and this hold.

Al.

You had best begin the game then, I have no title in her, Pray take her, and dispatch her, and commend me to her, And let me get me home, and hope I am sober: Kiss, kiss, it must be thus: stand up Alinda, I am the more child, and more need of blessing. Ye had a waiting woman, one Juletta, A pretty desperate thing, just such another As this sweet Lady; we call'd her nimble chaps. I pray is this the party?

Jul.

No indeed Sir, She is at home; I am a little Foot-Boy, That walk a nights, and fright old Gentlemen; Make 'em lose Hats and Cloaks.

Alph.

And Horses too.

Jul.

Sometimes I do Sir, teach 'em the way through ditches; And how to break their worships shins, and noses Against old broken Stiles, and Stumps.

Alph.

A fine art. I feel it in my bones yet.

Jul.

I am a Drum Sir, A Drum at mid-night, ran tan tan tan tan Sir, Do you take me for Juletta? I am a Page Sir, That brought a letter from the Duke of Medina To have one senior Alphonso, just such another As your old worship, worm'd for running mad Sir. Alas, you are mistaken.

Alph.

Thou art the Devil, And so thou hast used me.

Jul

I am any thing, An old woman, that tells fortunes.

Rod.

Ha.

Jul.

And frights good people, And sends them to Segovia for their fortunes: I am strange airs, and excellent sweet voyces. I am any thing, to do her good, believe me; She now recovered, and her wishes crown'd I am Juletta again, pray Sir forgive me.

Alph.

I dare not do otherwise, for fear thou should'st still follow me. Prethee be forgiven, and I prethee forgive me too: And if any of you will marry her.

Jul.

No I beseech you Sir; My Mistress is my husband, with her I'le dwell still, And when you play any more pranks you know where to have me.

Ped.

You know him Sir.

Gov.

Know him, and much lament him: The King's incens'd much, much Sir, I can assure you.

Ped.

Noble Governour.

Gov.

But since he is your friend, and now appears, In honour of this day and love to you Sir: I'le try the power I have, to the pinch I'le put it; Here's my hand Roderigo, I'le set you fair again.

Rod.

And here's mine, to be true, and full of service.

Gov.

Your people too, shall have their general pardons, We'l have all peace and love.

Rod.

All shall pray for you.

Gov.

To my house now, and suite you to your worths; Off with these weeds, and appear glorious: Then to the Priest, that shall attend us here, And this be stil'd Loves new and happy year.

Rod.

The Kings and Queens, two noble honours meet, To grace this day, two true loves at their feet.

Alph.

Well well, since wedding will come after wooing, Give me some Rose-Mary, and let's be going.

Exeunt.