The doubtful heir. A tragi-comedie, as it was acted at the private house in Black-Friers: written by James Shirley. Never printed before.

ACT. V. (Book 5)

Enter Leandro, Rodriguez, Ernesto, Servants with Lights.

Er.

MY Lord you tell us wonders, 'tis high time To open such a mysterie.

Rodri.

This change Will exceed all, and so convincing are The circumstances of this great discovery They do command our faith.

Er.

And you shall steer us.

Leand.

Then let us lose no time; oh my good Lords, Did you but feel the torment of my bosome, Till I discharge the duty, which so long Hath slept in his concealment, you would call For wings to flye, and think all motion tedious; For Heavens sake lets make hast, that we prevent The morning, which will rise upon this knowledge With cheerfull beams, and put on all his glory.

Er.

Most gladly we attend.

Exeunt.

A Table and Taper set out. Enter Ferdinand (with a book in his Hand.)

Ferd.

I have no Heart to think of any thing But my Rosania, all devotion, When I remember her, flyes off, and leaves My soul no contemplation but her safety; They were too cruell to divide us, night It self looks now more black by this dim taper; Rosania's eyes would brighten all, but they Weigh'd down with sleep, and sorrow, are perhaps At rest, a thousand Angels watch about 'em; And let some one whose office is to wait

On harmless love, present me to her dreams; O let her hear me often call upon her, As I am led to death, and when the stroke Divides me from my self, and from the World, My Heart shall pay her tribute, and my blood Do miracles, when every Crimson drop My Body bleeds, shall not in vain be wept, But fall into some Letter of her name, To keep alive our story.

Enter two Servants (with Torches) Leandro, Ernesto, Rodriguez.

What lights are these? This place sure is not wont to be thus visited. They are spirits, ha! yet if I have a memory Those Faces were but late familiar to me.

They Kneel.

What mockery is this? if you be substances Of things I know, go tell the Tyrant Queen She might allow me death without this scorn, This jeering Antimasque.

Omnes.

Long live the King.

Ferd.

What King?

Omnes.

Long live Ferdinand King of Murcia.

Ferd.

A dream, a golden dream. What fancies wait Upon our sleep? and yet I wake, they are Apparitions, I'l shut my eyes, and lose 'em. They wo'not vanish Leandro, Rodriguez, Ernesto?

Omnes.

All your subjects.

Leand.

Collect your scatterd thoughts my Lord, and be Assur'd, we now pay reall duties to you, You are our King, and must be.

Ferd.

Who says so?

Leand.

I, whose cold fear, and frailty, When fate of Wat had made you Prisoner, Conceal'd the truth, and Justice of your title,

'Twas I that sav'd you from your Uncles sury And sent you to Valentia, while I cozen'd The kingdom with your death, till time might ripen Your challenge to the scepter; if you can Find mercy to a treason, great as this, I'l live, and study how to merit pardon.

Ferd.

Rise, rise all, And if you be Leandro, pray come neerer.

Rod.

Pray Heav'n this unexpected happiness Meet with no extasie, all senses are Not arm'd for such extremes of Joy.

Er.

The Queen, When she finds this, will fall into a Feaver, By instinct her Head must ake this very minute.

Rod.

And shake too, for the Crown is tottering.

Ferd.

Pardon? thou shouldst divide the kingdom with me. But do all these believe it, will you not, When I make second claim, deny me agen? Call me Impostor?

Leand.

Sir forgive that first, And I'l not ask Heaven pardon for my next Deniall, let death threaten all his stings; And I have satisfied these Lords so well, They are confirm'd in your just claim, and person.

Rod Er.

We lay our lives and fortunes at your feet.

Ferd.

I may command you then, fetch me Rosania; I'l be no King without her; do not stay To hear how much I love her 'bove the Crown, And all the glories wait upon it, she That was my Page, my fellow Prisoner, Rosania.

Exit Rodrig.

'Tis that name next to Heaven I bow too. Good my Lord follow him, and if she be Awake, oh drop it gently by degrees, (The joy is mighty, she a sad weak Virgin)

That I shall live to make her Queen.

Exit Ernest

Stay you, and if I play too much the wanton with My fate, or swell with expectation, Speak something to allay my hopes, and say There may be crosses yet, the Queen may want Faith or consent, or put case the people (A dangerous torrent to oppose) like not This Innovation, where is the King then?

Leand.

Doubt not their Loves, you had thei•• Hearts before; Let nothing shake you.

Enter Rosania, Ernesto, Rodriguez.

Ferd.

Th'art my better Angell. Why then if my Rosania will be Queen, The kingdoms ours agen; she comes, she comes. Thou mak'st too little hast to be a Queen. I am my self agen, my name is found, I shall live to, thus to embrace Rosania Without a fear, these Lords are all thy subjects, I am a King.

Leand.

You are.

Ferd.

Then what must my Rosania be?

Ros.

Happy, if this be more Than dream, my tears and sufferings are all paid for If this be true.

Leand.

Most true.

Ros.

What a strong arm Hath Heaven?

Ferd.

See how the Day hath made Hast to salute Rosania, and to wait Upon thy triumph, blushes like a Maid When she is told she is in Love, the Stars Are gone to tell the other World, thy beauty, Till now Ecclips'd with sorrow, hath thrown off

The imprisoning veil, and shines above their bright∣ness. ••ut how shall we Leandro now contrive ••or our Court entertainment, where the Queens ••repar'd to hear our Tragedy?

Leand.

Leave me ••o order your appearance; but first Sir, We must secure this Fort.

Er.

The Captain is My creature.

Ferd.

Thou shalt be all our direction. Come my Rosania, time hath turn'd a gen Our Glass, and his keen sith this comfort brings, ••t cuts no scepters down but to make Kings.

Excunt.

Enter Leonario (reading a Letter,) and Soldier.

Leon.

So neer?

Sold.

We heard before of your affront My Lord, and were prepar'd.

Leon.

It hath outstrip'd my expectation, These Letters say Mendoza is their Generall new return'd With victory from the Moores; his fame I honour, My knowledge never reach'd his person.

Sold.

Sir, he brings old Soldiers with him, the Commanders Are such, whose faith and valor in those Wars Already tried, he durst name to the King To be employ'd here in your highness cause.

Leand.

We will to Horse immediatly. I long To salute the Army.

Sold.

Which but wants your person The Soul of their design; you may soon reach 'em.

Enter Captain.

Leon.

I will.

Capt.

Your Grace.

Leon.

That we had wings, away, to Horse to Horse

Exeunt Leon. Sold

Capt.

Speed, and you be so hot o'th' spur, my business Is but breath, and your design it seems rides post.

Enter Lieutenant and Antient.

The Earth runs upon wheels; whom do I spy? My extraordinaries, I'l ha' sport with them, But first observe 'em.

Lieut.

I see no profit in these offices That we ha' brought.

Ant.

Not extraordinary, as the name did promise

Capt.

The Rogues are poor, and now repent.

Ant.

We were told by the cheating Captain That we should want Men to tell our money.

Lieut.

This 'tis to deal with Soldades.

Ant.

We should command the Ladies too, and we Were bountifull, a small Pox take their beauties, 'Tis the greater curse, I have undone My self in giving away enameld Rings And Bracelets.

Lieut.

Well, if I trust a Captain agen.

Ant.

Or I.

Capt.

I'm glad they are payd; I wo'not leave 'em I feel my antipathy strong yet.

Ant.

I would venture half my soul to be reveng'd If I knew how.

Capt.

True Rascals!

Lieut.

The Ladies love him.

Ant.

They all Love Men of War.

Lieu.

Would his poop were a fire.

Ant.

And Battels in Bed naturally.

Lieu.

Well, what Ladies give him hereafter to bu•• new Feathers, may his body compell him to bestow upon a Surgeon.

Ant.

May Diseases undermine his Flesh like Gun powder,

And blow all his skin up into blisters.

Lieu.

May they that look for his Nose, go about for want of a ••ridge, and let him wear no Legs but what he buyes from the Carpenter.

Ant.

May his face break out, and undo him in taf∣fata, and may the patches at the last be so many, till his skin be invisible, and his goggle eyes look through a Mask.

Lieu.

May he live to be as much coward as we ha' been, and be beaten!

Ant.

Abominably beaten, and may the miracle be on our side, that we may be valiant, and be the Men to doe it, oh I would have no more mercy.—

Capt.

Save you Gallants, save you Courtiers.

Both.

My noble Captain.

Ant.

It may be he did not hear us.

Capt.

Hark you, what purchase have you two made lately?

Both.

Of what?

Capt.

Of Lands and loggerheads, Lordships I would say, I know you are both rich, you cannot choose, But I will borrow no more o' you, faith besatisfied and leave off in time with the wealth you have.

Lieu.

Where is it Captain?

Ant.

Can you tell where we may borrow as much money upon our extraordinary places, as will set up shop agen? For this Court trade wo' not do.

Capt.

How?

Lieu.

No indeed Captain we ha' made little benefit since we came to be extraordinaries.

Capt.

Ye took not the right way then.

Ant.

That may be.

Capt.

Why, cannot you lie, and swear, and pawn your souls for six pence, the Devill could not furnish ••he City with two more hopefull Borachios. You have a Carrot-colourd Beard, and that never fails, and your worships face is a prognostication of preferment

Is a Prognostication of preferment, where Beside Dominicall Letters you have all the Conjuring Characters of the Planets. But all this is your cunning, to dissemble your estates.

Lieu.

By this empty pocket, I have but one Shirt

Capt.

You jeast y'saith.

Ant.

And by all my no money, I have but half a one left

Capt.

Come, come, you took up linnen lately, I heard You did.

Ant.

I, smocks.

Capt.

Why they are in fashion with extraordina∣ry Courtiers.

But if you be in earnest, I can tell, where you May furnish your selves richly.

Both.

Where? where?

Capt.

W'y in the Shops for ready money, but you would Save charges.

Ant.

I marry Captain.

Capt.

Venture to rob a hedge, it is but hanging, And whats that to men extraordinary? But if your wants be reall, be not dejected, I'l set you up agen my self, I have been Beholding to you two for your good words And wishes Gentlemen.

Lieu.

It pleases you to say so, I begin To smell.—

Ant.

Not to us Captain, we have been beholding to you.

Capt.

And it happens, as if fortune had made you miserable

A purpose to bless you both with such a preferment, as wo'not be offerd agen in a Coronation.

Lieu.

On good Captain, for we are extraordinary miserable.

Capt.

Then observe; you are not ignorant how things go at Court, the King is in prison.

Ant.

So.

Capt.

And his wench with him that walk'd in Breeches; The Queen resolves they shall both dye.

Ant.

Good.

Capt.

This morning too; now in regard the King is a person of qualitie—

Lieu.

I think he be.

Capt.

And the tother a Lady, as some imagine, you two may do very well to undertake now—

Both.

Any thing.

Capt.

To be a couple of Hangmen: d'ee mark? to dis∣patch the Queens enemies in what horrid way, her coun∣sell shall think convenient, you will do service to the State, and have extraordinary rewards; besides the honour and reputation of your places; what say? 'tis my pure love to make this first offer to you.

Ant.

Do we look like a couple of Hangmen?

Capt.

No you ha' not so good a complexion; and now I think on't you sha'not live to have that preferment come, draw you that wear your Sword like a Bum-baly, do as I bid you, and that quickly.

Ant.

It wo'not come out Sir—

Cap.

No.—this shall in then—

Ant.

I will put more strength to'c.

Capt.

So, now, d'ee mark—kill one another.

Both.

Kill one another?

Capt.

Yes and doo't religiously, with as much alacrity as you would devour an Orphan: and do't hansomly, that you may not be hangd when you are dead.

I'l see't done, he that is dull shall have my goad to quicken him: —

They fight.

So, good, good agen, well offer'd—they fight by these Hilts Furiously, now cou'd I forgive 'em—so, enough.

Lieu.

This is very fine sport.

Capt.

Necessity has taught 'em the noble science, come. if all fail, you shall fight challenges; ther's mony and

broken Pates to be got that way, you can make legs, and gape like Gudgins for benevolence, cut scurvy capers, to shew your Legs are well, when your Head bleeds; farewell; stay, you want money, I had forgot, there is twelve pence apiece for you.

Both.

How Captain? I hope not.

Capt.

They are not hearty yet, they think I serve 'em with Press money agen; no, tis my pure bounne. Go, set up agen, and trust Souldiers, without impertinent asking for your debts; they I pay you.

Ant.

As you ha' done.

Capt.

I'l hearken how you behave you selves farewell. When you are rich, I'l visit you agen, and borrow money.

Lieu.

Too much is too much; humh.

Ant.

Now have I a great mind to fight with your Captainship.

Lieu.

So have I, now my Hands in, methinks 'tis nothing.

Capt.

You are not desperate?

Ant.

We are a little better, as good be Hang'd for kil∣ling of you Captain, as live after the rate of our disgrace. I am resolv'd.

Capt.

Two Mastives at once may worry me. I am put too't.

They fight.

Must we have tother 'bout.

Ant.

This is enough at once we may come too't in time.

Capt.

Why now I love you, love you, as well as you do Law.

Ant.

Upon good terms we love you too.

Capt.

Let's shake Hands, you sha'not to your vomit agen. Now you dare sight, I'l tell you a hundred wayes to get moneys, come, wee'l drink and divide fortunes, Run not back into cows agen.

Ant.

I'l be Antient now agen.

Lieu.

And I Lieutenant.

Capt.

Both my own Boyes.

Ant.

'Tis not so hard to fight I see, if a Man be but desperate, and give his mind too't.

Lieu.

Pox a Cowards; come Captain.

Capt.

Let me hug ye my brace of Mirmidons, And drink a Tun of Wine to this conversion.

Exeunt.

Enter Queen, Violinda.

Que.

The Prince so early met upon the way This morning sayst? and with a Souldier?

Vio.

And in that hast too, Madam, I was told The speed of Wings was slow, their fiery Horse Bathing in foam, yet fled as if they meant To leave the Wind, and Clouds behind 'em.

Que.

Strange! I could have wish'd him with less discontent To have left us, but my stubborn fate design'd it; Having thus snatch'd away himself, it will Become us to compose, and make the best Of our State game; I sent a Messenger With our command, to th' Governor of the Fort, He should attend the King by the Water-gate Leads to the Garden, we do purpose conference; If Ferdinand wisely consent to break The Magick that so chains his Heart to that Idoll Rosania, wee'l be reconcil'd, And Peace shall marry once agen our Hearts.

Enter Courtier.

Me thinks our Lords are cold in their attendance, Where be our train of Ladies?—nay permit 'em, A solitude becomes this sullen Day. And our own thoughts; methinks thou dost not look With thy own face upon me.

Vio.

Not I Madam?

Que.

My eyes have lost their virtue, all I look on Have not the shape and colour they presented. What whispers that? ha'?

Viol.

Here was none Madam.

Que.

I could be jealous of the Wind methinks, And quarrell with the postures of those very Shapes i'th' Arras; fie Olivia, call home thy reason.

Court.

O Madam!

Que.

What horror's in that voice? I see a treason In's looks.

Court.

O Madam, I beseech your pardon.

Que.

Why? art a traitor?

Court.

Not I, but there are practices I fear Against your royal person; the Court gates Are shut, all's in confusion within, And I could hear abroad loud acclamations And triumph for the King, as he were new proclam'd.

Enter Captain.

Que.

Which way comest thou?

Cap.

Over the Wall Madam; the gates are shut, I'l tell you news; young Fordinand your Husband Is in all state attended, and proclam'd King in his own right, he is prov'd to be What he did first pretend himself, Leandro, And all the Lords confirm't, the Governor Hath given him up the Fort, the wise City Her Keys, and every officer on's knees Is praying and drinking the Kings health,

Que.

Away and let thy face be seen no more, But when the fatall noise of fire, some blood, Or buriall calls thee forth.

Capt.

This my reward For bringing news the King's alive? take heed, Do not talk treason in your own defence,—hark

Enter (in state) Rodriguez, Ernesto, Leandro, Ferdinand, (who takes the Throne) Attendants.

Que.

From what an expectation am I faln!

Omnes.

Long live Ferdinand King.

Ferd.

We thank you; and will study to be worth Your prayers and dutie; Madam the Chancelor Can cleer, and bring your faith to allow the wonder, We are no Impostor now, nor need we borrow A beam from you to make us shine yet still You are our Cosen, fair Olivia,

Enter Rosania and Ladies.

The Husband was a title long since due To my Rosania, may it prosper here. Our love and years grew up together, and Our Souls by holy contract tied, when in Alfonzo's House, her Father, and my Guardian (To whose trust I was sent an Infant by Leandro) We plighted faith; it is no blemish To fair Olivia still to be a Virgin, Though she have lost the Queen, she is a Princess. And hath now found a Kinsman, that shall study What shall become his love, her blood, and honour. Upon your Lip I print this fair assurance.

Rosa.

And mine shall be to do you service Madam.

Que.

If this be true, you must command my dutie.

Ferd.

We hear Prince Leonario is departed, When he shall know the progress of our fortunes Hee'l quit his Stars, that hid their golden Heads To mock him with a small Eclipse, o' purpose To light him with more glorie to his happiness. Soft Alarum Ha? what clamors that? the frightfull noise increases.

Enter first Guard.

Guard.

Flie, and save your selves the Fort's surpris'd By the Prince of Arragon, whose troups have seiz'd the City, reeling with Wine, and careless of their strength, in their joyes for you Sir.

Ferd.

The Prince of Arragon? the fates cannot Be so injust, so envious of our blessing,

To snatch it from us in a minute; ha? Help, help, quarter.

Divers within cry.

Ferd.

They are i'th' Court already.

Leand.

We are all undone, Lets yield, and ask conditions honourable.

Ferd.

Dye he, that dares but think so yeeld? no, Ferdinand Was here too late a Prisoner; let us sell Our lives at glorious rates, the Evening puts A Mask upon the horror, follow me.

Exit.

Leand.

To certain death; Ladies stay you, the danger Will meet us here to soon, and yet your persons In honour challenge safety.

Ex. Lords.

Que.

Is there no end of my distractions? Or hath my folly yet deserv'd more vengeance?

Rosa.

It cannot be Heaven will so soon destroy The blessing it bestow'd if thus you punish Whom you advance, who will believe your gifts Are more than flattery to betray our Peace?

Enter Leonario Alfonso, Ferdinand, (Prisoner,) Rodriguez, Ernesto, Souldiers.

Leon.

This Ladie is my prize.

Que.

How Sir, your prize?

Leon.

Mistake me not, ther's no dishonour meant Your person; yet I boldly may pronounce You are, and must be mine. I am not ignorant You are a Virgin all but name, be wise As you are fair, and I forget what's past, And take this satisfaction; if I meet Contempt, where I with honour once more Court you, You will create a flame shall never dye But in the Kingdoms ashes; you were mine First by your own election, seal'd above, If I must lose what Heaven bestow'd upon me The quarrell is not mine But virtues, whose right Hand is arm'd with Justice.

Enter Captain.

Punish not where you owe your Heart, but let Both our revenges meet in that Impostor; I find your noble Soul return; Lord Generall While I retire with this fair Queen whom not One violent accent shall affright, much less A rude attempt, take hence that counterfet, And cut his Head off.

Ros.

O my dearest Lord?

Leon.

The rest may if they please find mercy.

Capt.

I were best be o' this side.

Leon.

Away with him.

Ferd.

Insulting Prince, thou darest not.

Leon.

How Sir, dare not?

Ferd.

I said it, Thy better, being a King in my own right, Without her charitie, proclam'd and justified, By Birth a Prince.

Leand.

All this is truth Sir.

Leon.

You must not Cozen thus my faith, away; Cut off his Head.

Alfon.

Dispatch you with the Queen, Let me alone to make his Head secure.

Leand.

Nay take mine too. I'l wait on him in death, It shall begin my service.

Ros.

Cruell Prince.

Que.

What fate must I obey?

Ros.

My death will adde some lines Unto thy bloody Chronicle; pray let us dy together.

Leon.

You shall speak, her sentence Madam.

Que.

She must live then.

Leon.

To all we offer mercie, but to Ferdinand, His doom is fixt; come Madam.

Que.

Whither Sir?

Leon.

I know the way to your Chappel, he that loves us Make hast, and bring the Priest.

Capt.

That's I, I know Her Chaplains, they are my friends, and all good fellows.

Exit.

Ferd.

Pray can you tell me, where, or what I am Or what I must do next?

Alfon.

Yes, you must dye.

Ferd.

Let not that grieve you Gentlemen, 'tis nothing To part with life, and if but my Rosania would not weep Methinks I could shake off this dust, and leap To Immortality without a guide, And in that cheerfull flight prepare the blest With so much praise and wonder of thy virtue, They shall be more in love with thee, than I, And double all their prayers to bring thee to 'em.

Ros.

No, we will dye together.

Alf.

You shall.

Ferd.

How?

Alf.

Both live, and love, and bless my age the witness. D'ee know me?

Rosa.

Father?

Ferd.

Guardian.

Leand.

Alfonso, my noble Kinsman.

Alf.

How joyes flow in my Heart, to see this constancy!

Ferd.

How came you to be his?

Alf.

I have deceiv'd the Prince our forces are Valentia's, Not Arragons, which he by Letters sent for In his revenge, but we met the Intelligence And arriv'd sooner to pretend our selves The Armie he expected; you shall know more hereafter.

Ferd.

I want a knowledge where to begin my gratitude, The joyes you bring are mighty, and overcome us. O my Rosania?

Ros.

This was beyond hope.

Enter Captain.

Capt.

So, so, 'tis done, he has mumbled up the ceremony;

A compendious Priest may do much in few words; They are fast enough; the Queen was wise to take him; You are onely like to be a loser Sir; they come.

Enter Leonario, Queen.

Alfon.

All joyes to the Prince of Arragon, and the fair Olivia.

Leon.

Why not the Queen Olivia?

Alfon.

Not while this Gentleman's Head is on, believe it.

Leon.

Where is Mendoza?

Alfon.

Hid within this bush— But here's Alfonso Generall of the Army Sent from Valentia to assist King Ferdinand To his native right.

Leon.

Valentia?

Alfon.

My Master having faild in his first aids To Ferdinand, intended not sit down With so much loss, but rais'd another Army, Which in our march consulted our security By Interception of all passages; Your messenger by a party was surpriz'd, Him, stubborn to discover what he was, Imperfect in his answer, we Interpreted Some spie, and searching found your Letters fraught With mischief and revenge, these sent to our King We had command to hasten our design, And steer our course by Sea to Carthagena, How after we arriv'd, we gaind your faith And purposes, Your highness knows.

Leon.

Betrayd?

Alfon.

Sir, be a Prince, and just to your own honour, And having perfected your fair desires With her, we hope you will account your self Most happy that you mist a power to serve Further revenge upon a lawfull Prince, My Soldiers will obey me now, although

To help your Marriage I appear'd no friend To Ferdinand.

Leand.

Who was the Prince preserv'd By me, and sent an Infant to this Lord, My noble Kinsman.

Alfon.

Him I bred, till time And strength might arm him to return, and claim His own.

Leon.

Leandro denied this before.

Leand.

To my dishonour, 'twas a coward fear To lose my self unprofitably

Leon.

I apprehend with wonder.

Ferd.

If you repent not-love and our alliance, She shall be worth your best embrace, and we Forgetfull of your passion, entertain you With all affection to our blood.

Leon.

I meet it, And satisfied in this story, Joy I was Prevented; I congratulate your Stars Sir; Nor is this treasure of less price to me Than when her Temples were enchac'd with Empire.

Que.

This love will give my soul another form.

Ferd.

Our storie hath been full of change, but love Hath met a glorious victory, and tied Our souls together with most firm embraces. My Lord Leandro you shall to Valentia, With our best thanks and greeting to the King; His Armies charge is ours, beside what else We owe his Royall bountie. Once more welcome Alfonso now my Father, witness I Preserve my faith to my Rosania, I hear the Priest call us to other rites, His Altar doth expect another pair, Make hast to light his Tapers with thine eyes And make our hearts each others Sacrifice.

Exeunt Omnes.

FINIS.