Chapter I: Part 1

PHILASTER:

OR,

Love lies a Bleeding.

Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher

* * * * *

_The Scene being in_ Cicilie.

* * * * *

Persons Represented in the Play.

_The_ King.

Philaster, _Heir to the Crown_.

Pharamond, _Prince of_ Spain.

Dion, _a Lord_.

Cleremont } _Noble Gentlemen his_
Thrasiline } _Associates_.

Arethusa, _the King's Daughter_.

Galatea, _a wise modest Lady attending the Princess_.

Megra, _a lascivious Lady_.

_An old wanton Lady, or Croan_.

_Another Lady attending the Princess_.

Eufrasia, _Daughter of Dion, but disguised like a
Page, and called Bellario_.

_An old Captain_.

_Five Citizens_.

_A Countrey fellow_.

_Two Woodmen_.

_The Kings Guard and Train_.

* * * * *

Actus primus. Scena prima.

_Enter Dion, Cleremont, _and_ Thrasiline.

_Cler_. Here's not Lords nor Ladies.

_Dion_. Credit me Gentlemen, I wonder at it.
They receiv'd strict charge from the King to attend here:
Besides it was boldly published, that no Officer should
forbid any Gentlemen that desire to attend and hear.

_Cle_. Can you guess the cause?

_Di_. Sir, it is plain about the _Spanish_ Prince, that's come
to marry our Kingdoms Heir, and be our Soveraign.

_Thra_. Many (that will seem to know much) say, she looks
not on him like a Maid in Love.

_Di_. O Sir, the multitude (that seldom know any thing
but their own opinions) speak that they would have; but
the Prince, before his own approach, receiv'd so many
confident messages from the State, that I think she's
resolv'd to be rul'd.

_Cle_. Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these
Kingdoms of _Cicilie_ and _Calabria_.

_Di_. Sir, it is (without controversie) so meant. But 'twill
be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these
Kingdoms, with safetie, the right Heir to one of them
living, and living so vertuously, especially the people
admiring the bravery of his mind, and lamenting his
injuries.

_Cle_. Who, Philaster?

_Di_. Yes, whose Father we all know, was by our late
King of _Calabria_, unrighteously deposed from his
fruitful _Cicilie_. My self drew some blood in those
Wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from.

_Cle_. Sir, my ignorance in State-policy, will not let me
know why _Philaster_ being Heir to one of these Kingdoms,
the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free
liberty.

_Di_. Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to
enquire after State news. But the King (of late) made a
hazard of both the Kingdoms, of _Cicilie_ and his own,
with offering but to imprison _Philaster_. At which the City
was in arms, not to be charm'd down by any State-order or
Proclamation, till they saw _Philaster_ ride through the
streets pleas'd, and without a guard; at which they threw
their Hats, and their arms from them; some to make
bonefires, some to drink, all for his deliverance. Which
(wise men say) is the cause, the King labours to bring in
the power of a Foreign Nation to aw his own with.

[ _Enter_ Galatea, Megra, _and a Lady_.

_Thra_. See, the Ladies, what's the first?

_Di_. A wise and modest Gentlwoman that attends the Princess.

_Cle_. The second?

_Di_. She is one that may stand still discreetly enough, and
ill favour'dly Dance her Measure; simper when she is
Courted by her Friend, and slight her Husband.

_Cle_. The last?

_Di_. Marry I think she is one whom the State keeps for
the Agents of our confederate Princes: she'll cog and lie
with a whole army before the League shall break: her
name is common through the Kingdom, and the Trophies
of her dishonour, advanced beyond _Hercules_-pillars.
She loves to try the several constitutions of mens bodies;
and indeed has destroyed the worth of her own body, by
making experiment upon it, for the good of the
Common-wealth.

_Cle_. She's a profitable member.

_La_. Peace, if you love me: you shall see these Gentlemen
stand their ground, and not Court us.

_Gal_. What if they should?

_Meg_. What if they should?

_La_. Nay, let her alone; what if they should? why, if
they should, I say, they were never abroad: what
Foreigner would do so? it writes them directly
untravel'd.

_Gal_. Why, what if they be?

_Meg_. What if they be?

_La_. Good Madam let her go on; what if they be? Why
if they be I will justifie, they cannot maintain
discourse with a judicious Lady, nor make a Leg,
nor say Excuse me.

_Gal_. Ha, ha, ha.

_La_. Do you laugh Madam?

_Di_. Your desires upon you Ladies.

_La_. Then you must sit beside us.

_Di_. I shall sit near you then Lady.

_La_. Near me perhaps: But there's a Lady indures no
stranger; and to me you appear a very strange fellow.

_Meg_. Me thinks he's not so strange, he would quickly be
acquainted.

_Thra_. Peace, the King.

[ _Enter_ King, Pharamond, Arethusa, _and Train_.

_King_. To give a stronger testimony of love
Than sickly promises (which commonly
In Princes find both birth and burial
In one breath) we have drawn you worthy Sir,
To make your fair indearments to [our] daughter,
And worthy services known to our subjects,
Now lov'd and wondered at. Next, our intent,
To plant you deeply, our immediate Heir,
Both to our Blood and Kingdoms. For this Lady,
(The best part of your life, as you confirm me,
And I believe) though her few years and sex
Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes,
Desires without desire, discourse and knowledge
Only of what her self is to her self,
Make her feel moderate health: and when she sleeps,
In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams.
Think not (dear Sir) these undivided parts,
That must mould up a Virgin, are put on
To shew her so, as borrowed ornaments,
To speak her perfect love to you, or add
An Artificial shadow to her nature:
No Sir; I boldly dare proclaim her, yet
No Woman. But woo her still, and think her modesty
A sweeter mistress than the offer'd Language
Of any Dame, were she a Queen whose eye
Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants.
Last, noble son, (for so I now must call you)
What I have done thus publick, is not only
To add a comfort in particular
To you or me, but all; and to confirm
The Nobles, and the Gentry of these Kingdoms,
By oath to your succession, which shall be
Within this month at most.

_Thra_. This will be hardly done.

_Cle_. It must be ill done, if it be done.

_Di_. When 'tis at best, 'twill be but half done,
Whilst so brave a Gentleman's wrong'd and flung off.

_Thra_. I fear.

_Cle_. Who does not?

_Di_. I fear not for my self, and yet I fear too:
Well, we shall see, we shall see: no more.

_Pha_. Kissing your white hand (Mistress) I take leave,
To thank your Royal Father: and thus far,
To be my own free Trumpet. Understand
Great King, and these your subjects, mine that must be,
(For so deserving you have spoke me Sir,
And so deserving I dare speak my self)
To what a person, of what eminence,
Ripe expectation of what faculties,
Manners and vertues you would wed your Kingdoms?
You in me have your wishes. Oh this Country,
By more than all my hopes I hold it
Happy, in their dear memories that have been
Kings great and good, happy in yours, that is,
And from you (as a Chronicle to keep
Your Noble name from eating age) do I
Opine myself most happy. Gentlemen,
Believe me in a word, a Princes word,
There shall be nothing to make up a Kingdom
Mighty, and flourishing, defenced, fear'd,
Equall to be commanded and obey'd,
But through the travels of my life I'le find it,
And tye it to this Country. And I vow
My reign shall be so easie to the subject,
That every man shall be his Prince himself,
And his own law (yet I his Prince and law.)
And dearest Lady, to your dearest self
(Dear, in the choice of him, whose name and lustre
Must make you more and mightier) let me say,
You are the blessed'st living; for sweet Princess,
You shall enjoy a man of men, to be
Your servant; you shall make him yours, for whom
Great Queens must die.

_Thra_. Miraculous.

_Cle_. This speech calls him _Spaniard_, being nothing but
A large inventory of his own commendations.

[_Enter_ Philaster.

_Di_. I wonder what's his price? For certainly he'll tell
himself he has so prais'd his shape: But here comes one
more worthy those large speeches, than the large
speaker of them? let me be swallowed quick, if I can
find, in all the Anatomy of yon mans vertues, one sinew
sound enough to promise for him, he shall be Constable.
By this Sun, he'll ne're make King unless it be for trifles,
in my poor judgment.

_Phi_. Right Noble Sir, as low as my obedience,
And with a heart as Loyal as my knee,
I beg your favour.

_King_. Rise, you have it Sir.

_Di_. Mark but the King how pale he looks with fear.
Oh! this same whorson Conscience, how it jades us!

_King_. Speak your intents Sir.

_Phi_. Shall I speak 'um freely?
Be still my royal Soveraign.

_King_. As a subject
We give you freedom.

_Di_. Now it heats.

_Phi_. Then thus I turn
My language to you Prince, you foreign man.
Ne're stare nor put on wonder, for you must
Indure me, and you shall. This earth you tread upon
(A dowry as you hope with this fair Princess,
Whose memory I bow to) was not left
By my dead Father (Oh, I had a Father)
To your inheritance, and I up and living,
Having my self about me and my sword,
The souls of all my name, and memories,
These arms and some few friends, besides the gods,
To part so calmly with it, and sit still,
And say I might have been! I tell thee _Pharamond_,
When thou art King, look I be dead and rotten,
And my name ashes; For, hear me _Pharamond_,
This very ground thou goest on, this fat earth,
My Fathers friends made fertile with their faiths,
Before that day of shame, shall gape and swallow
Thee and thy Nation, like a hungry grave,
Into her hidden bowels: Prince, it shall;
By _Nemesis_ it shall.

_Pha_. He's mad beyond cure, mad.

_Di_. Here's a fellow has some fire in's veins:
The outlandish Prince looks like a Tooth-drawer.

_Phi_. Sir, Prince of Poppingjayes, I'le make it well appear
To you I am not mad.

_King_. You displease us.
You are too bold.

_Phi_. No Sir, I am too tame,
Too much a Turtle, a thing born without passion,
A faint shadow, that every drunken cloud sails over,
And makes nothing.

_King_. I do not fancy this,
Call our Physicians: sure he is somewhat tainted.

_Thra_. I do not think 'twill prove so.

_Di_. H'as given him a general purge already, for all the
right he has, and now he means to let him blood: Be
constant Gentlemen; by these hilts I'le run his
hazard, although I run my name out of the
Kingdom.

_Cle_. Peace, we are one soul.

_Pha_. What you have seen in me, to stir offence,
I cannot find, unless it be this Lady
Offer'd into mine arms, with the succession,
Which I must keep though it hath pleas'd your fury
To mutiny within you; without disputing
Your _Genealogies_, or taking knowledge
Whose branch you are. The King will leave it me;
And I dare make it mine; you have your answer.

_Phi_. If thou wert sole inheritor to him,
That made the world his; and couldst see no sun
Shine upon any but thine: were _Pharamond_
As truly valiant, as I feel him cold,
And ring'd among the choicest of his friends,
Such as would blush to talk such serious follies,
Or back such bellied commendations,
And from this present, spight of all these bugs,
You should hear further from me.

_King_. Sir, you wrong the Prince:
I gave you not this freedom to brave our best friends,
You deserve our frown: go to, be better temper'd.

_Phi_. It must be Sir, when I am nobler us'd.

_Gal_. Ladyes,
This would have been a pattern of succession,
Had he ne're met this mischief. By my life,
He is the worthiest the true name of man
This day within my knowledge.

_Meg_. I cannot tell what you may call your knowledge,
But the other is the man set in mine eye;
Oh! 'tis a Prince of wax.

_Gal_. A Dog it is.

_King_. _Philaster_, tell me,
The injuries you aim at in your riddles.

_Phi_. If you had my eyes Sir, and sufferance,
My griefs upon you and my broken fortunes,
My want's great, and now nought but hopes and fears,
My wrongs would make ill riddles to be laught at.
Dare you be still my King and right me not?

_King_. Give me your wrongs in private.

[_They whisper_.

_Phi_. Take them, and ease me of a load would bow strong Atlas.

_Di_. He dares not stand the shock.

_Di_. I cannot blame, him, there's danger in't. Every man
in this age, has not a soul of Crystal for all men to
read their actions through: mens hearts and faces are
so far asunder, that they hold no intelligence. Do but
view yon stranger well, and you shall see a Feaver
through all his bravery, and feel him shake like a true
Tenant; if he give not back his Crown again, upon the
report of an Elder Gun, I have no augury.

_King_. Go to:
Be more your self, as you respect our favour:
You'I stir us else: Sir, I must have you know
That y'are and shall be at our pleasure, what fashion we
Will put upon you: smooth your brow, or by the gods.

_Phi_. I am dead Sir, y'are my fate: it was not I
Said I was not wrong'd: I carry all about me,
My weak stars led me to all my weak fortunes.
Who dares in all this presence speak (that is
But man of flesh and may be mortal) tell me
I do not most intirely love this Prince,
And honour his full vertues!

_King_. Sure he's possest.

_Phi_. Yes, with my Fathers spirit; It's here O King!
A dangerous spirit; now he tells me King,
I was a Kings heir, bids me be a King,
And whispers to me, these be all my Subjects.
'Tis strange, he will not let me sleep, but dives
Into my fancy, and there gives me shapes
That kneel, and do me service, cry me King:
But I'le suppress him, he's a factious spirit,
And will undo me: noble Sir, [your] hand, I am your
servant.

_King_. Away, I do not like this:
I'le make you tamer, or I'le dispossess you
Both of life and spirit: For this time
I pardon your wild speech, without so much
As your imprisonment.

[_Ex_. King, Pha. _and_ Are.

_Di_. I thank you Sir, you dare not for the people.

_Gal_. Ladies, what think you now of this brave fellow?

_Meg_. A pretty talking fellow, hot at hand; but eye yon
stranger, is not he a fine compleat Gentleman? O these
strangers, I do affect them strangely: they do the rarest
home things, and please the fullest! as I live, could
love all the Nation over and over for his sake.

_Gal_. Pride comfort your poor head-piece Lady: 'tis a
weak one, and had need of a Night-cap.

_Di_. See how his fancy labours, has he not spoke
Home, and bravely? what a dangerous train
Did he give fire to! How he shook the King,
Made his soul melt within him, and his blood
Run into whay! it stood upon his brow,
Like a cold winter dew.

_Phi_. Gentlemen,
You have no suit to me? I am no minion:
You stand (methinks) like men that would be Courtiers,
If you could well be fiatter'd at a price,
Not to undo your Children: y'are all honest:
Go get you home again, and make your Country
A vertuous Court, to which your great ones may,
In their Diseased age, retire, and live recluse.

_Cle_. How do you worthy Sir?

_Phi_. Well, very well;
And so well, that if the King please, I find
I may live many years.

_Di_. The King must please,
Whilst we know what you are, and who you are,
Your wrongs and [injuries]: shrink not, worthy Sir,
But add your Father to you: in whose name,
We'll waken all the gods, and conjure up
The rods of vengeance, the abused people,
Who like to raging torrents shall swell high,
And so begirt the dens of these Male-dragons,
That through the strongest safety, they shall beg
For mercy at your swords point.

_Phi_. Friends, no more,
Our years may he corrupted: 'Tis an age
We dare not trust our wills to: do you love me?

_Thra_. Do we love Heaven and honour?

_Phi_. My Lord _Dion_, you had
A vertuous Gentlewoman call'd you Father;
Is she yet alive?

_Di_. Most honour'd Sir, she is:
And for the penance but of an idle dream,
Has undertook a tedious Pilgrimage.

[ _Enter a_ Lady.

_Phi_. Is it to me, or any of these Gentlemen you come?

_La_. To you, brave Lord; the Princess would intreat
Your present company.

_Phi_. The Princess send for me! y'are mistaken.

_La_. If you be call'd _Philaster_, 'tis to you.

_Phi_. Kiss her hand, and say I will attend her.

_Di_. Do you know what you do?

_Phi_. Yes, go to see a woman.

_Cle_. But do you weigh the danger you are in?

_Phi_. Danger in a sweet face?
By _Jupiter_ I must not fear a woman.

_Thra_. But are you sure it was the Princess sent?
It may be some foul train to catch your life.

_Phi_. I do not think it Gentlemen: she's noble,
Her eye may shoot me dead, or those true red
And white friends in her face may steal my soul out:
There's all the danger in't: but be what may,
Her single name hath arm'd me.

[_Ex_. Phil.

_Di_. Go on:
And be as truly happy as thou art fearless:
Come Gentlemen, let's make our friends acquainted,
Lest the King prove false.

[_Ex. Gentlemen_.

_Enter_ Arethusa _and a_ Lady.

_Are_. Comes he not?

_La_. Madam?

_Are_. Will _Philaster_ come?

_La_. Dear Madam, you were wont
To credit me at first.

_Are_. But didst thou tell me so?
I am forgetful, and my womans strength
Is so o'recharg'd with danger like to grow
About my Marriage that these under-things
Dare not abide in such a troubled sea:
How look't he, when he told thee he would come?

_La_. Why, well.

_Are_. And not a little fearful?

_La_. Fear Madam? sure he knows not what it is.

_Are_. You are all of his Faction; the whole Court
Is bold in praise of him, whilst I
May live neglected: and do noble things,
As fools in strife throw gold into the Sea,
Drown'd in the doing: but I know he fears.

_La_. Fear? Madam (me thought) his looks hid more
Of love than fear.

_Are_. Of love? To whom? to you?
Did you deliver those plain words I sent,
With such a winning gesture, and quick look
That you have caught him?

_La_. Madam, I mean to you.

_Are_. Of love to me? Alas! thy ignorance
Lets thee not see the crosses of our births:
Nature, that loves not to be questioned
Why she did this, or that, but has her ends,
And knows she does well; never gave the world
Two things so opposite, so contrary,
As he and I am: If a bowl of blood
Drawn from this arm of mine, would poyson thee,
A draught of his would cure thee. Of love to me?

_La_. Madam, I think I hear him.

_Are_. Bring him in:
You gods that would not have your dooms withstood,
Whose holy wisdoms at this time it is,
To make the passion of a feeble maid
The way unto your justice, I obey.

[ _Enter_ Phil.

_La_. Here is my Lord _Philaster_.

_Are_. Oh! 'tis well:
Withdraw your self.

_Phi_. Madam, your messenger
Made me believe, you wisht to speak with me.

_Are_. 'Tis true _Philaster,_ but the words are such,
I have to say, and do so ill beseem
The mouth of woman, that I wish them said,
And yet am loth to speak them. Have you known
That I have ought detracted from your worth?
Have I in person wrong'd you? or have set
My baser instruments to throw disgrace
Upon your vertues?

_Phi_. Never Madam you.

_Are_. Why then should you in such a publick place,
Injure a Princess and a scandal lay
Upon my fortunes, fam'd to be so great:
Calling a great part of my dowry in question.

_Phi_. Madam, this truth which I shall speak, will be
Foolish: but for your fair and vertuous self,
I could afford my self to have no right
To any thing you wish'd.

_Are. Philaster,_ know
I must enjoy these Kingdoms.

_Phi_. Madam, both?

_Are_. Both or I die: by Fate I die _Philaster,_
If I not calmly may enjoy them both.

_Phi_. I would do much to save that Noble life:
Yet would be loth to have posterity
Find in our stories, that _Philaster_ gave
His right unto a Scepter, and a Crown,
To save a Ladies longing.

_Are_. Nay then hear:
I must, and will have them, and more.

_Phi_. What more?

_Are_. Or lose that little life the gods prepared,
To trouble this poor piece of earth withall.

_Phi_. Madam, what more?

_Are_. Turn then away thy face.

_Phi_. No.

_Are_. Do.

_Phi_. I cannot endure it: turn away my face?
I never yet saw enemy that lookt
So dreadful, but that I thought my self
As great a Basilisk as he; or spake
So horribly, but that I thought my tongue
Bore Thunder underneath, as much as his:
Nor beast that I could turn from: shall I then
Begin to fear sweet sounds? a Ladies voice,
Whom I do love? Say you would have my life,
Why, I will give it you; for it is of me
A thing so loath'd, and unto you that ask
Of so poor use, that I shall make no price
If you intreat, I will unmov'dly hear.

_Are_. Yet for my sake a little bend thy looks.

_Phi_. I do.

_Are_. Then know I must have them and thee.

_Phi_. And me?

_Are_. Thy love: without which, all the Land
Discovered yet, will serve me for no use,
But to be buried in.

_Phi_. Is't possible?

_Are_. With it, it were too little to bestow
On thee: Now, though thy breath doth strike me dead
(Which know it may) I have unript my breast.

_Phi_. Madam, you are too full of noble thoughts,
To lay a train for this contemned life,
Which you may have for asking: to suspect
Were base, where I deserve no ill: love you!
By all my hopes I do, above my life:
But how this passion should proceed from you
So violently, would amaze a man, that would be jealous.

_Are_. Another soul into my body shot,
Could not have fill'd me with more strength and spirit,
Than this thy breath: but spend not hasty time,
In seeking how I came thus: 'tis the gods,
The gods, that make me so; and sure our love
Will be the nobler, and the better blest,
In that the secret justice of the gods
Is mingled with it. Let us leave and kiss,
Lest some unwelcome guest should fall betwixt us,
And we should part without it.
_Phi_. 'Twill be ill
I should abide here long.

_Are_. 'Tis true, and worse
You should come often: How shall we devise
To hold intelligence? That our true lovers,
On any new occasion may agree, what path is best to
tread?

_Phi_. I have a boy sent by the gods, I hope to this intent,
Not yet seen in the Court; hunting the Buck,
I found him sitting by a Fountain side,
Of which he borrow'd some to quench his thirst,
And paid the Nymph again as much in tears;
A Garland lay him by, made by himself,
Of many several flowers, bred in the bay,
Stuck in that mystick order, that the rareness
Delighted me: but ever when he turned
His tender eyes upon 'um, he would weep,
As if he meant to make 'um grow again.
Seeing such pretty helpless innocence
Dwell in his face, I ask'd him all his story;
He told me that his Parents gentle dyed,
Leaving him to the mercy of the fields,
Which gave him roots; and of the Crystal springs,
Which did not stop their courses: and the Sun,
Which still, he thank'd him, yielded him his light,
Then took he up his Garland and did shew,
What every flower as Country people hold,
Did signifie: and how all ordered thus,
Exprest his grief: and to my thoughts did read
The prettiest lecture of his Country Art
That could be wisht: so that, me thought, I could
Have studied it. I gladly entertain'd him,
Who was glad to follow; and have got
The trustiest, loving'st, and the gentlest boy,
That ever Master kept: Him will I send
To wait on you, and bear our hidden love.

[ _Enter_ Lady.

_Are_. 'Tis well, no more.

_La_. Madam, the Prince is come to do his service.

_Are_. What will you do _Philaster_ with your self?

_Phi_. Why, that which all the gods have appointed out for me.

_Are_. Dear, hide thy self. Bring in the Prince.

_Phi_. Hide me from _Pharamond!_
When Thunder speaks, which is the voice of _Jove,_
Though I do reverence, yet I hide me not;
And shall a stranger Prince have leave to brag
Unto a forreign Nation, that he made _Philaster_
hide himself?

_Are_. He cannot know it.

_Phi_. Though it should sleep for ever to the world,
It is a simple sin to hide my self,
Which will for ever on my conscience lie.

_Are_. Then good _Philaster,_ give him scope and way
In what he saies: for he is apt to speak
What you are loth to hear: for my sake do.

_Phi_. I will.

[ _Enter_ Pharamond.

_Pha_. My Princely Mistress, as true lovers ought,
I come to kiss these fair hands; and to shew
In outward Ceremonies, the dear love
Writ in my heart.

_Phi_. If I shall have an answer no directlier,
I am gone.

_Pha_. To what would he have an answer?

_Are_. To his claim unto the Kingdom.

_Pha_. Sirrah, I forbear you before the King.

_Phi_. Good Sir, do so still, I would not talk with you.

_Pha_. But now the time is fitter, do but offer
To make mention of right to any Kingdom,
Though it be scarce habitable.

_Phi_. Good Sir, let me go.

_Pha_. And by my sword.

_Phi_. Peace _Pharamond:_ if thou--

_Are_. Leave us Philaster.

_Phi_. I have done.

_Pha_. You are gone, by heaven I'le fetch you back.

_Phi_. You shall not need.

_Pha_. What now?

_Phi_. Know Pharamond,
I loath to brawl with such a blast as thou,
Who art nought but a valiant voice: But if
Thou shalt provoke me further, men shall say
Thou wert, and not lament it.
_Pha_. Do you slight
My greatness so, and in the Chamber of the Princess!

_Phi_. It is a place to which I must confess
I owe a reverence: but wer't the Church,
I, at the Altar, there's no place so safe,
Where thou dar'st injure me, but I dare kill thee:
And for your greatness; know Sir, I can grasp
You, and your greatness thus, thus into nothing:
Give not a word, not a word back: Farewell.

[_Exit_ Phi.

_Pha_. 'Tis an odd fellow Madam, we must stop
His mouth with some Office, when we are married.

_Are_. You were best make him your Controuler.

_Pha_. I think he would discharge it well. But Madam,
I hope our hearts are knit; and yet so slow
The Ceremonies of State are, that 'twill be long
Before our hands be so: If then you please,
Being agreed in heart, let us not wait
For dreaming for me, but take a little stoln
Delights, and so prevent our joyes to come.

_Are_. If you dare speak such thoughts,
I must withdraw in honour.

[_Exit_ Are.

_Pha_. The constitution of my body will never hold out till
the wedding; I must seek elsewhere.

[_Exit_ Pha.

_Actus Secundus. Scena Prima_.

_Enter_ Philaster _and_ Bellario.

_Phi_. And thou shalt find her honourable boy,
Full of regard unto thy tender youth,
For thine own modesty; and for my sake,
Apter to give, than thou wilt be to ask, I, or deserve.

_Bell_. Sir, you did take me up when I was nothing;
And only yet am something, by being yours;
You trusted me unknown; and that which you are apt
To conster a simple innocence in me,
Perhaps, might have been craft; the cunning of a boy
Hardened in lies and theft; yet ventur'd you,
To part my miseries and me: for which,
I never can expect to serve a Lady
That bears more honour in her breast than you.

_Phi_. But boy, it will prefer thee; thou art young,
And bearest a childish overflowing love
To them that clap thy cheeks, and speak thee fair yet:
But when thy judgment comes to rule those passions,
Thou wilt remember best those careful friends
That plac'd thee in the noblest way of life;
She is a Princess I prefer thee to.

_Bell_. In that small time that I have seen the world,
I never knew a man hasty to part
With a servant he thought trusty; I remember
My Father would prefer the boys he kept
To greater men than he, but did it not,
Till they were grown too sawcy for himself.

_Phi_. Why gentle boy, I find no fault at all in thy behaviour.

_Bell_. Sir, if I have made
A fault of ignorance, instruct my youth;
I shall be willing, if not apt to learn;
Age and experience will adorn my mind
With larger knowledge: And if I have done
A wilful fault, think me not past all hope
For once; what Master holds so strict a hand
Over his boy, that he will part with him
Without one warning? Let me be corrected
To break my stubbornness if it be so,
Rather than turn me off, and I shall mend.

_Phi_. Thy love doth plead so prettily to stay,
That (trust me) I could weep to part with thee.
Alas! I do not turn thee off; thou knowest
It is my business that doth call thee hence,
And when thou art with her thou dwel'st with me:
Think so, and 'tis so; and when time is full,
That thou hast well discharged this heavy trust,
Laid on so weak a one, I will again
With joy receive thee; as I live, I will;
Nay weep not, gentle boy; 'Tis more than time
Thou didst attend the Princess.

_Bell_. I am gone;
But since I am to part with you my Lord,
And none knows whether I shall live to do
More service for you; take this little prayer;
Heaven bless your loves, your fights, all your designs.
May sick men, if they have your wish, be well;
And Heavens hate those you curse, though I be one.

[_Exit_.

_Phi_. The love of boyes unto their Lords is strange,
I have read wonders of it; yet this boy
For my sake, (if a man may judge by looks,
And speech) would out-do story. I may see
A day to pay him for his loyalty.

[_Exit_ Phi.

_Enter_ Pharamond.

_Pha_. Why should these Ladies stay so long? They must
come this way; I know the Queen imployes 'em not,
for the Reverend Mother sent me word they would all
be for the Garden. If they should all prove honest now,
I were in a fair taking; I was never so long without
sport in my life, and in my conscience 'tis not my
fault: Oh, for our Country Ladies! Here's one
boulted, I'le hound at her.

_Enter_ Galatea.

_Gal_. Your Grace!

_Pha_. Shall I not be a trouble?

_Gal_. Not to me Sir.

_Pha_. Nay, nay, you are too quick; by this sweet hand.

_Gal_. You'l be forsworn Sir, 'tis but an old glove. If you
will talk at distance, I am for you: but good Prince,
be not bawdy, nor do not brag; these two I bar, and
then I think, I shall have sence enough to answer
all the weighty _Apothegmes_ your Royal blood shall
manage.

_Pha_. Dear Lady, can you love?

_Gal_. Dear, Prince, how dear! I ne're cost you a Coach
yet, nor put you to the dear repentance of a Banquet;
here's no Scarlet Sir, to blush the sin out it was given
for: This wyer mine own hair covers: and this face has
been so far from being dear to any, that it ne're cost
penny painting: And for the rest of my poor Wardrobe,
such as you see, it leaves no hand behind it, to make
the jealous Mercers wife curse our good doings.

_Pha_. You mistake me Lady.

_Gal_. Lord, I do so; would you or I could help it.

_Pha_. Do Ladies of this Country use to give no more respect
to men of my full being?

_Gal_. Full being! I understand you not, unless your Grace
means growing to fatness; and then your only remedy
(upon my knowledge, Prince) is in a morning a Cup of
neat White-wine brew'd with _Carduus_, then fast till
supper, about eight
you may eat; use exercise, and keep a Sparrow-hawk, you
can shoot in a Tiller; but of all, your Grace must flie
_Phlebotomie_, fresh Pork, Conger, and clarified Whay;
They are all dullers of the vital spirits.

_Pha_. Lady, you talk of nothing all this while.

_Gal_. 'Tis very true Sir, I talk of you.

_Pha_. This is a crafty wench, I like her wit well, 'twill be
rare to stir up a leaden appetite, she's a _Danae_, and
must be courted in a showr of gold. Madam, look
here, all these and more, than--

_Gal_. What have you there, my Lord? Gold? Now, as I
live tis fair gold; you would have silver for it to play
with the Pages; you could not have taken me in a
worse time; But if you have present use my Lord,
I'le send my man with silver and keep your gold
for you.

_Pha_. Lady, Lady.

_Gal_. She's coming Sir behind, will take white mony. Yet
for all this I'le match ye.

[_Exit_ Gal. _behind the hangings_.

_Pha_. If there be two such more in this Kingdom, and
near the Court, we may even hang up our Harps: ten such
_Camphire_ constitutions as this, would call the golden
age again in question, and teach the old way for every ill
fac't Husband to get his own Children, and what a
mischief that will breed, let all consider.

[ _Enter_ Megra.

Here's another; if she be of the same last, the Devil
shall pluck her on. Many fair mornings, Lady.

_Meg_. As many mornings bring as many dayes,
Fair, sweet, and hopeful to your Grace.

_Pha_. She gives good words yet; Sure this wench is free.
If your more serious business do not call you,
Let me hold quarter with you, we'll take an hour
Out quickly.

_Meg_. What would your Grace talk of?

_Pha_. Of some such pretty subject as your self.
I'le go no further than your eye, or lip,
There's theme enough for one man for an age.

_Meg_. Sir, they stand right, and my lips are yet even,
Smooth, young enough, ripe enough, red enough,
Or my glass wrongs me.

_Pha_. O they are two twin'd Cherries died in blushes,
Which those fair suns above, with their bright beams
Reflect upon, and ripen: sweetest beauty,
Bow down those branches, that the longing taste,
Of the faint looker on, may meet those blessings,
And taste and live.

_Meg_. O delicate sweet Prince;
She that hath snow enough about her heart,
To take the wanton spring of ten such lines off,
May be a Nun without probation.
Sir, you have in such neat poetry, gathered a kiss,
That if I had but five lines of that number,
Such pretty begging blanks, I should commend
Your fore-head, or your cheeks, and kiss you too.

_Pha_. Do it in prose; you cannot miss it Madam.

_Meg_. I shall, I shall.

_Pha_. By my life you shall not.
I'le prompt you first: Can you do it now?

_Meg_. Methinks 'tis easie, now I ha' don't before;
But yet I should stick at it.

_Pha_. Stick till to morrow.
I'le ne'r part you sweetest. But we lose time,
Can you love me?

_Meg_. Love you my Lord? How would you have me
love you?

_Pha_. I'le teach you in a short sentence, cause I will not
load your memory, that is all; love me, and lie with
me.

_Meg_. Was it lie with you that you said? 'Tis impossible.

_Pha_. Not to a willing mind, that will endeavour; if I do
not teach you to do it as easily in one night, as you'l
go to bed, I'le lose my Royal blood for't.

_Meg_. Why Prince, you have a Lady of your own, that
yet wants teaching.

_Pha_. I'le sooner teach a Mare the old measures, than teach
her any thing belonging to the function; she's afraid to
lie with her self, if she have but any masculine
imaginations about her; I know when we are married,
I must ravish her.

_Meg_. By my honour, that's a foul fault indeed, but time
and your good help will wear it out Sir.

_Pha_. And for any other I see, excepting your dear self,
dearest Lady, I had rather be Sir _Tim _the Schoolmaster,
and leap a Dairy-maid.

_Meg_. Has your Grace seen the Court-star _Galatea_?

_Pha_. Out upon her; she's as cold of her favour as an
apoplex: she sail'd by but now.

_Meg_. And how do you hold her wit Sir?

_Pha_. I hold her wit? The strength of all the Guard cannot
hold it, if they were tied to it, she would blow 'em out of
the Kingdom, they talk of _Jupiter_, he's but a squib
cracker to her: Look well about you, and you may find
a tongue-bolt. But speak sweet Lady, shall I be freely
welcome?

_Meg_. Whither?

_Pha_. To your bed; if you mistrust my faith, you do me
the unnoblest wrong.

_Meg_. I dare not Prince, I dare not.

_Pha_. Make your own conditions, my purse shall seal 'em,
and what you dare imagine you can want, I'le furnish you
withal: give two hours to your thoughts every morning about
it. Come, I know you are bashful, speak in my ear, will you
be mine? keep this, and with it me: soon I will visit you.

_Meg_. My Lord, my Chamber's most unsafe, but when
'tis night I'le find some means to slip into your
lodging: till when--

_Pha_. Till when, this, and my heart go with thee.

[_Ex. several ways_.

_Enter _Galatea _from behind the hangings_.

_Gal_. Oh thou pernicious Petticoat Prince, are these your
vertues? Well, if I do not lay a train to blow your
sport up, I am no woman; and Lady Towsabel I'le
fit you for't.

[_Exit_ Gal.

_Enter _Arethusa _and a_ Lady.

_Are_. Where's the boy?

_La_. Within Madam.

_Are_. Gave you him gold to buy him cloaths?

_La_. I did.

_Are_. And has he don't?

_La_. Yes Madam.

_Are_. 'Tis a pretty sad talking lad, is it not?
Askt you his name?

_La_. No Madam.

[ _Enter _Galatea.

_Are_. O you are welcome, what good news?

_Gal_. As good as any one can tell your Grace,
That saies she hath done that you would have wish'd.

_Are_. Hast thou discovered?

_Gal_. I have strained a point of modesty for you.

_Are_. I prethee how?

_Gal_. In listning after bawdery; I see, let a Lady live
never so modestly, she shall be sure to find a lawful
time, to harken after bawdery; your Prince, brave
_Pharamond_, was so hot on't.

_Are_. With whom?

_Gal_. Why, with the Lady I suspect: I can tell the time and place.

_Are_. O when, and where?

_Gal_. To night, his Lodging.

_Are_. Run thy self into the presence, mingle there again
With other Ladies, leave the rest to me:
If destiny (to whom we dare not say,
Why thou didst this) have not decreed it so
In lasting leaves (whose smallest Characters
Were never altered:) yet, this match shall break.
Where's the boy?

_La_. Here Madam.

[ _Enter _Bellario.

_Are_. Sir, you are sad to change your service, is't not so?

_Bell_. Madam, I have not chang'd; I wait on you,
To do him service.

_Are_. Thou disclaim'st in me;
Tell me thy name.

_Bell_. _Bellario_.

_Are_. Thou canst sing, and play?

_Bell_. If grief will give me leave, Madam, I can.

_Are_. Alas! what kind of grief can thy years know?
Hadst thou a curst master, when thou went'st to School?
Thou art not capable of other grief;
Thy brows and cheeks are smooth as waters be,
When no [b]reath troubles them: believe me boy,
Care seeks out wrinkled brows, and hollow eyes,
And builds himself caves to abide in them.
Come Sir, tell me truly, does your Lord love me?

_Bell_. Love Madam? I know not what it is.

_Are_. Canst thou know grief, and never yet knew'st love?
Thou art deceiv'd boy; does he speak of me
As if he wish'd me well?

_Bell_. If it be love,
To forget all respect of his own friends,
In thinking of your face; if it be love
To sit cross arm'd and sigh away the day,
Mingled with starts, crying your name as loud
And hastily, as men i'the streets do fire:
If it be love to weep himself away,
When he but hears of any Lady dead,
Or kill'd, because it might have been your chance;
If when he goes to rest (which will not be)
'Twixt every prayer he saies, to name you once
As others drop a bead, be to be in love;
Then Madam, I dare swear he loves you.

_Are_. O y'are a cunning boy, and taught to lie,
For your Lords credit; but thou knowest, a lie,
That bears this sound, is welcomer to me,
Than any truth that saies he loves me not.
Lead the way Boy: Do you attend me too;
'Tis thy Lords business hasts me thus; Away.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter _Dion, Cleremont, Thrasilin, Megra _and _Galatea.

_Di_. Come Ladies, shall we talk a round? As men
Do walk a mile, women should take an hour
After supper: 'Tis their exercise.

_Gal_. Tis late.

_Meg_. 'Tis all
My eyes will do to lead me to my bed.

_Gal_. I fear they are so heavy, you'l scarce find
The way to your lodging with 'em to night.

[ Enter _Pharamond_.

_Thra_. The Prince.

_Pha_. Not a bed Ladies? y'are good sitters up;
What think you of a pleasant dream to last
Till morning?

_Meg_. I should choose, my Lord, a pleasing wake before it.

[_Enter _Arethusa _and _Bellario.

_Are_. 'Tis well my Lord y'are courting of Ladies.
Is't not late Gentlemen?

_Cle_. Yes Madam.

_Are_. Wait you there.
[_Exit _Arethusa.

_Meg_. She's jealous, as I live; look you my Lord,
The Princess has a _Hilas_, an _Adonis_.

_Pha_. His form is Angel-like.

_Meg_. Why this is he, must, when you are wed,
Sit by your pillow, like young _Apollo_, with
His hand and voice, binding your thoughts in sleep;
The Princess does provide him for you, and for her self.

_Pha_. I find no musick in these boys.

_Meg_. Nor I.
They can do little, and that small they do,
They have not wit to hide.

_Di_. Serves he the Princess?

_Thra_. Yes.

_Di_. 'Tis a sweet boy, how brave she keeps him!

_Pha_. Ladies all good rest; I mean to kill a Buck
To morrow morning, ere y'ave done your dreams.

_Meg_. All happiness attend your Grace, Gentlemen good rest,
Come shall we to bed?

_Gal_. Yes, all good night.

[_Ex_. Gal. _and _Meg.

_Di_. May your dreams be true to you;
What shall we do Gallants? 'Tis late, the King
Is up still, see, he comes, a Guard along
With him.

[_Enter _King, Arethusa _and _Guard.

_King_. Look your intelligence be true.

_Are_. Upon my life it is: and I do hope,
Your Highness will not tye me to a man,
That in the heat of wooing throws me off,
And takes another.

_Di_. What should this mean?

_King_. If it be true,
That Lady had been better have embrac'd
Cureless Diseases; get you to your rest,

[_Ex_. Are. _and _Bel.

You shall be righted: Gentlemen draw near,
We shall imploy you: Is young _Pharamond_
Come to his lodging?

_Di_. I saw him enter there.

_King_. Haste some of you, and cunningly discover,
If Megra be in her lodging.

_Cle_. Sir,
She parted hence but now with other Ladies.

_King_. If she be there, we shall not need to make
A vain discovery of our suspicion.
You gods I see, that who unrighteously
Holds wealth or state from others, shall be curst,
In that, which meaner men are blest withall:
Ages to come shall know no male of him
Left to inherit, and his name shall be
Blotted from earth; If he have any child,
It shall be crossly matched: the gods themselves
Shall sow wild strife betwixt her Lord and her,
Yet, if it be your wills, forgive the sin
I have committed, let it not fall
Upon this understanding child of mine,
She has not broke your Laws; but how can I,
Look to be heard of gods, that must be just,
Praying upon the ground I hold by wrong?

[ _Enter _Dion.

_Di_. Sir, I have asked, and her women swear she is within,
but they I think are bawds; I told 'em I must speak
with her: they laught, and said their Lady lay speechless.
I said, my business was important; they said their Lady
was about it: I grew hot, and cryed my business was a
matter that concern'd life and death; they answered, so
was sleeping, at which their Lady was; I urg'd again, she
had scarce time to be so since last I saw her; they smil'd
again, and seem'd to instruct me, that sleeping was
nothing but lying down and winking: Answers more direct
I could not get: in short Sir, I think she is not there.

_King_. 'Tis then no time to dally: you o'th' Guard,
Wait at the back door of the Princes lodging,
And see that none pass thence upon your lives.
Knock Gentlemen: knock loud: louder yet:
What, has their pleasure taken off their hearing?
I'le break your meditations: knock again:
Not yet? I do not think he sleeps, having this
Larum by him; once more, _Pharamond_, Prince.

[Pharamond _above_.

_Pha_. What sawcy groom knocks at this dead of night?
Where be our waiters? By my vexed soul,
He meets his death, that meets me, for this boldness.

_K_. Prince, you wrong your thoughts, we are your friends,
Come down.

_Pha_. The King?

_King_. The same Sir, come down,
We have cause of present Counsel with you.

_Pha_. If your Grace please to use me, I'le attend you
To your Chamber.
[Pha. _below_.

_King_. No, 'tis too late Prince, I'le make bold with yours.

_Pha_. I have some private reasons to my self,
Makes me unmannerly, and say you cannot;
Nay, press not forward Gentlemen, he must come
Through my life, that comes here.

_King_. Sir be resolv'd, I must and will come. Enter.

_Pha_. I will not be dishonour'd;
He that enters, enters upon his death;
Sir, 'tis a sign you make no stranger of me,
To bring these Renegados to my Chamber,
At these unseason'd hours.

_King_. Why do you
Chafe your self so? you are not wrong'd, nor shall be;
Onely I'le search your lodging, for some cause
To our self known: Enter I say.

_Pha_. I say no.
[_Meg. Above_.

_Meg_. Let 'em enter Prince,
Let 'em enter, I am up, and ready; I know their business,
'Tis the poor breaking of a Ladies honour,
They hunt so hotly after; let 'em enjoy it.
You have your business Gentlemen, I lay here.
O my Lord the King, this is not noble in you
To make publick the weakness of a Woman.

_King_. Come down.

_Meg_. I dare my Lord; your whootings and your clamors,
Your private whispers, and your broad fleerings,
Can no more vex my soul, than this base carriage;
But I have vengeance yet in store for some,
Shall in the most contempt you can have of me,
Be joy and nourishment.

_King_. Will you come down?

_Meg_. Yes, to laugh at your worst: but I shall wrong you,
If my skill fail me not.

_King_. Sir, I must dearly chide you for this looseness,
You have wrong'd a worthy Lady; but no more,
Conduct him to my lodging, and to bed.

_Cle_. Get him another wench, and you bring him to bed in deed.

_Di_. 'Tis strange a man cannot ride a Stagg
Or two, to breath himself, without a warrant:
If this geer hold, that lodgings be search'd thus,
Pray heaven we may lie with our own wives in safety,
That they be not by some trick of State mistaken.

[ _Enter with_ Megra.

_King_. Now Lady of honour, where's your honour now?
No man can fit your palat, but the Prince.
Thou most ill shrowded rottenness; thou piece
Made by a Painter and a Pothecary;
Thou troubled sea of lust; thou wilderness,
Inhabited by wild thoughts; thou swoln cloud
Of Infection; them ripe Mine of all Diseases;
Thou all Sin, all Hell, and last, all Devils, tell me,
Had you none to pull on with your courtesies,
But he that must be mine, and wrong my Daughter?
By all the gods, all these, and all the Pages,
And all the Court shall hoot thee through the Court,
Fling rotten Oranges, make ribald Rimes,
And sear thy name with Candles upon walls:
Do you laugh Lady _Venus_?

_Meg_. Faith Sir, you must pardon me;
I cannot chuse but laugh to see you merry.
If you do this, O King; nay, if you dare do it;
By all these gods you swore by, and as many
More of my own; I will have fellows, and such
Fellows in it, as shall make noble mirth;
The Princess, your dear Daughter, shall stand by me
On walls, and sung in ballads, any thing:
Urge me no more, I know her, and her haunts,
Her layes, leaps, and outlayes, and will discover all;
Nay will dishonour her. I know the boy
She keeps, a handsome boy; about eighteen:
Know what she does with him, where, and when.
Come Sir, you put me to a womans madness,
The glory of a fury; and if I do not
Do it to the height?

_King_. What boy is this she raves at?

_Meg_. Alas! good minded Prince, you know not these things?
I am loth to reveal 'em. Keep this fault
As you would keep your health from the hot air
Of the corrupted people, or by heaven,
I will not fall alone: what I have known,
Shall be as publick as a print: all tongues
Shall speak it as they do the language they
Are born in, as free and commonly; I'le set it
Like a prodigious star for all to gaze at,
And so high and glowing, that other Kingdoms far
and Forreign
Shall read it there, nay travel with it, till they find
No tongue to make it more, nor no more people;
And then behold the fall of your fair Princess.

_King_. Has she a boy?

_Cle_. So please your Grace I have seen a boy wait
On her, a fair boy.

_King_. Go get you to your quarter:
For this time I'le study to forget you.

_Meg_. Do you study to forget me, and I'le study
To forget you.

[_Ex_. King, Meg. _and_ Guard.

_Cle_. Why here's a Male spirit for _Hercules_, if ever there
be nine worthies of women, this wench shall ride
astride, and be their Captain.

_Di_. Sure she hath a garrison of Devils in her tongue, she
uttereth such balls of wild-fire. She has so netled the
King, that all the Doctors in the Country will scarce
cure him. That boy was a strange found out antidote to
cure her infection: that boy, that Princess boy: that brave,
chast, vertuous Ladies boy: and a fair boy, a well spoken
boy: All these considered, can make nothing else--but
there I leave you Gentlemen.

_Thra_. Nay we'l go wander with you.

[_Exeunt_.

_Actus Tertius. Scena Prima_.

_Enter _Cle. Di. _and _Thra.

_Cle_. Nay doubtless 'tis true.