SCENE II.

_Enter_ Edith, _a Boy, and a Banquet set out_.

_Edith._ Now for a Fathers murther, and thy ruine, All chastity shall suffer if he raign; Thou blessed soul, look down, and steel thy Daughter, Look on the sacrifice she comes to send thee, And through the bloudy clouds behold my piety, Take from my cold heart fear, from my sex pity, And as I wipe these tears off, shed for thee, So all remembrance may I lose of mercy; Give me a womans anger bent to bloud, The wildness of the winds to drown his prayers, Storm-like may my destruction fall upon him, My rage like roving billows as they rise, Pour'd on his soul to sink it, give me flattery, (For yet my constant soul ne'r knew dissembling) Flattery the food of Fools, that I may rock him And lull him in the Down of his desires; That in the height of all his hopes and wishes, His Heaven forgot, and all his lusts upon him, My hand, like thunder from a cloud, may seize him. I hear him come, go boy, and entertain him.

_Enter Rollo._

SONG.

_Take, Oh take those lips away_ _That so sweetly were forsworn,_ _And those eyes, like break of day,_ _Lights that do mislead the Morn,_ _But my kisses bring again,_ _Seals of love, though seal'd in vain._

_Hide, Oh hide those hills of Snow,_ _Which thy frozen blossome bears,_ _On whose tops the Pinks that grow_ _Are of those that_ April _wears,_ _But first set my poor heart free,_ _Bound in those Ivy chains by thee._

_Rol._ What bright star, taking beauties form upon her, In all the happy lustre of Heavens glory, Has drop'd down from the Skye to comfort me? Wonder of nature, let it not prophane thee My rude hand touch thy beauty, nor this kiss, The gentle sacrifice of love and service, Be offer'd to the honour of thy sweetness.

_Edi._ My gracious Lord, no deity dwells here, Nor nothing of that vertue, but obedience, The servant to your will affects no flattery.

_Rol._ Can it be flattery to swear those eyes Are loves eternal lamps he fires all hearts with? That tongue the smart string to his bow? those sighs The deadly shafts he sends into our souls? Oh, look upon me with thy spring of beauty.

_Edi._ Your grace is full of game.

_Rol._ By Heaven, my _Edith_, Thy Mother fed on Roses when she bred thee.

_Ed._ And thine on brambles that have prick'd her heart out.

_Rol._ The sweetness of the Arabian wind still blowing Upon the treasures of perfumes and spices, In all their pride and pleasures call thee Mistris.

_Edi._ Wil't please you sit Sir?

_Rol._ So you please sit by me. Fair gentle maid, there is no speaking to thee, The excellency that appears upon thee Tyes up my tongue: pray speak to me.

_Edi._ Of what Sir?

_Rol._ Of any thing, any thing is excellent. Will you take my directions? speak of love then; Speak of thy fair self _Edith_; and while thou speak'st, Let me, thus languishing, give up my self wench.

_Edi._ H'as a strange cunning tongue, why do you sigh Sir? How masterly he turns himself to catch me!

_Rol._ The way to Paradise, my gentle maid, Is hard and crooked, scarce Repentance finding, With all her holy helps, the door to enter, Give me thy hand, what dost thou feel?

_Edi._ Your tears Sir. You weep extreamly; strengthen me now justice. Why are these sorrows Sir?

_Rol._ Thou't never love me If I should tell thee, yet there's no way left Ever to purchase this blest Paradise, But swimming thither in these tears.

_Edi._ I stagger.

_Rol._ Are they not drops of blood?

_Edi._ No.

_Rol._ They're for blood then, For guiltless blood, and they must drop, my _Edith_, They must thus drop, till I have drown'd my mischiefs.

_Edi._ If this be true, I have no strength to touch him.

_Rol._ I prethee look upon me, turn not from me; Alas I do confess I'me made of mischiefs, Begot with all mans miseries upon me; But see my sorrows, maid, and do not thou, Whose only sweetest sacrifice is softness, Whose true condition, tenderness of nature.

_Edi._ My anger melts, Oh, I shall lose my justice.

_Rol._ Do not thou learn to kill with cruelty, As I have done, to murther with thy eyes, (Those blessed eyes) as I have done with malice, When thou hast wounded me to death with scorn, (As I deserve it Lady) for my true love, When thou hast loaden me with earth for ever, Take heed my sorrows, and the stings I suffer; Take heed my nightly dreams of death and horrour Pursue thee not: no time shall tell thy griefs then, Nor shall an hour of joy adde to thy beauties. Look not upon me as I kill'd thy Father, As I was smear'd in blood, do not thou hate me, But thus in whiteness of my wash't repentance, In my hearts tears and truth of love to _Edith_, In my fair life hereafter.

_Edi._ He will fool me.

_Rol._ Oh with thine Angel eyes behold and close me, Of Heaven we call for mercy and obtain it; To Justice for our right on Earth and have it; Of thee I beg for love, save me, and give it.

_Edi._ Now heaven thy help, or I am gone for ever, His tongue has turn'd me into melting pity.

_Enter_ Hamond, _and_ Guard.

_Ham._ Keep the doors safe, and upon pain of death Let no man enter till I give the word.

_Guard._ We shall Sir. [_Exeunt._

_Ham._ Here he is in all his pleasure; I have my wish.

_Rol._ How now? why dost thou stare so?

_Edi._ A help, I hope.

_Rol._ What dost thou here? who sent thee?

_Ham._ My Brother, and the base malicious Office Thou mad'st me do to _Aubrey_; pray.

_Rol._ Pray?

_Ham._ Pray; pray if thou canst pray, I shall kill thy soul else, Pray suddenly.

_Rol._ Thou can'st not be so trayterous.

_Ham._ It is a Justice; stay Lady; For I perceive your end; a womans hand Must not rob me of vengeance.

_Edi._ 'Tis my glory.

_Ham._ 'Tis mine, stay, and share with me; by the gods, _Rollo_, There is no way to save thy life.

_Rol._ No?

_Ham._ No, it is so monstrous, no repentance cures it.

_Rol._ Why then thou shalt kill her first, and what this blood Will cast upon thy cursed head.

_Ham._ Poor Guard Sir.

_Edi._ Spare not brave Captain.

_Rol._ Fear, or the Devil has thee.

_Ham._ Such fear Sir as you gave your honor'd Mother, When your most vertuous Brother, shield-like, held her; Such I'le give you, put her away.

_Rol._ I will not, I will not die so tamely.

_Ham._ Murtherous villain, wilt thou draw seas of blood upon thee?

_Edi._ Fear not, kill him good Captain, any way dispatch Him, my body's honor'd with that sword that through me, Sends his black soul to Hell: Oh, but for one hand.

_Ham._ Shake him off bravely.

_Edi._ He's too strong, strike him.

_Ham._ Oh, am I with you Sir? now keep you from him, What, has he got a knife?

_Edi._ Look to him Captain, for now he will be mischievous.

_Ham._ Do you smile Sir? Do's it so tickle you? have at you once more.

_Edi._ O bravely thrust; take heed he come not in Sir; To him again, you give him too much respite.

_Rol._ Yet will you save my life, and I'le forgive thee, And give thee all, all honours, all advancements, Call thee my friend.

_Ed._ Strike, strike, and hear him not, His tongue will tempt a Saint.

_Rol._ Oh for my soul sake.

_Edi._ Save nothing of him.

_Ham._ Now for your farewel, Are you so wary? take you that.

_Rol._ Thou, that too; Oh thou hast kill'd me basely, basely, basely. [_Dyes._

_Edi._ The just reward of murther falls upon thee. How do you Sir? has he not hurt you?

_Ham._ No, I feel not any thing.

_Aub._ I charge you let us passe. [_Within._

_Gua._ You cannot yet Sir.

_Aub._ I'le make way then.

_Gua._ We are sworn to our Captain, and till he give the word.

_Enter_ Sophia, Matilda, Aubrey, _Lords and attendants_.

_Ham._ Now let them in there.

_Sop._ Oh, here he lies, Sorrow on sorrow seeks me, Oh, in his blood he lyes.

_Aub._ Had you spoke sooner This might have been prevented; Take the Dutchess, And lead her off, this is no sight for her eyes.

_Mat._ Oh, bravely done wench.

_Edi._ There stands the noble doer.

_Mat._ My honour ever seek thee for thy justice, Oh 'twas a deed of high and brave adventure, A justice even for heaven to envy at, Farewel my sorrows, and my tears take truce, My wishes are come round: Oh bloody Brother, Till this hour never beauteous; till thy life, Like a full sacrifi[c]e for all thy mischiefs, Flow'd from thee in these rivers, never righteous: Oh how my eyes are quarri'd with their joys now! My longing heart even leaping out for lightness! But dye thy black sins with thee, I forgive thee.

_Aub._ Who did this deed?

_Ham._ I, and I'le answer it. [_Dies._

_Edi._ He faints, oh that same cursed knife has kill'd him.

_Aub._ How?

_Edi._ He snatch'd it from my hand, for whom I bore it, And as they grappl'd.

_Aub._ Justice is ever equal, Had it not been on him, th'adst dy'd too honest. Did you know of his death?

_Edi._ Yes, and rejoyce in't.

_Aub._ I'me sorry for your youth then; though the strictness Of Law shall not fall on you, that of life Must presently, go to a Cloyster, carry her, And there for ever lead your life in penitence.

_Edi._ Best Father to my soul, I give you thanks, Sir, And now my fair revenges have their ends, My vows shall be my kin, my prayers my friends. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Latorch, _and_ Juglers.

_Lat._ Stay there, I'le step in and prepare the Duke.

_Nor._ We shall have brave rewards?

_Fis._ That is without question.

_Lat._ By this time where's my huffing friend Lord _Aubrey_? Where's that good Gentleman? oh, I could laugh now, And burst my self with meer imagination; A wise man, and a valiant man, a just man; To suffer himself be juggl'd out of the world, By a number of poor Gipseys? farewel Swash-buckler, For I know thy mouth is cold enough by this time; A hundred of ye I can shave as neatly, And ne'r draw bloud in shew: now shall my honour, My power and vertue walk alone: my pleasure Observ'd by all, all knees bend to my worship, All sutes to me as Saint of all their fortunes, Prefer'd and crowded to, what full place of credit, And what place now? your Lordship? no, 'tis common, But that I'le think to morrow on; now for my business.

_Aub._ Who's there?

_Lat._ Dead, my Master dead? _Aubrey_ alive too?

_Gua._ _Latorch_, Sir.

_Aub._ Seize his body.

_Lat._ My Master dead?

_Aub._ And you within this halfhour, Prepare your self good Devil, you must to it, Millions of gold shall not redeem thy mischief, Behold the Justice of thy practice, villain; The mass of murthers thou hast drawn upon us: Behold thy doctrine; you look now for reward, Sir, To be advanc'd, I'm sure, for all your labours? And you shall have it, make his gallows higher By ten foot at the least, and then advance him.

_Lat._ Mercy, mercy.

_Aub._ 'Tis too late fool, Such as you meant for me, away with him. [_He is led out._ What gaping knaves are these, bring 'em in fellows, Now, what are you?

_Nor._ Mathematicians, if it please your Lordship.

_Aub._ And you drew a figure?

_Fis._ We have drawn many.

_Aub._ For the Duke, I mean; Sir _Latorchs_ knaves you are.

_Nor._ We know the Gentleman.

_Aub._ What did he promise you?

_Nor._ We are paid already.

_Aub._ But I will see you better paid, go whip them.

_Nor._ We do beseech your Lordship, we were hir'd.

_Aub._ I know you were, and you shall have your hire; Whip 'em extremely, whip that Doctor there, Till he record himself a Rogue.

_Nor._ I am one, Sir.

_Aub._ Whip him for being one, and when th'are whip't, Lead 'em to the gallows to see their patron hang'd; Away with them. [_They are led out._

_Nor._ Ah, good my Lord.

_Aub._ Now to mine own right, Gentlemen.

_1 Lord._ You have the next indeed, we all confess it, And here stand ready to invest you with it.

_2 Lord._ Which to make stronger to you, and the surer Than bloud or mischiefs dare infringe again, Behold this Lady, Sir, this noble Lady, Full of the bloud as you are, of that nearness, How blessed would it be?

_Aub._ I apprehend you, and so the fair _Matilda_ dare accept Me her ever constant servant.

_Mat._ In all pureness, In all humility of heart and services, To the most noble _Aubrey_, I submit me.

_Aub._ Then this is our first tye, now to our business.

_1 Lord._ We are ready all to put the honour on you, Sir.

_Aub._ These sad rites must be done first, take up the bodys, This, as he was a Prince, so Princely funeral Shall wait upon him: on this honest Captain, The decency of arms; a tear for him too.

_So, sadly on, and as we view his blood,_ _May his Example in our Rule raise good._

THE

Wild-Goose Chase;

A

COMEDY.

Persons Represented in the Play.

De-Gard, _A Noble stay'd' Gentleman that being newly lighted from his Travels, assists his Sister_ Oriana _in her chase of_ Mirabel _the_ Wild-Goose. La-Castre, _the Indulgent Father to_ Mirabell. Mirabell, _the_ Wild-Goose, _a Travell'd Monsieur, and great defyer of all Ladies in the way of Marriage, otherwise their much loose servant, at last caught by the despis'd_ Oriana. Pinac, _his fellow Traveller, of a lively spirit, and Servant to the no less sprightly_ Lillia-Bianca. Belleur, _Companion to both, of a stout blunt humour, in love with_ Rosalura. Nantolet, _Father to_ Rosalura _and_ Lillia-Bianca. Lugier, _the rough and confident Tutor to the Ladies, and chief Engine to entrap the_ Wild-Goose. Oriana, _the fair betroth'd of_ Mirabell, _and witty follower of the_ Chase. Rosalura, } _the Airie Daughters of_ Nantolet. Lillia-Bianca, } Petella, _their Waiting-woman_. Mariana, _an English Courtezan_. _A young Factor._ _Page._ _Servants._ _Singing-Boy._ _Two Merchants._ _Priest._ _Four Women._

_The Scene_ Paris.

The Actors were,

_Robert Benfield._ _John Lowin._ _William Trigg._ _Richard Robinson._ _William Penn._ _Sander Gough._ _Joseph Taylor._ _Hilliard Swanston._ Mr. _Shank_. _Thomas Pollard._ _Stephen Hammerton._ _John Hony-man._

_Actus Primus. Scena Prima._

_Enter Monsieur_ De Gard, _and a Foot-Boy_.

[_De Ga._] Sirrah, you know I have rid hard; stir my Horse well And let him want no Litter.

_Boy._ I am sure I have run hard, Would some body would walk me, & see me Litter'd; For I think my fellow-horse, cannot in reason Desire more rest, nor take up his Chamber before me, But we are the Beasts now, and the Beasts are our Masters.

_De Ga._ When you have done, step to the Ten-Crown _Ordinary_.

_Boy._ With all my heart, Sir, For I have a Twenty Crown stomach.

_De Ga._ And there bespeak a dinner.

_Boy._ Yes Sir, presently.

_De Ga._ For whom, I beseech you, Sir?

_Boy._ For my self, I take it, Sir.

_De Ga._ In truth ye shall not take it, 'tis not meant for you, There's for your Provender: Bespeak a Dinner For _Monsieur Mirabell_, and his Companions, They'll be in Town within this hour. When you have done, Sirrah, Make ready all things at my Lodging, for me, And wait me there.

_Boy._ The Ten Crown _Ordinary_?

_De Ga._ Yes Sir, if you have not forgot it.

_Boy._ I'le forget my feet first; 'Tis the best part of a Foot-mans faith. [_Exit Boy._

_De Ga._ These youths For all they have been in _Italy_, to learn thrift, And seem to wonder at mens lavish waies, Yet they cannot rub off old friends, their French itches; They must meet sometimes to disport their Bodies With good Wine, and good Women; and good store too. Let 'em be what they will, they are Arm'd at all points, And then hang saving. Let the Sea grow high, This _Ordinary_ can fit 'em of all sizes,

_Enter_ La-Castre _and_ Oriana.

They must salute their Country with old customes.

_Ori._ Brother.

_De Ga._ My dearest Sister.

_Ori._ Welcome, welcome: Indeed ye are welcome home, most welcome.

_De Ga._ Thank ye, You are grown a handsome woman, _Oriana_, (Blush at your faults) I am wondrous glad to see ye. Monsieur _La-Castre_: Let not my Affection To my fair Sister, make me be held unmannerly: I am glad to see ye well, to see ye lusty, Good health about ye, and in fair company, Believe me, I am proud--

_La-Cast._ Fair Sir, I thank ye: Monsieur _de Gard_, you are welcome from your journey, Good men, have still good welcome: give me your hand, Sir. Once more, you are welcome home: you look still younger.

_De Ga._ Time has no leasure to look after us. We wander every where: Age cannot find us.

_La-Cast._ And how does all?

_De Ga._ All well, Sir; and all lusty.

_La-Cast._ I hope my Son be so, I doubt not, Sir, But you have often seen him in your journeys, And bring me some fair News.

_De Ga._ Your Son is well, Sir, And grown a proper Gentleman: he is well, and lusty, Within this eight hours, I took leave of him, And over-ey'd him, having some slight business That forc'd me out o'th' way: I can assure you He will be here to night.

_La-Cast._ Ye make me glad, Sir, For o' my faith, I almost long to see him, Me thinks he has been away--

_De Ga._ 'Tis but your tenderness; What are three years? a love-sick wench will allow it: His friends that went out with him are come back too; _Belleur_, and young _Pinac_: he bid me say little, Because he means to be his own glad Messenger.

_La-Ca._ I thank ye for this news, Sir, he shall be welcome, And his friends too: indeed I thank you heartily: And how (for I dare say, you will not flatter him) Has _Italy_ wrought on him? has he mew'd yet His wild fantastick Toyes? they say that Climate Is a great purger of those humorous Fluxes. How is he improved, I pray ye?

_De Ga._ No doubt, Sir, well. H'as born himself a full, and noble Gentleman, To speak him farther is beyond my Charter.

_La-Cast._ I am glad to hear so much good; Come, I see You long to enjoy your Sister: yet I must intreat ye Before I go, to sup with me to night And must not be deni'd.

_De Ga._ I am your servant.

_La-C._ Where you shall meet fair, merry, and noble Company. My neighbour _Natolet_, and his two fair Daughters.

_De G._ Your supper's season'd well, Sir. I shall wait upon ye.

_La-C._ Till then I'le leave ye: and y'are once more welcome.

_De G._ I thank ye, noble Sir. Now, _Oriana_, [_Exit._ How have ye done since I went? have ye had your health well? And your mind free?

_Oria._ You see I am not bated; Merry, and eat my meat.

_De G._ A good preservative. And how have you been us'd? You know, _Oriana_, Upon my going out, at your request, I left your Portion in _La-Castre_'s hands, (The main Means you must stick to) for that reason (And 'tis no little one) I ask ye, Sister, With what humanity he entertains ye, And how ye find his courtesie?

_Oria._ Most ready. I can assure you, Sir, I am us'd most nobly.

_De G._ I am glad to hear it: But I prethee tell me, (And tell me true) what end had you, _Oriana_, In trusting your mony here? He is no Kinsman, Nor any tie upon him of a Guardian; Nor dare I think ye doubt my prodigality.

_Or._ No, certain, Sir, none of all this provoked me; Another private reason.

_De G._ 'Tis not private, Nor carryed so: 'tis common (my fair Sister) Your love to _Mirabel_; your blushes tell it: 'Tis too much known, and spoken of too largely; And with no little shame I wonder at it.

_Oria._ Is it a shame to love?

_De G._ To love undiscreetly: A Virgin should be tender of her honour, Close, and secure.

_Oria._ I am as close as can be, And stand upon as strong and honest guards too; Unless this Warlike Age need a Port-cullis: Yet I confess, I love him.

_De G._ Hear the people.

_Oria._ Now I say hang the people: He that dares Believe what they say, dares be mad, and give His Mother, nay his own Wife up to Rumor; All grounds of truth they build on, is a Tavern, And their best censure's Sack, Sack in abundance: For as they drink, they think: they ne're speak modestly Unless the wine be poor, or they want mony. Believe them? believe _Amadis de Gaul_, The Knight o'th' Sun, or _Palmerin_ of _England_; For these, to them, are modest, and true stories. Pray understand me; if their tongues be truth, And if in _Vino veritas_ be an Oracle, What Woman is, or has been ever honest? Give 'em but ten round cups, they'll swear _Lucretia_ Dy'd not for want of power to resist _Tarquin_, But want of Pleasure, that he stay'd no longer: And _Portia_, that was famous for her Piety To her lov'd Lord, they'll face ye out, dy'd o'th' Pox.

_De G._ Well, there is something, Sister.

_Oria._ If there be, Brother, 'Tis none of their things, 'tis not yet so monstrous; My thing is Marriage: And at his return I hope to put their squint-eyes right again.

_De G._ Marriage? 'tis true; his Father is a rich man; Rich both in land and money: he his heir, A young and handsome man, I must confess too; But of such qualities, and such wild flings, Such admirable imperfections, Sister, (For all his Travel, and bought experience) I should be loth to own him for my Brother: Methinks a rich mind in a state indifferent Would prove the better fortune.

_Oria._ If he be wild, The reclaiming him to good, and honest, (Brother) Will make much for my honour; which, if I prosper, Shall be the study of my love, and life too.

_De G._ Ye say well; would he thought as well, and loved too. He Marry? he'll be hanged first: he knows no more What the conditions and the ties of Love are, The honest purposes and grounds of Marriage, Nor will know, nor be ever brought t' endeavour, Than I do how to build a Church; he was ever A loose and strong defier of all order, His Loves are wanderers, they knock at each door, And taste each dish, but are no residents: Or say he may be brought to think of Marriage, (As 'twill be no small labour) thy hopes are strangers. I know there is a labour'd match, now follow'd, (Now at this time, for which he was sent for home too) Be not abus'd, _Natolet_ has two fair Daughters, And he must take his choice.

_Or._ Let him take freely; For all this I despair not; my mind tells me That I, and only I, must make him perfect; And in that hope I rest.

_De-Gar._ Since y'are so confident, Prosper your hope; I'll be no adversary; Keep your self fair and right, he shall not wrong ye.

_Or._ When I forget my vertue, no man know me.

[_Exeunt._