Part 23

_Sanc._ Yes, and to use it (bear me up to him, Rogues) Thus, at a Traitors heart.

_Alph._ Truer than thine.

_Gov._ Strike, strike; Some of the people disarm 'em, Kill 'em if they resist.

_Phi._ Nay generous Sir Let not your courtesie turn fury now.

_Gov._ Lay hold upon 'em, take away their weapons, I will be worth an answer, e'r we part.

_Phi._ 'Tis the Governor Sir.

_Alph._ I yield my self.

_Sanch._ My Sword? what thinkst thou of me? pray thee tell me.

1 _Attend._ As of a Gentleman.

_Sanch._ No more?

1 _Attend._ Of worth, And quality.

_Sanch._ And I should quit my sword There were small worth or quality in that friend; Pray thee learn thou more worth and quality Than to demand it.

_Gov._ Force it I say.

1 _Attend._ The Governor You hear, commands.

_Sanch._ The Governr shall pardon me.

_Phi._ How, _Leocadia_ gone again? [_Exit_ Phi.

_Sanch._ He shall friend I' th' point of honor; by his leave, so tell him, His person and authority I acknowledge, And do submit me to it; but my Sword, He shall excuse me, were he fifteen Governors; That and I dwell together, and must yet Till my hands part, assure him.

_Gov._ I say force it.

_Sanch._ Stay, hear me. Hast thou ever read _Caranza_? Understandst thou honor, Noble Governor?

_Gov._ For that we'll have more fit dispute.

_Sanch._ Your name Sir?

_Gov._ You shall know that too: but on colder terms, Your blood and brain are now too hot to take it.

_Sanch._ Force my Sword from me? this is an affront.

_Gov._ Bring 'em away.

_Sanch._ You'll do me reparation. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Philippo.

_Phi._ I have for ever lost her, and am lost, And worthily: my lameness hath undone me; She's gone hence, asham'd of me: yet I seek her. Will she be ever found to me again, Whom she saw stand so poorly, and dare nothing In her defence, here? when I should have drawn This Sword out like a Meteor, and have shot it In both our Parents eies, and left 'em blind Unto their impotent angers? Oh I am worthy On whom this loss and scorn should light to death Without the pity that should wish me better, Either alive, or in my Epitaph.

_Enter_ Leonardo, Mark-Antonio.

_Leo._ Well Son, your Father is too near himself And hath too much of nature to put off Any affection that belongs to you, I could have only wish'd you had acquainted Her Father, whom it equally concerns, Though y'had presum'd on me: it might have open'd An easier gate, and path to both our joyes: For though I am none of those flinty Fathers That when their children do but natural things, Turn rock and offence straight: yet _Mark-antonio_, All are not of my quarry.

_Mar._ 'Tis my fear Sir; And if hereafter I should e'r abuse So great a piety, it were my malice.

_Enter Attendants_.

_Atten._ We must intreat you Gentlemen to take Another room, the Governor is coming Here, on some business.

_Enter Governor_, Sanchio, Alphonso. _Attendants_.

_Mar._ We will give him way.

_Sanch._ I will have right Sir on you; that believe, If there be any Marshals Court in _Spain_.

_Gov._ For that Sir we shall talk.

_Sanch._ ---- Do not slight me, Though I am without a Sword.

_Gov._ Keep to your Chair Sir.

_Sanch._ ---- Let me fall, and hurle my chair! (slaves) at him.

_Gov._ You are the more temper'd man Sir: let me intreat Of you the manner how this brawl fell out.

_Alph._ Fell out? I know not how: nor do I care much: But here we came Sir to this Town together, Both in one business, and one wrong, engag'd, To seek one _Leonardo_, an old _Genoese_, I ha' said enough there; would you more? false father Of a false son, call'd _Mark-antonio_, Who had stole both our Daughters; and which Father Conspiring with his Son in treachery, It seem'd, to flie our satisfaction, Was, as we heard, come private to this Town Here to take ship for _Italy_.

_Leo._ You heard More than was true then: by the fear, or falshood, And though I thought not to reveal my self (Pardon my manners in't to you) for some Important reasons; yet being thus character'd And challeng'd, know I dare appear, and doe To who dares threaten.

_Mar._ I say he is not worthy The name of man, or any honest preface, That dares report or credit such a slander. Do you Sir say it?

_Alph._ I doe say it.

_Gov._ Hold. Is this your father Signior _Mark-antonio_? You have ill requited me thus to conceal him From him would honor him, and do him service.

_Enter_ Eugenia.

_Leon._ 'Twas not his fault Sir.

_Eug._ Where's my Lord?

_Gov._ Sweet-heart.

_Eug._ Know you these Gentlemen? they are all the fathers Unto our friends.

_Gov._ So it appears my Dove.

_Sanch._ Sir, I say nothing: I do want a Sword. And till I have a Sword I will say nothing.

_Eug._ Good Sir, command these Gentlemen their Arms; Entreat 'em as your friends, not as your prisoners. Where be their Swords?

_Gov._ Restore each man his weapon.

_Sanch._ It seems thou hast not read _Caranza_, fellow I must have reparation of honor, As well as this: I find that wounded.

_Gov._ Sir, I did not know your quality, if I had 'Tis like I should have done you more respects.

_Sanch._ It is sufficient, by _Caranza's_ rule.

_Eug._ I know it is Sir.

_Sanch._ Have you read _Caranza_ Lady?

_Eug._ If you mean him that writ upon the Duel, He was my kinsman.

_Sanch._ Lady, then you know By the right noble writings of your kinsman, My honor is as dear to me, as the Kings.

_Eug._ 'Tis very true Sir.

_Sanch._ Therefore [I] must crave Leave to go on now with my first dependance.

_Eug._ What ha' you more?

_Gov._ None here good Signior.

_Sanch._ I will, refer me to _Caranza_ still.

_Eug._ Nay love, I prethee let me manage this. With whom is't Sir?

_Sanch._ With that false man _Alphonso_.

_Eug._ Why he has th' advantage Sir, in legs.

_Sanch._ But I In truth, in hand and heart, and a good Sword.

_Eug._ But how if he will not stand you Sir?

_Alph._ For that, Make it no question Lady, I will stick My feet in earth down by him, where he dare.

_Sanch._ O would thou wouldst.

_Alph._ I'll do't.

_Sanch._ Let me kiss him. I fear thou wilt not yet.

_Eug._ Why Gentlemen, If you'll proceed according to _Caranza_, Methinks an easier way, were [two] good chairs, So you would be content Sir, to be bound, 'Cause he is lame? I'll fit you with like weapons, Pistols and Ponyards, and ev'n end it. If The difference between you be so mortal, It cannot be tane up.

_Sanch._ Tane up? take off This head first.

_Alph._ Come bind me in a chair.

_Eug._ Yes, do.

_Gait._ What mean you, Dove.

_Eug._ Let me alone, And set 'em at their distance: when you ha' done Lend me two Ponyards; I'll have Pistols ready Quickly. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Philippo.

_Phi._ She is not here _Mark-antonio_, Saw you not _Leocadia_?

_Mar._ Not I brother.

_Phi._ Brother let's speak with you; you were false unto her.

_Mar._ I was, but have ask'd pardon: why do you urge it?

_Phi._ You were not worthy of her.

_Mar._ May be I was not; But 'tis not well, you tell me so.

_Phi._ My Sister Is not so fair.

_Mar._ It skils not.

_Phi._ Nor so virtuous.

_Mar._ Yes, she must be as virtuous.

_Phi._ I would fain--

_Mar._ What brother?

_Phi._ Strike you.

_Mar._ I shall not bear strokes, Though I do these strange words.

_Phi._ Will you not kill me?

_Mar._ For what good brother?

_Phi._ Why, for speaking well Of _Leocadia_.

_Mar._ No indeed.

_Phi._ Nor ill Of _Theodosia_?

_Enter_ Eugenia, Leocadia, Theodosia, _and one with two Pistols_.

_Mar._ Neither.

_Phi._ Fare you well then.

_Eug._ Nay, you shall have as noble seconds too As ever Duelists had; give 'em their weapons: Now _St. Jago_.

_Sanch._ Are they charg'd?

_Eug._ Charg'd Sir? I warrant you.

_Alph._ Would they were well discharg'd.

_Sanch._ I like a Sword much better I confess.

_Eug._ Nay, wherefore stay you? shall I mend your mark? Strike one another, thorough these?

_Phi._ My love.

_Alph._ My _Theodosia_.

_Sanch._ I ha' not the heart.

_Alph._ Nor I.

_Eug._ Why here is a dependence ended. Unbind that Gentleman; come take here to you Your Sons and Daughters, and be friends. A feast Waits you within, is better than your fray: Lovers, take you your own, and all forbear Under my roof, either to blush or fear. My love, what say you? could _Caranza_ himself Carry a business better?

_Gov._ It is well: All are content I hope, and we well eas'd. If they for whom we have done all this be pleas'd. [_Exeunt._

Prologue.

_To this place Gentlemen, full many a day_ _We have bid ye welcome; and to many a Play:_ _And those whose angry souls were not diseas'd_ _With Law, or lending Money, we have pleas'd;_ _And make no doubt to do again. This night_ _No mighty matter, nor no light,_ _We must intreat you look for: A good tale,_ _Told in two hours, we will not fail_ _If we be perfect, to rehearse ye: New_ _I am sure it is, and handsome; but how true_ _Let them dispute that writ it. Ten to one_ _We please the Women, and I would know that man_ _Follows not their example? If ye mean_ _To know the Play well, travel with the Scene._ _For it lies upon the Road; if we chance tire,_ _As ye are good men, leave us not i'th' mire,_ _Another bait may mend us: If you grow_ _A little gall'd or weary; cry but hoa,_ _And we'll stay for ye. When our journey ends_ _Every mans Pot I hope, and all part friends._

THE DOUBLE MARRIAGE.

A Tragedy.

* * * * *

The Persons Represented in the Play.

Ferrand, _The libidinous Tyrant of_ Naples. Virolet, _A noble Gent, studious of his Countries freedom._ Brissonet, Camillo, _Two honest Gentlemen, confederates with_ Virolet. Ronvere, _A villain, Captain of the Guard._ Villio, _A Court fool._ Castruccio, _A court Parasite._ Pandulpho, _A noble Gentleman of_ Naples, _father to_ Virolet. The Duke of _Sesse, An enemy to_ Ferrand, _proscribed and turn'd Pirate._ Ascanio, _Nephew and successor to_ Ferrand. Boy, _Page to Virolet._ Master. Gunner. Boatswain. Chirurgion. Sailors. Doctor. Citizens. Guard. Soldiers. Servants.

WOMEN.

Juliana, _The matchl[ess] Wife of_ Virolet, Martia, _Daughter to the Duke of_ Sesse.

* * * * *

The Scene Naples.

* * * * *

The principal Actors were

_Joseph Tailor_, _Robert Benfield_, _John Underwood_, _George Birch_, _John Lowin_, _Rich. Robinson_, _Nich. Tooly_, _Rich. Sharp_.

_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._

_Enter_ Virolet, _and Boy._

_Vir._ Boy.

_Boy._ Sir?

_Vir._ If my wife seek me, tell her that Designs of weight, too heavy for her knowledge, Exact my privacy.

_Boy._ I shall, Sir.

_Vir._ Do then, And leave me to my self.

_Boy._ 'Tis a raw morning And would you please to interpret that for duty Which you may construe boldness, I could wish To arm your self against it, you would use More of my service.

_Vir._ I have heat within here, A noble heat (good boy) to keep it off, I shall not freeze; deliver my excuse, [_Enter_ Juliana. And you have done your part.

_Boy._ That is prevented, My Lady follows you.

_Vir._ Since I must be crost then, Let her perform that office.

_Boy._ I obey you. [_Exit._

_Vir._ Prethee to bed; to be thus fond's more tedious Than if I were neglected.

_Jul._ 'Tis the fault then Of Love and Duty, which I would fall under, Rather than want that care which you may challenge As due to my obedience.

_Vir._ I confess This tenderness argues a loving Wife, And more deserves my hearts best thanks, than anger. Yet I must tell ye Sweet, you do exceed In your affection, if you would ingross me To your delights alone.

_Jul._ I am not jealous, If my embraces have distasted you, As I must grant you every way so worthy That 'tis not in weak woman to deserve you, Much less in miserable me, that want Those graces, some more fortunate are stor'd with. Seek any whom you please, and I will study With my best service to deserve those favors, That shall yield you contentment.

_Vir._ You are mistaken.

_Jul._ No, I am patient Sir, and so good morrow; I will not be offensive.

_Vir._ Hear my reasons.

_Jul._ Though in your life a widdows bed receives me, For your sake I must love it. May she prosper That shall succeed me in it, and your ardor Last longer to her.

_Vir._ By the love I bear, First to my Countreys peace; next to thy self To whom compar'd, my life I rate at nothing; Stood here a Lady that were the choice abstract Of all the beauties nature ever fashion'd, Or Art gave ornament to, compar'd to thee, Thus as thou art obedient and loving, I should contemn and loath her.

_Jul._ I doe believe. How I am blest In my assur'd belief! this is unfeign'd; And why this sadness then?

_Vir._ Why _Juliana_, Believe me, these my sad and dull retirements, My often, nay almost continued Fasts, Sleep banisht from my eyes, all pleasures, strangers, Have neither root nor growth from any cause That may arrive at Woman. Shouldst thou be, As chastity forbid, false to my bed, I should lament my fortune, perhaps punish Thy falshood, and then study to forget thee: But that which like a never-emptied spring, Feeds high the torrent of my swelling grief, Is what my Countrey suffers; there's a ground Where sorrow may be planted, and spring up, Through yielding rage, and womanish despair, And yet not shame the owner.

_Jul._ I do believe it true, Yet I should think my self a happy woman, If, in this general and timely mourning, I might or give to you, or else receive A little lawful comfort.

_Vir._ Thy discretion In this may answer for me; look on _Naples_ The Countrey where we both were born and bred, _Naples_ the Paradise of _Italy_, As that is of the earth; _Naples_, that was The sweet retreat of all the worthiest _Romans_, When they had shar'd the spoils of the whole world; This flourishing Kingdom, whose inhabitants For wealth and bravery, liv'd like petty Kings, Made subject now to such a tyrannie. As that fair City that receiv'd her name From _Constantine_ the great, now in the power Of barbarous Infidels, may forget her own; To look with pity on our miseries; So far in our calamities we transcend her. For since this _Arragonian_ tyrant, _Ferrand_, Seiz'd on the gover[n]ment, there's nothing left us That we can call our own, but our afflictions.

_Jul._ And hardly those; the Kings strange cruelty, Equals all presidents of tyranny.

_Vir._ Equal say you? He has out-gone, the worst compar'd to him; Nor _Phalaris_, nor _Dionysius_, _Caligula_, nor _Nero_ can be mention'd; They yet as Kings, abus'd their Regal power; This as a Merchant, all the Countreys fat, He wholly does ingross unto himself; Our Oils he buys at his own price, then sells them To us, at dearer rates; our Plate and Jewels, Under a fain'd pretence of publique use, He borrows; which deny'd his instruments force. The Races of our horses he takes from us; Yet keeps them in our pastures; rapes of Matrons, And Virgins, are too frequent; never man Yet thank'd him for a pardon; for Religion, It is a thing he dreams not of.

_Jul._ I have heard, How true it is, I know not; that he sold The Bishoprick of _Tarent_ to a Jew, For thirteen thousand Duckets.

_Vir._ I was present, And saw the money paid; the day would leave me, E'r I could number out his impious actions; Or what the miserable Subject suffers; And can you entertain in such a time, A thought of dalliance? tears, and sighs, and groans, Would better now become you.

_Jul._ They indeed are, The only weapons, our poor Sex can use, When we are injur'd; and they may become us; But for me[n] that were born free men, of Ranck; That would be Registred Fathers of their Countrey; And to have on their Tombs in Golden Letters, The noble stile of Tyrant-killers, written; To weep like fools and Women, and not like wise men. To practise a redress, deserves a name, Which fits not me to give.

_Vir._ Thy grave reproof: If what thou dost desire, were possible To be effected, might well argue it, As wise as loving; but if you consider, With what strong guards this Tyrant is defended: Ruffins, and male-contents drawn from all quarters; That only know, to serve his impious Will; The Cittadels built by him in the neck Of this poor City; the invincible strength, Nature by Art assisted, gave this Castle; And above all his fear; admitting no man To see him, but unarm'd; it being death For any to approach him with a weapon. You must confess, unless our hands were Cannons, To batter down these walls; our weak breath Mines, To blow his Forts up; or our curses lightning, To force a passage to him; and then blast him; Our power is like to yours, and we, like you, Weep our misfortunes.

_Jul._ Walls of Brass resist not A noble undertaking; nor can vice, Raise any Bulwark, to make good the place, Where virtue seeks to enter; then to fall In such a brave attempt, were such an honor That _Brutus_, did he live again, would envy. Were my dead Father in you, and my Brothers; Nay, all the Ancestors I am deriv'd from; As you, in being what you are, are all these. I had rather wear a mourning Garment for you, And should be more proud of my widdowhood; You dying for the freedom of this Countrey; Than if I were assur'd, I should enjoy A perpetuity of life and pleasure With you, the Tyrant living.

_Vir._ Till this minute, I never heard thee speak; O more than woman! And more to be belov'd; can I find out A Cabinet, to lock a secret in, Of equal trust to thee? all doubts, and fears, That scandalize your Sex, be far from me; Thou shalt partake my near and dearest councils, And further them with thine.

_Jul._ I will be faithful.

_Vir._ Know then this day, stand heaven propitious to us, Our liberty begins.

_Jul._ In _Ferrands_ death?

_Vir._ 'Tis plotted love, and strongly, and believe it, For nothing else could do it, 'twas the thought, How to proceed in this design and end it, That made strange my embraces.

_Jul._ Curs'd be she, That's so indulgent to her own delights, That for their satisfaction, would give A stop to such a glorious enterprize: For me, I would not for the world, I had been Guilty of such a crime; go on and prosper. Go on my dearest Lord, I love your Honor Above my life; nay, yours; my prayers go with you; Which I will strengthen with my tears: the wrongs Of this poor Countrey, edge your sword; Oh may it Pierce deep into this Tyrants heart, and then When you return bath'd in his guilty blood; I'll wash you clean with fountains of true joy. But who are your assistants? though I am So covetous of your glory, that I could wish You had no sharer in it. [_Knock._

_Vir._ Be not curious. They come, however you command my bosom, To them I would not have you seen.

_Jul._ I am gone Sir, Be confident; and may my resolution Be present with you. [_Exit._

_Vir._ Such a Masculine spirit, With more than Womans virtues, were a Dower To weigh down a Kings fortune.

_Enter_ Brissonet, Camillo, Ronvere.

_Briss._ Good day to you.

_Cam._ You are an early stirrer.

_Vir._ What new face, Bring you along?

_Ron._ If I stand doubted Sir? As by your looks I guess it: you much injure A man that loves, and truly loves this Countrey, With as much zeal as you doe; one that hates The Prince by whom it suffers, and as deadly; One that dares step as far to gain my freedom, As any he that breaths; that wears a sword As sharp as any's.

_Cam._ Nay, no more comparisons.

_Ron._ What you but whisper, I dare speak aloud, Stood the King by; have means to put in act too What you but coldly plot; if this deserve then Suspition in the best, the boldest, wisest? Pursue your own intents, I'll follow mine; And if I not out-strip you--

_Briss._ Be assur'd Sir, A conscience like this can never be ally'd To treachery.

_Cam._ Who durst speak so much, But one that is like us, a sufferer, And stands as we affected?

_Vir._ You are cozen'd And all undone; every Intelligencer Speaks Treason with like licence; is not this _Ronvere_, that hath for many years been train'd In _Ferrand_'s School, a man in trust and favour, Rewarded too, and highly?

_Cam._ Grant all this, The thought of what he was, being as he is now; A man disgrac'd, and with contempt thrown off; Will spurr him to revenge, as swift as they, That never were in favour.

_Vir._ Poor and childish.

_Briss._ His regiment is cast, that is most certain; And his command in the Castle given away.

_Cam._ That on my knowledge.

_Vir._ Grosser still, what Shepheard Would yield the poor remainder of his Flock, To a known Wolf; though he put on the habit, Of a most faithful dog, and bark like one? As this but only talks.

_Cam._ Yes, he has means too.

_Vir._ I know it to my grief, weak men I know it; To make his peace, if there were any war Between him and his Master, betraying Our innocent lives.

_Ron._ You are too suspitious And I have born too much, beyond my temper, Take your own waies, I'll leave you.

_Vir._ You may stay now; You have enough, and all indeed you fish'd for; But one word Gentlemen: have you discover'd To him alone our plot?

_Briss._ To him and others, that are at his devotion.

_Vir._ Worse and worse: For were he only conscious of our purpose, Though with the breach of Hospitable laws, In my own house, I'de silence him for ever: But what is past my help, is past my care. I have a life to lose.

_Cam._ Have better hopes.

_Ron._ And when you know, with what charge I have further'd Your noble undertaking, you will swear me Another man; the guards I have corrupted: And of the choice of all our noblest youths, Attir'd like Virgins; such as Hermits would Welcome to their sad cells, prepar'd a Maske; As done for the Kings pleasure.

_Vir._ For his safety I rather fear; and as a pageant to Usher our ruine.

_Ron._ We as Torch-bearers Will wait on these, but with such art and cunning; I have conveigh'd sharp poniards in the Wax, That we may pass, though search't through all his guards Without suspition, and in all his glory, Oppress him, and with safety.

_Cam._ 'Tis most strange.

_Vir._ To be effected.

_Ron._ You are doubtful still.

_Briss._ But we resolv'd to follow him, and if you Desist now _Virolet_, we will say 'tis fear, Rather than providence. [_Exeunt._

_Cam._ And so we leave you.

_Enter_ Julian.