Part 16

_Mal._ Touch me not: You know I have a throat, ---- if you do I will cry out a rape, or sheath this here, Ere I'll be kept, and us'd for Julip-water T'allay the heat which lushious meats and wine And not desire hath rais'd.

_Vit._ A desperate devil, My blood commands my reason; I must take Some milder way.

_Mal._ I hope (dear _Don_) I fit you. The night is mine, although the day was yours You are not fasting now: this speeding trick Which I would as a principle leave to all, That make their maintenance out of their own _Indies_, As I do now; my good old mother taught me, Daughter, quoth she, contest not with your lover His stomach being empty; let wine heat him, And then you may command him: 'tis a sure one: His looks shew he is coming.

_Vit._ Come this needs not, Especially to me: you know how dear I ever have esteemed you.

_Cla._ Lost again.

_Vit._ That any sight of yours, hath power to change My strongest resolution, and one tear Sufficient to command a pardon from me, For any wrong from you, which all mankind Should kneel in vain for.

_Mal._ Pray you pardon those That need your favor, or desire it.

_Vit._ Prethee. Be better temper'd: I'll pay as a forfeit For my rash anger, this purse fil'd with Gold. Thou shalt have servants, gowns, attires, what not? Only continue mine.

_Mal._ 'Twas this I fish'd for.

_Vit._ Look on me, and receive it.

_Mal._ Well, you know My gentle nature, and take pride t'abuse it: You see a trifle pleases me, we are friends; This kiss, and this confirms it.

_Cla._ With my ruine.

_Mal._ I'll have this diamond, and this pearl.

_Vit._ They are yours.

_Mal._ But will you not, when you have what you came for, Take them from me to morrow? 'tis a fashion Your Lords of late have us'd.

_Vit._ But I'll not follow.

_Cla._ That any man at such a rate as this Should pay for his repentance.

_Vit._ Shall we to bed now?

_Mal._ Instantly, Sweet; yet now I think on't better There's something first that in a word or two I must acquaint you with.

_Cla._ Can I cry ay me, To this against my self? I'll break this match, Or make it stronger with my blood. [_Descends._

_Enter_ Alguazier, Piorato, Pacchieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazarillo, _&c._

_Alg._ I am yours. A _Don_'s not priviledg'd here more than your self, Win her, and wear her.

_Pio._ Have you a Priest ready?

_Alg._ I have him for thee, Lad; and when I have Married this scornful whore to this poor gallant, She will make suit to me; there is a trick To bring a high-pris'd wench upon her knees: For you my fine neat _Harpyes_ stretch your tallons And prove your selves true night-Birds.

_Pach._ Take my word For me and all the rest.

_Laz._ If there be meat Or any banquet stirring, you shall see How I'll bestow my self.

_Alg._ When they are drawn, Rush in upon 'em: all's fair prize you light on: I must away: your officer may give way To the Knavery of his watch, but must not see it. You all know where to find me. [_Exit._

_Met._ There look for us.

_Vit._ Who's that?

_Mal._ My _Piorato_, welcome, welcome: Faith had you not come when you did my Lord Had done I know not what to me.

_Vit._ I am gul'd, First cheated of my Jewels, and then laug[h]'d at: Sirha, what makes you here?

_Pio._ A business brings me, More lawful than your own.

_Vit._ How's that, you slave?

_Mal._ He's such, that would continue her a whore Whom he would make a wife of.

_Vit._ I'll tread upon The face you doat on, strumpet.

_Enter_ Clara.

_Pach._ Keep the peace there.

_Vit._ A plot upon my life too?

_Met._ Down with him.

_Cla._ Show your old valor, and learn from a woman; One Eagle has a world of odds against A flight of Dawes, as these are.

_Pio._ Get you off, I'll follow instantly.

_Pach._ Run for more help there. [_Exeunt all but Vit. and Clara._

_Vit._ Loss of my gold, and jewels, and the wench too Afflicts me not so much, as th'having _Clara_ The witness of my weakness.

_Cla._ He turns from me, And yet I may urge merit, since his life Is made my second gift.

_Vit._ May I ne'r prosper If I know how to thank her.

_Cla._ Sir, your pardon For pressing thus beyond a Virgins bounds Upon your privacies: and let my being Like to a man, as you are, be th'excuse Of my solliciting that from you, which shall not Be granted on my part, although desir'd By any other: Sir, you understand me, And 'twould shew nobly in you, to prevent From me a farther boldness, which I must Proceed in, if you prove not merciful, Though with my loss of blushes and good name.

_Vit._ Madam, I know your will, and would be thankful If it were possible I could affect The daughter of an enemy.

_Cla._ That fair false one Whom with fond dotage you have long pursu'd Had such a father: she to whom you pay Dearer for your dishonor, than all titles Ambitious men hunt for, are worth.

_Vit._ 'Tis truth.

_Cla._ Yet, with her, as a friend you still exchange Health for diseases, and, to your disgrace, Nourish the rivals to your present pleasures, At your own charge, us'd as a property To give a safe protection to her lust, Yet share in nothing but the shame of it.

_Vit._ Grant all this so, to take you for a wife Were greater hazard; for should I offend you (As 'tis not easy still to please a woman) You are of so great a spirit, that I must learn To wear your petticoat, for you will have My breeches from me.

_Cla._ Rather from this hour I here abjure all actions of a man, And will esteem it happiness from you To suffer like a woman: love, true love Hath made a search within me, and expell'd All but my natural softness, and made perfect That which my parents care could not begin. I will show strength in nothing, but my duty, And glad desire to please you, and in that Grow every day more able.

_Vit._ Could this be, What a brave race might I beget? I find A kind of yielding; and no reason why I should hold longer out: she's young, and fair, And chast; for sure, but with her leave, the Devil Durst not attempt her: Madam, though you have A Soldiers arm, your lips appear as if They were a Ladies.

_Cla._ They dare Sir, from you Endure the tryal.

_Vit._ Ha: once more I pray you: The best I ever tasted; and 'tis said I have prov'd many, 'tis not safe I fear To ask the rest now: well, I will leave whoring And luck herein send me with her: worthiest Lady, I'll wait upon you home, and by the way (If ere I marry, as I'll not forswear it) Tell you, you are my wife.

_Cla._ Which if you do, From me all man-kind women, learn to woe. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Tertia._

_Enter_ Alguazier, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazarillo.

_Alg._ A cloak? good purchase, and rich hangers? well, We'll share ten Pistolets a man.

_Laz._ Yet still I am monstrous hungry: could you not deduct So much out of the gross sum, as would purchase Eight loynes of Veal, and some two dozen of Capons?

_Pach._ O strange proportion for five.

_Laz._ For five? I have A legion in my stomach that have kept Perpetual fast these ten years: for the Capons, They are to me but as so many black Birds: May I but eat once, and be satisfied, Let the fates call me, when my ship is fraught, And I shall hang in peace.

_Alg._ Steal well to night, And thou shalt feed to morrow; so now you are Your selves again, I'll raise another watch To free you from suspition: set on any You meet with boldly: I'll not be far off, T'assist you, and protect you. [_Exit._

_Met._ O brave officer.

_Enter_ Alvarez, Lucio, Bobadilla.

_Pach._ Would every ward had one but so well given, And we would watch, for rug, in gowns of velvet.

_Mend._ Stand close, a prize.

_Met._ Satten, and gold Lace, Lads.

_Alv._ Why do'st thou hang upon me?

_Luc._ 'Tis so dark I dare not see my way: for heaven sake father Let us go home.

_Bob._ No, ev'n here we'll leave you: Let's run away from him, my Lord.

_Luc._ Oh 'las.

_Alv._ Thou hast made me mad: and I will beat thee dead, Then bray thee in a morter, and new mold thee, But I will alter thee.

_Bob._ 'Twil never be: He has been three days practising to drink, Yet still he sips like to a waiting woman, And looks as he were murdering of a fart Among wild Irish swaggerers.

_Luc._ I have still Your good word, _Zancho_, father.

_Alv._ Milk-sop, coward; No house of mine receives thee: I disclaim thee, Thy mother on her knees shall not entreat me Hereafter to acknowledge thee.

_Luc._ Pray you speak for me.

_Bo[b]._ I would; but now I cannot with mine honor.

_Alv._ There's only one course left, that may redeem thee, Which is, to strike the next man that you meet, And if we chance to light upon a woman, Take her away, and use her like a man, Or I will cut thy hamstrings.

_Pach._ This makes for us.

_Alv._ What do'st thou do now?

_Luc._ Sir, I am saying my prayers; For being to undertake what you would have me, I know I cannot live.

_Enter_ Lamorall, Genevora, Anastro, _and Pages_ _with Lights_.

_Lam._ Madam, I fear You'll wish you had us'd your coach: your brothers house Is yet far off.

_Gen._ The better sir: this walk Will help digestion after your great supper, Of which I have fed largely.

_Alv._ To your task, Or else you know what follows:

_Luc._ I am dying: Now Lord have mercy on me: by your favor, Sir I must strike you.

_Lam._ For what cause?

_Luc._ I know not: And I must likewise talk with that young Lady, An hour in private.

_Lam._ What you must, is doubtful, But I am certain Sir, I must beat you.

_Luc._ Help, help.

_Alv._ Not strike again?

_Lam._ How, _Alvarez_?

_An._ This for my Lord _Vitellis_ love.

_Pach._ Break out, And like true theeves, make prey on either side, But seem to help the stranger.

_Bob._ Oh my Lord, They have beat him on his knees.

_Luc._ Though I want courage: I yet have a sons duty in me, and Compassion of a fathers danger; that, That wholly now possesses me.

_Alv. Lucio._ This is beyond my hope.

_Met._ So _Lazarillo_, Take up all boy: well done.

_Pach._ And now steal off Closely and cunningly.

_An._ How? have I found you? Why Gentlemen, are you mad, to make your selves A prey to Rogues?

_Lam._ Would we were off.

_Bob._ Theeves, theeves.

_Lam._ Defer our own contention: and down with them.

_Luc._ I'll make you sure.

_Bob._ Now he plays the Devil.

_Gen._ This place is not for me. [_Exit._

_Luc._ I'll follow her Half of my pennance is past oe'r. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Alguazier, Assistant, _and other Watches_.

_Alg._ What noyse? What tumult's there? keep the Kings peace I charge you.

_Pach._ I am glad he's come yet.

_Alv._ O, you keep good Guard Upon the City, when men of our ranck Are set upon in the streets.

_Lam._ The assistants Shall hear on't be assur'd.

_An._ And if he be That careful Governor he is reported, You will smart for it.

_Alg._ Patience, good Signiors: Let me survey the Rascals: O, I know them, And thank you for them: they are pilf'ring rogues Of _Andaluza_ that have perus'd All Prisons in _Castile_: I dare not trust The dungeon with them: no, I'll have them home To my own house.

_Pach._ We had rather go to prison.

_Alg._ Had you so dog-bolts? yes, I know you had: You there would use your cunning fingers on The simple locks; you would: but I'll prevent you.

_Lam._ My Mistriss lost, good night. [_Exit._

_Bob._ Your Son's gone too, What should become of him?

_Alv._ Come of him, what will: Now he dares fight, I care not: I'll to bed, Look to your prisoners _Alguazier_. [_Exit with Boba._

_Alg._ All's clear'd: Droop not for one disaster: let us hug, And triumph in our knaveries.

_Assist._ This confirms What was reported of him.

_Met._ 'Twas done bravely.

_Alg._ I must a little glory in the means We Officers have, to play the Knaves, and safely: How we break through the toyles, pitch'd by the Law, Yet hang up them that are far less delinquents: A simple shopkeeper's carted for a bawd For lodging (though unwittingly) a smock-Gamster: Where, with rewards, and credit I have kept _Malroda_ in my house, as in a cloyster, Without taint, or suspition.

_Pach._ But suppose The Governor should know't?

_Alg._ He? good Gentleman, Let him perplex himself with prying into The measures in the market, and th'abuses The day stands guilty of: the pillage of the night Is only mine, mine own fee simple; Which you shall hold from me, tenants at will, And pay no rent for't.

_Pach._ Admirable Landlord.

_Alg._ Now we'll go search the Taverns, commit such As we find drinking: and be drunk our selves With what we take from them: these silly wretches Whom I for form sake only have brought hither Shall watch without, and guard us.

_Assist._ And we will See you safe lodg'd, most worthy _Alguazier_, With all of you his comrads.

_Met._ 'Tis the Governor.

_Alg._ We are betray'd?

_Assist._ My guard there; bind them fast: How men in high place and authority Are in their lives and estimations wrong'd By their subordinate Ministers! yet such They cannot but imploy: wrong'd justice finding Scarce one true servant in ten officers. 'T'expostulate with you, were but to delay Your crimes due punishment, which shall fall upon you So speedily, and severely, that it shall Fright others by th'example: and confirm How ever corrupt Officers may disgrace Themselves, 'tis not in them to wrong their place Bring them away.

_Alg._ We'll suffer nobly yet, And like to _Spanish_ Gallants.

_Pach._ And we'll hang so.

_Laz._ I have no stomach to it: but I'll endeavor. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Quarta._

_Enter_ Lucio, _and_ Genevora.

_Gen._ Nay you are rude; pray you forbear, you offer now More than the breeding of a Gentleman Can give you warrant for.

_Luc._ 'Tis but to kiss you, And think not I'll receive that for a favour Which was enjoyn'd me for a pennance, Lady.

_Gen._ You have met a gentle confessor, and for once (So then you will rest satisfied) I vouchsafe it.

_Luc._ Rest satisfied with a kiss? why can a man Desire more from a woman? is there any Pleasure beyond it? may I never live If I know what it is.

_Gen._ Sweet Innocence.

_Luc._ What strange new motions do I feel? my veins Burn with an unknown fire: in every part I suffer alteration: I am poyson'd, Yet languish with desire again to tast it, So sweetly it works on me.

_Gen._ I ne'r saw A lovely man, till now.

_Luc._ How can this be? She is a woman, as my mother is, And her I have kiss'd often, and brought off My lips unscortch'd; yours are more lovely, Lady, And so should be less hurtful: pray you vouchsafe Your hand to quench the heat tane from your Lip, Perhaps that may restore me.

_Gen._ Willingly.

_Luc._ The flame increases: if to touch you, burn thus, What would more strict embraces do? I know not, And yet methinks to die so, were to ascend To heaven, through Paradise.

_Gen._ I am wounded too, Though modesty forbids that I should speak What ignorance makes him bold in: why do you fix Your eyes so strongly on me?

_Luc._ Pray you stand still, There is nothing else, that is worth the looking on: I could adore you, Lady.

_Gen._ Can you love me?

_Luc._ To wait on you, in your chamber, and but touch What you, by wearing it, have made divine, Were such a happiness. I am resolved, I'll sell my liberty to you for this glove, And write my self your slave.

_Enter_ Lamorall.

_Gen._ On easier terms, Receive it as a friend.

_Lam._ How! giving favor! I'll have it with his heart.

_Gen._ What will you do?

_Luc._ As you are merciful, take my life rather.

_Gen._ Will you depart with't so?

_Lam._ Do's that grieve you?

_Gen._ I know not: but even now you appear valiant.

_Luc._ 'Twas to preserve my father: in his cause I could be so again.

_Gen._ Not in your own? Kneel to thy Rival and thine enemy? Away unworthy creature, I begin To hate my self, for giving entrance to A good opinion of thee: for thy torment, If my poor beauty be of any power, Mayst thou doat on it desperately: but never Presume to hope for grace, till thou recover And wear the favor that was ravish'd from thee.

_Lam._ He wears my head too then.

_Gen._ Poor fool, farewell. [_Exit._

_Luc._ My womanish soul, which hitherto hath govern'd This coward flesh, I feel departing from me; And in me by her beauty is inspir'd A new, and masculine one: instructing me What's fit to do or suffer; powerful love That hast with loud, and yet a pleasing thunder Rous'd sleeping manhood in me, thy new creature, Perfect thy work so that I may make known Nature (though long kept back) will have her own. [_Exeunt._

_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._

_Enter_ Lamorall _and_ Lucio.

_Lam._ Can it be possible, that in six short hours The subject still the same, so many habits Should be remov'd? or this new _Lucio_, he That yesternight was baffeld and disgrac'd, And thank'd the man that did it, that then kneeld And blubber'd like a woman, should now dare On terms of honor seek reparation For what he then appear'd not capable of?

_Luc._ Such miracles, men that dare do injuries Live to their shames to see, and for punishment And scourge to their proud follies.

_Lam._ Prethee leave me: Had I my Page, or foot-man here to flesh thee, I durst the better hear thee.

_Luc._ This scorn needs not: And offer such no more.

_Lam._ Why say I should, You'll not be angry?

_Luc._ Indeed I think I shall, Would you vouchsafe to shew your self a Captain, And lead a little farther, to some place That's less frequented.

_Lam._ He looks pale.

_Luc._ If not, Make use of this.

_Lam._ There's anger in his eyes too: His gesture, voyce, behaviour, all new fashion'd; Well, if it does endure in act the triall Of what in show it promises to make good, _Ulysses_ Cyclops, _Io's_ transformation, _Eurydice_ fetch from Hell, with all the rest Of _Ovids_ Fables, I'll put in your Creed; And for proof, all incredible things may be, Write down that _Lucio_, the coward _Lucio_, The womanish _Lucio_ fought.

_Luc._ And _Lamorall_, The still imploy'd great duellist _Lamorall_, Took his life from him.

_Lam._ 'Twill not come to that sure: Methinks the only drawing of my Sword Should fright that confidence.

_Luc._ It confirms it rather. To make which good, know you stand now oppos'd By one that is your Rival, one that wishes Your name and title greater, to raise his; The wrong you did, less pardonable than it is, But your strength to defend it, more than ever It was when justice friended it. The Lady For whom we now contend, _Genevora_ Of more desert, (if such incomparable beauty Could suffer an addition) your love To Don _Vitelli_ multipli'd, and your hate Against my father and his house increas'd; And lastly, that the Glove which you there wear, To my dishonour, (which I must force from you) Were dearer to you than your life.

_Lam._ You'l find It is, and so I'll guard it:

_Luc._ All these must meet then With the black infamy, to be foyl'd by one That's not allowd a man: to help your valor, That falling by your hand, I may, or dye, Or win in this one single opposition My Mistriss, and such honor as I may Inrich my fathers Arms with.

_Lam._ 'Tis said Nobly; My life with them are at the stake.

_Luc._ At all then. [_Fight._

_Lam._ She's yours, this and my life too follow your fortune, And give not only back that part, the looser Scorns to accept of--

_Luc._ What's that?

_Lam._ My poor life, Which do not leave me as a farther torment, Having dispoil'd me of my Sword, mine honor, Hope of my Ladies grace, fame, and all else That made it worth the keeping.

_Luc._ I take back No more from you, than what you forc'd from me; And with a worser title: yet think not That I'll dispute this, as made insolent By my success, but as one equal with you, If so you will accept me; that new courage, Or call it fortune if you please, that is Conferr'd upon me by the only sight Of fair _Genevora_, was not bestow'd on me To bloody purposes: nor did her command Deprive me of the happiness to see her But till I did redeem her favor from you; Which only I rejoyce in, and share with you In all you suffer else.

_Lam._ This curtesie Wounds deeper than your Sword can, or mine own; Pray you make use of either, and dispatch me.

_Luc._ The barbarous Turk is satisfied with spoil; And shall I, being possest of what I came for, Prove the more Infidel?

_Lam._ You were better be so, Than publish my disgrace, as 'tis [t]he custom, And which I must expect.

_Luc._ Judge better on me: I have no tongue to trumpet mine own praise To your dishonor: 'tis a bastard courage That seeks a name out that way, no true born one; Pray you be comforted, for by all goodness But to her virtuous self, the best part of it, I never will discover on what terms I came by these: which yet I take not from you, But leave you in exchange of them, mine own, With the desire of being a friend; which if You will not grant me, but on farther trial Of manhood in me, seek me when you please, (And though I might refuse it with mine honor) Win them again, and wear them: so good morrow. [_Exit._

_Lam._ I ne'r knew what true valor was till now; And have gain'd more by this disgrace, than all The honors I have won: they made me proud, Presumptuous of my fortune; a mere beast, Fashion'd by them, only to dare and do: Yielding no reasons for my wilful actions But what I stuck on my Swords point, presuming It was the best Revenew. How unequal Wrongs well maintain'd makes us to others, which Ending with shame teach us to know our selves, I will think more on't.

_Enter_ Vitelli.

_Vit. Lamorall._

_Lam._ My Lord?

_Vit._ I came to seek you.

_Lam._ And unwillingly; You ne'r found me t[i]ll now: your pleasure Sir?

_Vit._ That which will please thee friend: thy vowd love to me Shall now be put in action: means is offer'd To use thy good Sword for me; that which still Thou wearst, as if it were a part of thee. Where is it?

_Lam._ 'Tis chang'd for one more fortunate: Pray you enquire not how.

_Vit._ Why, I ne'r thought That there was musick in't, but ascribe The fortune of it to the arm.

_Lam._ Which is grown weaker too. I am not (in a word) Worthy your friendship: I am one new vanquish'd, Yet shame to tell by whom.