Part 17

_Vit._ But I'll tell thee 'Gainst whom thou art to fight, and there redeem Thy honor lost, if there be any such: The King, by my long suit, at length is pleas'd That _Alvarez_ and my self, with eithers Second, Shall end the difference between our houses, Which he accepts of, I make choice of thee; And where you speak of a disgrace, the means To blot it out, by such a publick trial Of thy approved valor, will revive Thy antient courage. If you imbrace it do; If not, I'll seek some other.

_Lam._ As I am You may command me.

_Vit._ Spoke like that true friend That loves not only for his private end. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Secunda._

_Enter_ Genevora, _with a Letter and_ Bobadilla.

_Gen._ This from _Madona Clara_?

_Bob._ Yes, an't please you.

_Gen. Alvarez_ daughter?

_Bob._ The same, Lady.

_Gen._ She, That sav'd my brothers life?

_Bob._ You are still in the right, She wil'd me wait your walking forth: and knowing How necessary a discreet wise man Was in a business of such weight, she pleas'd To think on me: it may be in my face Your Ladyship, not acquainted with my wisdom, Finds no such matter: what I am, I am; Thought's free, and think you what you please.

_Gen._ 'Tis strange.

_Bob._ That I should be wise, Madam?

_Gen._ No, thou art so; There's for thy pains: and prethee tell thy Lady I will not fail to meet her: I'll receive Thy thanks and duty in thy present absence: Farewell, farewell, I say, now thou art wise. [_Exit Bob._ She writes here, she hath something to impart That may concern my brothers life; I know not, But general fame does give her out so worthy, That I dare not suspect her: yet wish _Lucio_,

_Enter_ Lucio.

Were Master of her mind: but fie upon't; Why do I think on him? see, I am punish'd for it, In his unlook'd for presence: Now I must Endure another tedious piece of Courtship, Would make one forswear curtesie.

_Luc._ Gracious Madam, The sorrow paid for your just anger towards me Arising from my weakness, I presume To press into your presence, and despair not An easie pardon.

_Gen._ He speaks sence: oh strange.

_Luc._ And yet believe, that no desire of mine, Though all are too strong in me, had the power For their delight, to force me to infringe What you commanded, it being in your part To [l]essen your great rigor when you please, And mine to suffer with an humble patience What you'l impose upon it.

_Gen._ Courtly too.

_Luc._ Yet hath the poor, and contemn'd _Lucio_, Madam, (Made able only by his hope to serve you) Recover'd what with violence, not justice, Was taken from him: and here at your feet With these, he could have laid the conquer'd head Of _Lamorall_ ('tis all I say of him) For rudely touching that, which as a relique I ever would have worship'd, since 'twas yours.

_Gen._ Valiant, and every thing a Lady could Wish in her servant.

_Luc._ All that's good in me, That h[e]avenly love, the opposite to base lust, Which would have all men worthy, hath created; Which being by your beams of beauty form'd, Cherish as your own creature.

_Gen._ I am gone Too far now to dissemble: rise, or sure I must kneel with you too: let this one kiss Speak the rest for me: 'tis too much I do, And yet, if chastity would, I could wish more.

_Luc._ In overjoying me, you are grown sad; What is it Madam? by ---- There's nothing that's within my nerves (and yet Favour'd by you, I should as much as man) But when you please, now or on all occasions You can think of hereafter, but you may Dispose of at your pleasure.

_Gen._ If you break That oath again, you loose me. Yet so well I love you, I shall never put you to't; And yet forget it not: rest satisfied With that you have receiv'd now: there are eyes May be upon us, till the difference Between our friends are ended: I would not Be seen so private with you.

_Luc._ I obey you.

_Gen._ But let me hear oft from you, and remember I am _Vitellies_ Sister.

_Luc._ What's that Madam?

_Gen._ Nay nothing, fare you well: who feels loves fire, Would ever ask to have means to desire. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Tertia._

_Enter_ Assistente, Sayavedra, Anastro, Herald, Attendants.

_Assist._ Are they come in?

_H[e]r._ Yes.

_Assist._ Read the Proclamation, That all the people here assembled may Have satisfaction, what the Kings dear love, In care of the Republick, hath ordained; Attend with silence: read aloud.

Herald Reads.

_Forasmuch as our high and mighty Master_, Philip, _the potent_ _and most Catholick King of_ Spain, _hath not only in his own_ _Royal person, been long, and often sollicited, and grieved, with the deadly and [uncurable] hatred, sprung up betwixt the two antient and most [honorable] descended Houses of these his two dearly and equally beloved Subjects_, Don Ferdinando de Alvarez, _and_ Don Pedro de Vitelli: _(all which in vain his Majesty hath often endeavored to reconcile and qualifie:) But that also through the debates, quarrels, and outrages daily arising, falling, and flowing from these great heads, his publick civil Government is seditiously and barbarously molested and wounded, and many of his chief Gentry (no less tender to his Royal Majesty then the very branches of his own sacred blood) spoyld, lost, and submerged, in the impious_ _inundation and torrent of their still-growing malice: It hath therefore pleased His sacred Majesty, out of his infinite affection to preserve his Common-wealth, and general peace, from farther violation, (as a sweet and heartily loving father of his people) and on the earnest petitions of these arch-enemies, to Order, and ordain, that they b[e] ready, each with his well-chosen and beloved friend, armed at all points like Gentlemen, in the Castle of_ St. Jago, _on this present Monday morning betwixt eight and nine of the clock, where (before the combattants be allowed to commence this granted Duel) This to be read aloud for the publick satisfaction of his Majesties well bel[o]ved Subjects._

'Save the King. [_Drums within._

_Say._ Hark their Drums speak their insatiate thirst Of blood, and stop their ears 'gainst pious peace, Who gently whispering, implores their friendship!

_Assist._ Kings nor authority can master fate; Admit 'em then, and blood extinguish hate.

_Enter severally,_ Alvarez, and Lucio, Vitelli _and_ Lamora[l].

_Say._ Stay, yet be pleas'd to think, and let not daring Wherein men now adaies exceed even beasts, And think themselves not men else, so transport you Beyond the bounds of _Christianity_: Lord _Alvarez, Vitelli_, Gentlemen, No Town in _Spain_, from our _Metropolis_ Unto the rudest hovel, but is great With your assured valors daily proofs: Oh will you then, for a superfluous fame, A sound of honor, which in these times, all Like hereticks profess (with obstinacy) But most erroneously venture your souls, 'Tis a hard task, through a Sea of blood To sail, and land at Heaven?

_Vit._ I hope not If justice be my Pilot: but my Lord, You know, if argument, or time, or love, Could reconcile, long since we had shook hands; I dare protest, your breath cools not a vein In any one of us, but blows the fire Which nought but blood reciprocal can quench.

_Alv. Vitelli_, thou sayst bravely, and sayst right, And I will kill thee for't, I love thee so.

_Vit._ Ha, ha, old man: upon thy death I'll build A story (with this arm) for thy old wife To tell thy daughter _Clara_ seven years hence As she sits weeping by a winters fire, How such a time _Vitelli_ slew her husband With the same Sword his daughter favor'd him, And lives, and wears it yet: Come _Lamorall_, Redeem thy self.

_Lam. Lucio, Genevora_ Shall on this Sword receive thy bleeding heart, For my presented hat, laid at her feet.

_Luc._ Thou talk'st well _Lamorall_, but 'tis thy head That I will carry to her to thy hat: Fie Father, I do cool too much.

_Alv._ Oh boy: Thy fathers true Son: Beat Drums,--and so good morrow to your Lordship.

_Enter above_ Eugenia, Clara, Genevora.

_Say._ Brave resolutions.

_Anast._ Brave, and Spanish right.

_Gen. Lucio._

_Cla. Vitelli._

_Eug. Alvarez._

_Alv._ How the devil Got these Cats into th'gutter? my pusse too?

_Eug._ Hear us.

_Gen._ We must be heard.

_Cla._ We will be heard _Vitelli_, look, see _Clara_ on her knees Imploring thy compassion: Heaven, how sternly They dart their emulous eyes, as if each scorn'd To be behind the other in a look! Mother, death needs no Sword here: oh my Sister (Fate fain would have it so) persuade, entreat, A Ladies tears are silent Orators (Or should be so at least) to move beyond The honest tongu'd-Rhetorician: Why will you fight? why do's an uncles death Twenty year old, exceed your love to me But twenty days? whose forc'd cause, and fair manner You could not understand, only have heard. Custom, that wrought so cunningly on nature In me, that I forgot my sex, and knew not Whether my body female were, or male, You did unweave, and had the power to charm A new creation in me, made me fear To think on those deeds I did perpetrate, How little power though you allow to me That cannot with my sighs, my tears, my prayers Move you from your own loss, if you should gain.

_Vit._ I must forget you _Clara_, 'till I have Redeem'd my unkles blood, that brands my face Like a pestiferous Carbuncle: I am blind To what you do: deaf to your cries: and Marble To all impulsive exorations. When [o]n this point, I have perch'd thy fathers soul, I'll tender thee this bloody reeking hand Drawn forth the bowels of that murtherer: If thou canst love me then, I'll marry thee, And for thy father lost, get thee a Son; On no condition else.

_Assist._ Most barbarous.

_Say._ Savage.

_Anast._ Irreligious.

_Gen._ Oh _Lucio_! Be thou merciful: thou bear'st fewer years, Art lately wean'd from soft eff[e]minacy, A maidens manners, and a maidens heart Are neighbors still to thee: be then more mild, Proceed not to this combat; be'st thou desperate Of thine own life? yet (dearest) pitty mine Thy valour's not thine own, I gave it thee, These eyes begot it, this tongue bred it up, This breast would lodge it: do not use my gifts To mine own ruine: I have made thee rich, Be not so thankless, to undo me for't.

_Luc._ Mistriss, you know I do not wear a vein. I would not rip for you, to do you service: Life's but a word, a shadow, a melting dream, Compar'd to essential, and eternal honor. Why, would you have me value it beyond Your b[r]other: if I first cast down my sword May all my body here, be made one wound, And yet my soul not find heaven thorough it.

_Alv._ You would be catter-walling too, but peace, Go, get you home, and provide dinner for Your Son, and me: wee'll be exceeding merry: Oh _Lucio_, I will have thee cock of all The proud _Vitellies_ that do live in _Spain_: Fie, we shall take cold: hunch:----I am hoarse Already.

_Lam._ How your Sister whets my spleen! I could eat _Lucio_ now:

_Gen. Vitelli_, Brother, Ev'n for your Fathers soul, your uncles blood, As you do love my life: but last, and most As you respect your own Honor, and Fame, Throw down your sword; he is most valiant That herein yields first.

_Vit._ Peace, you fool.

_Cla._ Why _Lucio_, Do thou begin; 'tis no disparagement: He's elder, and thy better, and thy valor Is in his infancy.

_Gen._ Or pay it me, To whom thou ow'st it: Oh, that constant time Would but go back a week, then _Lucio_ Thou would'st not dare to fight.

_Eug. Lucio_, thy Mother, Thy Mother begs it: throw thy sword down first.

_Alv._ I'll throw his head down after then.

_Gen. Lamorall._ You have often swore you'ld be commanded by me.

_Lam._ Never to this: your spight, and scorn _Genevora_, Has lost all power in me:

_Gen._ Your hearing for six words.

_Ass. Say. An._ Strange obstinacy!

_Al. Vit. Lu. Lam._ We'll stay no longer.

_Cla._ Then by thy oath _Vitelli_, Thy dreadfu[l] oath, thou wouldst return that Sword When I should ask it, give it to me, now, This instant I require it.

_Gen._ By thy vow, As dreadful _Lucio_, to obey my will In any one thing I would watch to challenge, I charge thee not to strike a stroak: now he Of our two brothers that loves perjury Best, and dares first be damn'd, infringe his vow.

_Say._ Excellent Ladies.

_Vit._ Pish, you tyrannize.

_Luc._ We did equivocate.

_Alv._ On.

_Cla._ Then _Lucio_, So well I love my husband, for he is so, (Wanting but ceremony) that I pray His vengeful sword may fall upon thy head Succesfully for false-hood to his Sister.

_Gen._ I likewise pray (_Vitelli_) _Lucio's_ sword (Who equally is my husband as thou hers) May find thy false heart, that durst gage thy faith, And durst not keep it.

_Assist._ Are you men, or stone.

_Alv._ Men, and we'll prove it with our swords:

_Eug._ Your hearing for six words, and we have done, _Zancho_ come forth--we'll fight our challenge too: Now speak your resolutions.

[_Enter_ Bob[a]dilla _with two swords and a Pistol_.

_Gen._ These they are, The first blow given betwixt you, sheathes these swords In one anothers bosomes.

_Eug._ And rogue, look You at that instant do discharge that Pistol Into my breast: if you start back, or quake, I'll stick you like a Pig.

_Alv._ --Hold, you are mad.

_Gen._ This we said: and by our hope of bliss This we will do: speak your intents.

_Cla. Gen._ Strike.

_Eug._ Shoot.

_A[l]. Vit. L[u]. La._ Hold, hold: all friends.

_Assist._ Come down.

_Alv._ These devilish women Can make men friends and enemies when they list.

_Say._ A gallant undertaking and a happy; Why this is noble in you: and will be A welcomer present to our Master _Philip_ Than the return from his _Indies_.

_Enter_ Clara, Genevora, Eugenia, _and_ Bobadilla.

_Cla._ Father, your blessing.

_Alv._ Take her: if ye bring not Betwixt you, boys that will find out new worlds, And win 'em too, I'm a false Prophet.

_Vit._ Brother. There is a Sister, long divided streams Mix now at length, by fate.

_Bob._ I am not regarded: I was the careful Steward that provided these Instruments of peace, I put the longest weapon in your Sisters hand, (my Lord) because she was the shortest Lady: For likely the shortest Ladies love the longest ---- men: And for mine own part, I could have discharged it: my Pistol is no ordinary Pistol, it has two ramming bullets; but thought I, why should I shoot my two bullets into my old Lady? if they had gone, I would not have staid long after: I would ev'n have died too, bravely y'faith, like a _Roman_ Steward: hung my self in mine own chain, and there had been a story of _Bobadilla,_ _Spindola, Zancho_, for after ages to lament: hum: I perceive, I am not only not regarded, but also not rewarded.

_Alv._ Prethee peace: 'shalt have a new chain, next Saint _Jaques_ day, or this new gilt:

_Bob._ I am satisfied: let virtue have her due: And yet I am melancholy upon this atonement: pray heaven the State rue it not: I would my Lord _Vitellie's_ Steward, and I could meet: they should find it should cost 'em a little more to make us friends: well, I will forswear wine, and women for a year: and then I will be drunk to morrow, and run a whoring like a dog with a broken bottle at's tail; then will I repent next day, and forswear 'em again more vehemently: be forsworn next day again, and repent my repentance: for thus a melancholy Gentleman doth, and ought to live.

_Assist._ Nay, you s[h]all dine with me: and afterward I'll with ye to the King: But first, I will Dispatch the Castles business, that this day May be compleat. Bring forth the malefactors.

_Enter_ Alguazier, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazaril, Piorato, Malroda, _and Guard_.

You _Alguazier_, the Ringleader of these Poor fellows, are degraded from your office, You must return all stolen goods you receiv'd, And watch a twelve month without any pay: This, if you fail of, (all your goods confiscate) You are to be whipt, and sent into the Gallies.

_Alg._ I like all, but restoring that Catholique Doctrine. I do dislike: Learn all ye officers By this to live uprightly (if you can.) [_Exit._

_Assist._ You Cobler, to t[r]anslate your manners new, Are doom'd to th' Cloisters of the Mendicants, With this your brother, botcher, there for nothing To cobble, and heel hose for the poor Friers, Till they allow you pennance for sufficient, And your amendment; then you shall be freed, And may set up again.

_Pach. Mendoza_, come, Our souls have trode awry in all mens sight, We'll underlay 'em, till they go upright. [_Exe._ Pach. _and_ Mend.

_Assist. Smith_, in those shackles you for your hard heart Must lie by th' heels a year.

_Met._ I have shod your horse, my Lord. [_Exit._

_Assist._ Away: for you, my hungry white-loaf'd face, You must to th' Gallies, where you shall be sure To have no more bits, than you shall have blows.

_Laz._ Well, though herrings want, I shall have rowes.

_Assist._ Signior, you have prevented us, and punish'd Your selfe severelier than we would have done. You have married a whore: may she prove honest.

_Pio._ 'Tis better, my Lord, than to marry an honest woman, That may prove a whore.

_Vit._ 'Tis a hansome wench: and thou canst keep her tame I'll send you what I promis'd.

_Pio._ Joy to your Lordships.

_Alv._ He[re] may all Ladies learn, to make of foes The perfect'st friends: and not the perfect'st foes Of dearest friends, as some do now a daies.

_Vit._ Behold the power of love, to nature lost By custome irrecoverably, past the hope Of friends restoring, Love hath here retriv'd To her own habit, made her blush to see Her so long monstrous Metamorphoses, May strange affairs never have worse success. [_Exeunt._

EPILOGUE.

_Our Author fears there are some Rebel hearts,_ _Whose dulness doth oppose loves piercing darts;_ _Such will be apt to say there wanted wit,_ _The language low, very few Scænes are writ_ _With spirit and life; such odd things as these_ _He cares not for, nor ever means to please;_ _For if your selves a Mistriss or loves friends,_ _Are lik'd with this smooth Play he hath his ends._

FINIS.

WOMEN PLEAS'D

A

TRAGEDY-COMEDY.

The Persons Represented in the Play.

Duke of _Siena, Suitor to_ Belvidere. Silvio, _A Gentleman of quality, servant to_ Belvidere. Claudio, Silvio's _friend, brother to_ Isabella. Bartello, _Captain of the Citadel, Uncle to_ Silvio. Lopez, _A sordid Usurer, the jealous Husband of_ Isabella. Lords _of_ Florence. Lords _of_ Siena. Counsellors. Courtiers. Penurio, _A hungry servant to_ Lopez. Soto, _A merry servant to_ Claudio. A Farmer, _Father to_ Soto. Captain. Soldiers _of the Guard_. A Clarke. Bomby, _An enemy to Watches and May-poles._ Morris-dancers. Masquers.

WOMEN.

Dutchess _of_ Florence. Belvidere, _A virtuous Princess, daughter to the Dutchess in love with_ Silvio. Rodope, _wife to_ Bartello. Isabella, _Wife to_ Lopez, _and Sister to_ Claudio. Jaquenet, _servant to_ Isabella. Two Gentlewomen.

The Scene Florence.

The principal Actors were

_Joseph Taylor_, _John Underwood_, _Rob. Benfield_, _Rich. Sharpe_, _John Lowin_, _Will. Eglestone_, _Nicholas Toolie_, _Thomas Holcombe_.

_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._

_Enter_ Bartello _and_ Silvio.

_Sil._ Tis true she is a right good Princess, and a just one, And _Florence_ when she sets, has lost a Planet.

_Bar._ My Mistriss? I tell thee gentle Nephew, There is not such another friend to goodness, To down-right dealing, to faith and true heart Within the Christian confines: Before she blest us, Justice was a Cheese-monger, a meer Cheese-monger, Weigh'd nothing to the world but Mites and Maggots, And a main stink: Law like a Horse-courser, Her rules, and precepts hung with gawdes and ribbonds And pamper'd up to cousen him that bought her, When she her self was hackney, lame, and founder'd.

_Sil._ But the sweet Lady, _Belvidere_ the bright one--

_Bar._ I, there's a face indeed: Oh my dear Nephew, Could a young fellow of thy fiery mettle Freeze, and that Lady in his Arms?

_Sil._ I think not.

_Bar._ Thou hast a parlous judgement; but let that pass, She is as truly virtuous, fair, and noble, As her great Mother's good: and that's not ordinary.

_Sil._ But why (so many Princes, and so great ones Being Suitors) should the Dutchess deny to match her?

_Bar._ She is a Jewel man, hangs in her bosom, Her only Child: with her eies she sees all things, Discourses with her tongue, and pluck her from her (So dotingly the old one loves her young one) You pluck her heart out too: Besides, of late daies, The Duke of _Milan_, who could never win her By Love, nor Treaty, laid a close train for her In her own private Walks: some forty Horse-men, So to surprize her; which we found, and dealt with, And sent 'em running home to the Duke their Master, Like Dogs with bottles at their tails.

_Sil._ Since that, I heard Sir, She has sent her to your Cittadel to secure her, My cosin _Rodope_, your wife attending her.

_Bar._ You hear a truth, and all convenient pleasures Are there proportion'd for her.

_Sil._ I would fain, Sir, Like one that owes a dutious service to her Sometimes so please you--

_Bar._ Gentle Cosin pardon me, I must not, nor you must not dare to offer, The last Edict lies on his life pursues it; Your friend, Sir, to command, abroad to love you To lend ye any thing I have, to wait upon ye, But in the Cittadel where I stand charg'd, Not a bit upon a march: no service, Sir, No, good Sir by no means: I kiss your hands, Sir. [_Exit._

_Sil._ To your keeping only? none else to look upon her? None but _Bartello_ worthy her attendance? No faith but his to serve her? Oh _Belvidere_, Thou Saint to whom my youth is sacrific'd, Thou point to which my life turns, and my fortune, Art thou lock'd from me now? from all my comforts, Art thou snatch'd violently? thou hear'st me not, Nor canst thou see (fair soul) thy servants mournings, Yet let thy gentle heart feel what his absence, The great divorse of minds so truly loving, So long, and nurs'd in one affection Even from our infant eyes, suck'd in and nourish'd: Oh let it feel but that, and there stand constant And I am blest. My dear Aunt _Rodope_, That is her Governess, did love me dearly, There's one hope yet to see her: when he is absent It may be ventur'd, and she may work it closely: I know the Ladies will goe equal with me, And so the danger of the Edict avoided; Let me think more, for I must try all hazards.

_Enter_ Claudio _and_ Soto.

_Soto._ Will ye go yonder, Sir?

_Cla._ Yes marry will I Sir.