Part 7

_Mount._ Till I be dust, my _Zanthia_ be confirm'd. Sparrows, and Doves, sit coupling twixt thy lips, It is not love, but strong _Libidinous_ will That triumphs o're me, and to satiate that, What difference twixt this _Moore_, and her fair Dame? Night makes their hews alike, their use is so, Whose hand is so subtle, he can colours name, If he do winck, and touch 'em? lust being blind, Never in women did distinction find. [_Exit._

_Scæna Secunda._

_Enter two Gentlewomen._

1. But yfaith dost thou think my Lady was never in love?

2. I rather think she was ever in love: in perfect charity. I mean, with all the world.

[1]. A most Christian answer I promise you: but I mean in Love with a man.

2. With a man? what else? would'st have her in love with a beast?

1. You are somewhat quick: but if she were, it were no President: did you never read of _Europa_, the fair, that leapt A bull, that leapt the Sea, that swoom to land, and then leapt her?

2. Oh heavens, a bull?

1. Yes, a white bull.

2. Lord, how could she sit him? where did she hold?

1. Why, by the horn, since which time, no woman (almost) is Contented, till she have a horn of her own, to hold by.

2. Thou art very knavish.

1. And thou very foolish: but sirah, why dost not thou marry?

2. Because I would be no mans looking-glase?

1. As how?

2. As thus, there is no Wife, if she be good, and true, will honor, and obey, but must reflect the true countenance of her husband upon him; if he look sad upon her she must not look merrily upon him: if he look merrily, she must not sorrowfully, else she is a false glass, and fit for nothing but breaking: his anger [must] be her discontent; his pleasure, her delight: if he weep, she must cry: if he laugh, she must show her teeth: if he be sick, she must not be in health; if he eat Cawdles, she must eat pottage, she must have no proper passion of her own; and is not this a tyranny?

1. Yes, yfaith, Marriage may well be called a yoak; Wives then are but like superficial lines in Geometry, that have no proper motion of their own, but as their bodies their husbands move, yet I know some Wives, that are never freely merry, nor truly pleased, but when they are farthest off their husbands.

2. That's because the Moon governs 'em which hath most light and shines brightest, the more remote it is from the Sun; and contrary is more sullen, dim, and showes least splendor, when it is neerest.

1. But if I were to marry I would marry a fair effeminate fool.

2. Why?

1. Because I would lead the blind whither I list.

2. And I the wisest man I could get for money, because I had rather follow the cleer-sighted: bless me from a husband That sales by his Wives compass!

1. Why?

2. Why 'tis ten to one but she breaks his head in her youth, and when she is old shee'l never leave till she has broke his back too--

But what scurvy Knight have you here in _Malta, &c._

_Enter_ Zanthia.

_Zan._ Hist, wenches: my Lady calls, she's entring The Tarrase, to see the show.

1. Oh black pudding.

2. My little labor in vain.

1. But what scurvy Knights have we here in _Malta_, that when they are dubd take their oath of allegiance to live poor, and chastly ever after!

2. 'Faith many Knights in other Nations (I have heard) are as poor as ours: marry where one of 'em has taken the Oath of chastity, we want a new _Columbus_ to find out. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Tertia._

_Enter_ (_above_) Oriana, Zanchia, _two Gentlewomen_, (_beneath_) Valetta, Mountferrat, Astorius, Castriot, Gomera, Miranda, _Attendants of Knights_, &c.

_Mount._ Are you there Lady?

_Ori._ Thou art a naughty Man, Heaven mend thee.

_Val._ Our greet meeting princely brothers, Ye holy Souldiers of the _Christian Cross_, Is to relieve our Captain _Norandine_, Now fighting for _Valetta_ with the _Turk_, A valliant Gentleman, a noble _Dane_ As ere the Countrey bred, endangered now By fresh supply of head-bound Infidels. Much means, much blood this warlike _Dane_ hath spent To advance our flag, above their horned moons, And oft hath brought in profitable conquest: We must not see him perish in our view: How far off fight they?

_Mir._ Sir, within a League.

_Val._ 'Tis well: our next occasion of conventing Are these [two] gentlemen, standing in your sight. (Ye are noble props of _Malta_) royally Descended are they both, valiant as war, _Miranda_, and _Gomera_, full ten years They have serv'd this Island, perfected exploits Matchless, and infinite, they are honest, wise, Not empty of one ornament of man: Most eminent agents were they in that slaughter That great marvelous slaughter of the _Turks_, Before St. _Elme_, where five and twenty thousand Fell, for five thousand of our _Christians_: These ripe considerations moving us (Having had your allowance on their worths) Here we would call 'em to our Brotherhood; If any therefore can their manners tax, Their faith, their chastity, any part of life, Let 'em speak now.

_Ast._ None do's.

_All._ None can, great Master.

_Val._ The dignity then dignifie, by them, As their reward: tender _Miranda_ first (Because he is to succor _Norandine_) Our sacred Robe of Knight-hood, our white Cross, The holy cognizance of him we serve, The sword, the spurs.

_Mir._ Grave, and most honor'd Master, With humble duty, and my souls best thanks To you, and all this famous Conventicle, Let me, with modesty refuse acceptance Of this high order: I (alass) am yet Unworthy, and uncapable of such honor, That merit, which with favor you enlarge Is far, far short, of this propos'd reward. Who take upon him such a charge as this, Must come with pure thoughts, and a gathered mind That time, nor all occasions ever may After disperse, or stain; did this title here Of Knighthood, ask no other ornaments Then other Countries glittring show, poor pride, A gingling spur, a feather, a white hand, A frizled hayr, powder'd, perfumes, and lust, Drinking sweet wines, surfeits, and ignorance, Rashly, and easily should I venture on't, But this requires an other kind of man.

_Mount._ A staid, and mature judgement; speak on sir.

_Mir._ May it please you then to allow me some small time To rectifie my self, for that high seat, Or give my reasons to the contrary. Ith mean space, to dismiss me to the ayd Of _Norandine_: my Ships ride in the bay Ready to disembogue, tack'led, and mann'd Even to my wishes.

_Mount._ His request Is fair and honest.

_Val._ At your pleasure go.

_Mir._ I humbly take my leave of all: of you My noble friend _Mountferrat_; gratious Mistriss, Oh that auspitious smile doth arm your souldier, Who fights for those eyes, and this sacred Cross, Can neither meet sad accident, nor loss. [_Exit._

_Ori._ The mighty master of that Livory, Conduct thee safely to these eyes again.

_Mount._ Blowes the wind that way?

_Val._ Equally belov'd, Equally meriting, _Gomera_, you Without excuse receive that dignity: Which our provincial chapter hath decreed you.

_Gom._ Great Master of _Jerusalems_ Hospital, From whence to _Rhodes_ this blest Fraternity Was driven, but now among the _Maltois_ stands, Long may it flourish, whilst _Gomera_ serves it, But dares not enter farther.

_All._ This is strange.

_Val._ What do ye object?

_Gom._ Nothing against it, but my self (fair Knights) I may not wear this Robe.

_Val._ Express your reasons; Doth any hid sin goar your conscience?

_Ast._ Are you unstedfast in Religion?

_Cast._ Or do ye intend to forsake _Malta_ now, And visit your own Countrey fruitful _Spaine_.

_Gom._ Never good sir.

_Val._ Then explicate your thoughts.

_Gom._ This then: I should be perjur'd to receive it, Once in _Melita_, your next City here, When I was yonger, read I the decrees Touching this point, being ambitious then To approach it once, none but a Gentleman Can be admitted.

_Val._ That's no obstacle In you.

_Gom._ I should be sorry that were it, No married man.

_Mount._ You never felt that yoak.

_Gom._ None, that hath been contracted.

_Cast._ Were you ever?

_Gom._ Nor married, nor contracted, none that ever Hath vowed his love to any woman kind, Or finds that secret fire within his thoughts: Here I am cast, this Article my heart Objects against the title of my fame, I am in love; laugh not: though time hath set Some wrinkles in this face, and these curl'd locks Will shortly dye into an other hew, Yet, yet I am in love: (yfaith [you] smile) What age, what sex, or what profession Divine, or humane, from the man that cries For Almes the high way, to him that sings At the high Altar, and doth sacrifice, Can truly say he knows not what is Love?

_Val._ 'Tis honestly profest; with whom _Gomera_? Name the Lady, that with all [advantage] We may advance your suit.

_Gom._ But will you Sir?

_Val._ Now by our holy rock were it our Sister: _Spaniard_, I hold thee worthy, freely name her.

_Gom._ Be master of your word: it is she Sir, The matchless _Oriana_.

_Val._ Come down Lady, You have made her blush, let her consent I will Make good my oath.

_Mount._ Is't so? stay: I do love So tenderly _Gomera_ your bright flame, As not to suffer your perdition.

_Gom._ What means _Mountferrat_?

_Enter Guard._

_Mount._ This whole _auberge_ hath (A Guard upon this Lady) wonder not, 'Tane publick notice of the _Bassaes_ love Of _Tripoli_ unto her, and consented She should return this answer, as he writ For her conversion, and betraying _Malta_, She should advise him betray _Tripoli_, And turning _Christian_, he should marry her.

_All._ All this was so.

_Mount._ How weakly do's this court then Send Vessels forth to Sea, to guard the Land Taking such special care to save one Bark, Or strive to add fam'd men unto our cloak, When they lurk in our bosomes would subvert This State, and us, presuming on their blood, And partial indulgence to their sex?

_Val._ Who can this be?

_Mount._ Your Sister, great _Valetta_, Which thus I prove: demand the _Bassa's_ Letter.

_Ori._ 'Tis here, nor from this pocket hath been mov'd Nor answer'd, nor perus'd by ----

_Mount._ Do not swear Cast not away your fair soul, to your treason Add not foul perjury: is this your hand?

_Ori._ 'Tis very like it.

_Mount._ May it please the Master, Confer these Letters, and then read her answer, Which I have intercepted; pardon me Reverend _Valetta_, that am made the means To punish this most beautious Treachery; Even in your Sister, since in it I save _Malta_ from ruine: I am bolder in't, Because it is so palpable and withall Know our great Master to this Countrey, firm. As was the _Roman Marcus_, who spar'd not As dear a Sister in the publique cause.

_Val._ I am amaz'd; attend me.

_Reads the Letter._

_Let your Forces by the next even be ready, my Brother feasts_ _then; put in at_ St. Michaels, _the ascent at that Port is easiest; the Keys of the Castle, you shall receive at my hands: that possest, you are Lord of_ Malta, _and may soon destroy all by fire, then which I am hotter, till I embrace you_,

_Farewell_,

Your Wife ORIANA.

From this time let me never read again.

[_Gent. W._] 'Tis certain her hand.

_Val._ This Letter too So close kept by her self, could not be answered To every period thus, but by her self.

_Ori._ Sir, hear me.

_Val._ Peace, thou fair sweet bank of flowers, Under whose beauty Scorpions lie, and kill; Wert thou a kin to me, in some new name Dearer than Sister, Mother, or all blood, I would not hear thee speak: bear her to prison, So gross is this, it needs no formal course, Prepare thy self, to morrow thou shalt dye.

_Ori._ I dye a Martyr then, and a poor maid, Almost yfaith as innocent as born, Thou know'st thou art wicked, Frenchman heaven forgive thee [_Ex._

_All._ This Scene is strangely turn'd.

_Val._ Yet can nature be So dead in me? I would my charge were off, _Mountferrat_ should perceive my Sister had A Brother would not live to see her dye Unfought for, since the statutes of our state Allow (in case of accusations) A Champion to defend a Ladies truth. _Peter Gomera_, thou hast lost thy wife, Death pleads a precontract.

_Gom._ I have lost my Tongue, My sence, my heart, and every faculty: _Mountferrat_ go not up: with reverence To our great Master, and this consistory (I have considered it, it cannot be) Thou art a villain, and a forger. A blood-sucker of innocence, an hypocrite, A most unworthy wearer of our Cross; To make which good take (if thou dar'st) that gage And arm'd at all points like a Gentleman Meet me to morrow morning, where the Master, And this fraternity shall design, where I Will cram this slander back into thy throat, And with my swords point thrust it to thy heart, The very nest, where lust and slander breeds. Pardon my passion; I will tear those spurs Off from thy heels, and stik 'em in thy front As a mark'd villain.

_Mount._ This I look'd not for: Ten times more villain, I return my gage, And crave the Law of Arms.

_Gom._ 'Tis that I crave.

_All._ It cannot be denide.

_Gom._ Do not I know With thousand gifts, and importunacies, Thou often hast sollicited this Lady (Contrary to thy oath of chastity) Who ne'r disclosing this thy hot reign'd lust, Yet tender to prevent a publique scandal, That _Christendom_ might justly have impos'd, Upon this holy institution, Thou now hast drawn this practise 'gainst her life To quit her charity.

_Mount. Spaniard_, thou liest.

_Ast._ No more _Gomera,_ thou art granted combat, And you _Mountferrat_ must prepare against To morrow morning in the valley here Adjoyning to _St. Georg[e]s_ Port: a Lady In case of life 'gainst whom one witness comes May have her champion.

_Val._ And who hath most right [_Florish_ With, or against our Sister, speed in fight. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Rocca.

_Mount. Rocca_, the first news of _Mirandas_ service Let me have notice of.

_Roc._ You shall: The _Moore_ Waites you without.

_Mount._ Admit her, ha, ha, ha. Oh, how my fancies run at tilt! _Gomera_ Loves _Oriana_; she as I should ghess, Affects _Miranda_; these are two dear friends, As firm, and full of fire, as steel and flint. To make 'em so now, one against the other: [_Enter_ Zanthia. Stay let me like it better, _Zanthia_; First tell me this, did _Don Gomera_ use To give his visits to your Mistriss?

_Zan._ Yes, and _Miranda_ too: but severally.

_Mount._ Which did she most apply to?

_Zan._ Faith to neither: Yet infinitely I have heard her praise 'em both, And in that manner, that were both one man I think she was in love with't.

_Mount. Zanthia_, Another Letter you must frame for me Instantly, in your Ladies Character, To such a purpose as I'll tell thee strait, Go in, and stay me: Go my Tinder-box, Cross lines I'll cross; so, so: my after-game I must play better: woman, I will spread My vengeance over _Malta_, for thy sake: _Spaniard, Italian_, like my steel and stone, I'll knock you thus together, wear ye out To light my dark deeds, whilst I seem precise, And wink to save the sparkles from mine eyes. [_Exeunt._

_Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima._

[_A Sea-fight within, alarm._

_Enter_ Norandine, Miranda, _and Soldiers, and Gentlemen_.

_Mir._ How is it Sir?

_Nor._ Pray set me down; I cool, And my wounds smart.

_Mir._ I hope yet Though there be many, there's none dangerous.

_Nor._ I know not, nor I care not much, I got 'em Like a too forward fool, but I hope the Surgeons Will take an order I shall not leave 'em so, I make the rogues more work than all the Island, And yet they give me the hardest words for my money.

_Mir._ I am glad ye are so sprightly: ye fought bravely Go call the Surgeons Soldiers: wondrous nobly Upon my life, I have not seen such valour, Maintained so long, and to so large a ruine, The odds so strong against ye.

_Nor._ I thank ye, And thank ye for your help, your timely succor. By th'mass, it came i' th' nick Sir, and well handled; Stoutly, and strongly handled: we had duckt else, My _Turk_ had _Turk'd_ me else: but he has well paid for't. Why what a Sign for an Almanack h'as made me!

_Enter_ Astorius.

_Ast._ I am glad to find ye here Sir, of necessity, I must have come aboard else; and brave Captain We all joy much in your fair victory, And all the Island speaks your valour nobly. Have ye brought the _Turk_ in, that ye took?

_Mir._ He rides there.

_Nor._ If he were out again, the devil should bring him. H'as truly circumcis'd me.

_Ast._ I have a business Which much concerns ye, presently concerns ye; But not this place nor people: pray ye draw off, Sir, For 'tis of that weight to ye.

_Mir._ I'll wait on ye, I must crave leave awhile: my care dwels with ye, And I must wait my self.

_Nor._ Your servant, Sir.

_Mir._ Believe I shall, and what my love can minister; Keep your stout heart still.

_Nor._ That's my best Physitian.

_Mir._ And I shall keep your fame fair. [_Exit._

_Nor._ Ye are too Noble. A brave young fellow of a matchless spirit; He brought me off like thunder, charg'd, and boarded, As if he had been shot to save mine honor: And when my fainting men, tyr'd with their labour, And lack of bloud, gave to the _Turk_ assurance The day was his; when I was cut in shreds thus, And not a corn of Powder left to bless us; Then flew his Sword in, then his Cannon roar'd, And let flie bloud and death and storms amongst 'em. Then might I hear their sleepy Prophet howl too, And all their _silver Crescents_ then I saw Like falling Meteors spent, and set for ever Under the Cross of _Malta_; death so wanton I never lookt upon, so full of revel.

_Enter_ Surgeon.

I will not be drest yet: Methought that fellow Was fit for no conversation, nor no _Christian_ That had not halfe his brain's knockt out, no Soldier. Oh valiant young man, how I love thy virtue.

_1 Sold._ Pray ye Sir be drest, alas ye bleed apace yet.

_Nor._ 'Tis but the sweat of honor (alas) thou milksop, Thou man of March-pain, canst thou fear to see A few light hurts, that blush they are no bigger, A few small scratches? get ye a Cawdle, Sirrah, Your finger akes, and let the old wives watch thee: Bring in the booty: and the prisoners; By heaven I'll see 'em, and dispose 'em first, Before I have a drop of blood wip'd from me, goe. [_Exeunt Soldiers._

_Surg._ You'll faint Sir.

_Nor._ No, ye lie, Sir, like an Ass, Sir; I have no such pigs hurt in my belly.

_Sur._ By my life Captain These hurts are not to be jested with.

_Nor._ If thou hadst 'em: They are my companions fool, my family; I cannot eat nor sleep without their company, Dost take me for _St. Davy_, that fell dead With seeing of his nose bleed?

_Enter Soldiers with booty._

_Sur._ Here they come, Sir: But would you would be drest.

_Nor._ Pox: dress thy self first. Thou faint'st a great deal faster: what's all this?

_1 Sold._ The money and the merchandize ye took Sir.

_Nor._ A goodly purchase; Is it for this we venture Our liberties and lives? what can all this do? Get me some dozen surfeits, some seven fresh whores, And twenty pot-Allies; and then I am virtuous. Lay the Knights part by, and that to pay the Soldier: This is mine own, I think I have deserv'd it: Come, now look to me, and grope me like a Chambermaid, I'll neither start nor squeak; what's that i' th' Trusse there?

_2 Sold._ 'Tis cloth of Tissue, Sir, and this is Scarlet.

_Nor._ I shall look redder shortly then, I fear me, And as a Captain ought, a great deal prouder. Can ye cure me of that crack, Surgeon?

_Sur._ Yes, when your Suit's at pawn, Sir.

_Nor._ There's for your plaister. A very learned Surgeon: what's in that pack there?

_1 Sold._ 'Tis _English_ Cloth.

_Nor._ That's a good wear indeed, Both strong, and rich: but it has a virtue A twang of the own Countrey, that spoils all: A man shall ne'r be sober in't: Where are the Gentlemen, That ventur'd with me, both their lives and fortunes? Come forward my fair spirits; _Norandine_ Forgets his worth, when he forgets your valours, You have lost an eye, I saw ye face all hazards: You have one left yet, to choose your Mistriss. You have your leg broke with a shot; yet sitting, I saw you make the place good with your Pike still. And your hand's gone; a good heart wants no instruments; Share that amongst ye, there's an eye, an arm, And that will bear you up, when your legs cannot. Oh, where's the honest Sailor? that poor fellow, Indeed that bold brave fellow, that with his Musket Taught them new ways how to put their caps off; That stood the fire of all the fight, twice blown, And twice I gave him drown'd; welcome ashore knave; Give me thy hand, if they be not both lost: faith thou art welcome, My tough knave welcome: thou wilt not shrink i' th' washing. Hold, there's a piece of Scarlet, get thee handsom. And this to buy thee buttons.

_Sail._ Thank ye Captain. Command my life at all hours.

_Nor._ Thou durst give it. You have deserv'd too.

_3 Sold._ We have seen the fight Sir.

_Nor._ Yes: coil'd up in a Cable, like salt Eels, Or buried low i' th' ballast, do you call that fighting? Where be your wounds? your knocks? your want of limbs rogues? Art not thou he that ask'd the Master-gunner Where thou mightst lie safest? and he strait answered, Put thy head in that hole, new bor'd with a Cannon; For 'twas an hundred to one, another shot would not hit there: Your wages you shall have, but for rewards Take your own waies: and get ye to the Taverns; There, when ye are hot with Wine, 'mongst your admirers, Take Ships, and Towns, and Castles at your pleasures, And make the Great _Turk_ shake at your valors. Bring in the prisoners now, my brave Musslemen.

_Enter Prisoners, and_ Luscinda.

You that are Lords o' th' Sea, and scorn us _Christians_, Which of your mangy lives is worth this hurt here? Away to prison with 'em, see 'em safe; You shall find we have Gallies too, and slaves too.

_1 Sold._ What shall be done with this woman, Sir?