Part 9

_Nor._ Now strike it. Hold, hold: he yields: hold thy brave sword he's conquer'd: He's thine _Gomera_, now be joyful Lady: What could this thief have done, had his cause been equal? He made my heart-strings tremble.

_Val._ Off with his Caske there; And Executioner take you his head next.

_Abdel._ Oh cursed fortune!

_Gom._ Stay, I beseech ye, Sir, and this one honor Grant me: I have deserv'd it; that this villain May live one day, to envy at my justice, That he may pine and dye, before the sword fall. Viewing the glory, I have won her goodness.

_Val._ He shall, and you the harvest of your valour Shall reap brave Sir, abundantly.

_Gom._ I have sav'd her. Preserv'd her spotless worth from black destruction, Her white name to eternity deliver'd, Her youth, and sweetness, from a timeless ruine. Now Lord _Valetta_, if this bloudy labour May but deserve her favour.

_Mir._ Stay, and hear me first.

_Val._ Off with his Cask, this is _Miranda_'s voice.

_Nor._ 'Tis he indeed, or else mine eies abuse me, What makes he here thus?

_Ori._ The young _Miranda_? Is he mine enemy too?

_Mir._ None has deserv'd her If worth must carry it, and service seek her, But he that saved her honor.

_Gom._ That's I _Miranda_.

_Mir._ No, no, that's I _Gomera_, be not so forward, In bargain for my love, ye cannot cozen me.

_Gom._ I fought it.

_Mir._ And I gave it: which is nobler? Why every Gentleman would have done as much As you did: fought it: that's a poor desert, Sir, They are bound to that; but then to make that fight sure, To doe as I did, take all danger from it Suffer that coldness, that must call me now Into disgrace for ever, into pity.

_Gom._ I undertook first, to preserve from hazard.

_Mir._ And I made sure no hazard should come neer her.

_Gom._ 'Twas I defi'd _Mountferrat_.

_Mir._ 'Twas I wrought him, You had had a dark day else; 'Twas I defi'd His conscience first, 'twas I that shook him there, Which is the brave defiance.

_Gom._ My life and honor At stake I laid.

_Mir._ My care; and truth lay by it Least that stake might be lost: I have deserv'd her, And none but I; the Lady might have perish'd, Had Fell _Mountferrat_ struck it, from whose malice With cunning, and bold confidence I catch'd it, And 'twas high time, and such a service Lady For you, and for your innocence, for who knows not The all-devouring sword of fierce _Mountferrat_? I shew'd ye what I could do, had I been spightful Or Master but of halfe the poison he bears, (Hell take his heart for't) and beshrew these hands Madam, With all my heart, I wish a mischief on 'em, They made ye once look sad: such another fright I would not put ye in, to ow[n]e the Island, Yet pardon me, 'twas but to shew a Soldier, Which, when I had done, I ended your poor coward.

_Val._ Let some look out, for the base Knight _Mountferrat_.

_Ab._ I hope he's far enough, if his man be trusty: This was a strange misfortune; I must not kno[w] it.

_Val._ That most debauch'd Knight, come down sweet Sister My spotless Sister: now, pray thank these Gentlemen, They have deserv'd both truly, nobly of ye. Both excellently, dearly, both all the honor All the respect and favour.

_Ori._ Both shall have it; And as my life, their memories I'll nourish.

_Val._ Ye are both true Knights, and both most worthy Lovers, Here stands a Lady ripen'd with your service, Young, fair, and (now I dare say) truly honourable: 'Tis my Will she shall marry: marry now, And one of you (she cannot take more nobly) your deserts Begot this Will, and bred it; both her beauty Cannot enjoy: dare ye mark me your umpier?

_Gom. Mir._ With all our Souls.

_Val._ He must not then be angry That looses her.

_Gom._ Oh that were Sir, unworthy.

_Mir._ A little sorrow he may find.

_Val._ 'Tis manly. _Gomera_, you are a brave accomplish'd Gentleman A braver no where lives than is _Miranda_, In the white way of virtue, and true valour. Ye have been a pilgrim long: yet no man farther Has trode those thorny steps, than young _Miranda_, You are gentle: he is gentleness it self: Experience Calls you her brother; this her hopeful heir.

_Nor._ The young man now, and 't be thy Will.

_Val._ Your hand, Sir; You undertook first: nobly undertook, This Ladies cause: you made it good, and fought it You must be serv'd first, take her, and enjoy her; I give her to you: kiss her, are you pleas'd now?

_Gom._ My joy's so much I cannot speak.

_Val._ Nay, fairest Sir; You must not be displeas'd: you break your promise.

_Mir._ I never griev'd at good, nor dare I now, Sir, Though something seem strange to me.

_Val._ I have provided A better match for you: more full of Beauty, I'll wed ye to our Order: there's a Mistriss, Whose beauty ne'r decaies: time stands below her: Whose honor, _Ermin-like_, can never suffer, Spot, or black soil; whose eternal issue Fame brings up at her breasts, and leaves 'em sainted, Her you shall marry.

_Mir._ I must humbly thank ye.

_Val._ Saint _Thomas Fort_, a charge of no small value I give ye too, in present, to keep waking Your noble spirits; and to breed ye pious, I'll send ye a probation Robe, wear that Till ye shall please to be our brother: how now?

_Enter_ Astorius.

_Ast. Mountferrat_'s fled, Sir.

_Val._ Let him go awhile Till we have done these Rites, and seen these coupled: His mischief now lies open: come all friends now. And so let's march to th' Temple, sound those Instruments, That were the signal to a day of bloud; Evil beginning hours may end in good. [_Florish._

_Nor._ Come, we'll have wenches man, and all brave things. ---- Let her go: we'll want no Mistresses, Good Swords, and good strong Armors.

_Mir._ Those are best Captain.

_Nor._ And fight till Queens be in love with us, and run after us. I'll see ye at the Fort within these two days, And let's be merry prethee.

_Mir._ By that time I shall.

_Nor._ Why that's well said: I like a good heart truly. [_Exeunt._

_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._

_Enter_ Norandine, _and Servant, Corporal and Soldiers above_.

_Ser._ The day's not yet broke, Sir.

_Nor._ 'Tis the cooler riding, I must goe see _Miranda_: bring my horse Round to the _South_ Port: I'll out here at the beach And meet ye at the end o' th' Sycamores: 'Tis a sweet Walk, and if the wind be stirring Serves like a Fan to cool.

[_Corporal and Watch above singing._

SONG.

1. _Sit Soldiers, sit and sing, the Round is clear_ _And Cock-a-loodle-looe, tells us the day is near._ _Each toss his Cann, until his throat be mellow,_ _Drink, laugh and sing, the Soldier has no fellow._

2. _To thee a full pot, my little Lance-presado,_ _And when thou hast done, a pipe of Trinidado._ _Our glass of life runs wine, the Vintner slinks it_ _Whilst with his Wife the frolick Soldier drinks it._

3. _The Dr[u]ms beat, Ensigns wave, and Cannons thump it_ _Our Game is Ruffe, and the best heart doth trump it:_ _Each toss his Cann until his throat be mellow_ _Drink, Laugh, and Sing, the Soldier has no fellow._

4. _I'll pledge thee my Corporal, were it a Flagon_ _After Watch fiercer, than_ George _did the Dragon,_ _What blood we loose i' th' Town, we gain i th' Tuns,_ _Furr'd Gowns, and flat Caps, give the wall to Guns_ _Each toss his Cann, until his throat be mellow,_ _Drink, laugh, and sing, the Soldier has no fellow_.

_Ser._ Which Walk?

_Nor._ Why that, Sir, Where the fine City Dames meet to make matches.

_Ser._ I know it.

_Nor._ Speed ye then: what mirth is this? The Watches are not yet discharg'd, I take it: These are brave careless Rogues; I'll hear the Song out And then I'll fit ye for't, merry Companions: Here's notable Order, now for a trick to tame ye-- Owgh, owgh.

_1. Wat._ Hark, hark, what's that below us, who goes there?

_Nor._ Owgh, owgh, owgh.

_2. Wat._ 'Tis a Bear broke loose: pray call the Corporal.

_1. Wat._ The _Dutchmans_ huge fat Sow.

_2. Wat._ I see her now, and five fine pigs.

_Nor._ Owgh, owgh.

_Corp._ Now, what's the matter?

_1. Wat._ Here's the great fat Sow, Corporal. The _Dutchmans_ Sow, and all the Pigs, brave fat Pigs, You have been wishing long she would break loose.

_Nor._ Owgh, owgh.

_Cor._ 'Tis she indeed, there's a white pig now sucking, Look, look, do you see it, Sirs?

_1. Wat._ Yes very well, Sir.

_Cor._ A notable fat whorson; come two of ye. Go down with me, we'll have a tickling breakfast.

_2. Wat._ Let's eat 'em at the Cross.

_Cor._ There's the best liquor.

_Nor._ I'll liquor some of ye, ye lazie rogues, Your minds are of nothing but eating and swilling: What a sweet Beast they have made of me! a Sow? Hogg upon hogg, I hear 'em come.

_Enter_ Cor. _below, and Watch_.

_Cor._ Go softly, and fall upon 'em finely, nimb[l]y.

_1. Wat._ Bless me.

_Cor._ Why, what's the matter?

_1. Wat._ Oh the devil? The devil, as high as a Steeple.

_2. Wat._ There he goes Corporal, His feet are Cloven too.

_Cor._ Stand, stand I say: death, how I shake! Where be your Muskets?

_1 Wat._ There's no good of them: Where be our Prayers, man?

_2 Wat._ Lord, how he stalks: speak to him Corporal.

_Cor._ Why, what a devil art thou.

_Nor._ Owgh, owgh.

_Cor._ A dumb devil. The worst devil that could come, a dumb devil, Give me a Musket; he gathers in to me, I' th' name of ---- speak what art thou?--speak devil, Or I'll put a plumb in your belly.

_Nor._ Owgh, owgh, owgh.

_Cor._ Fie, fie, in what a sweat I am! Lord bless me, My Musket's gone too, I am not able to stir it.

_Nor._ Who goes there? stand, speak.

_Corp._ Sure I am inchanted. Yet here's my Halbert still: nay, who goes there, Sir? What have I lost my self? what are ye?

_Nor._ The Guard.

_Corp._ Why, what are we then: he's not half so long now. Nor he has no tail at all, I shake still damnably.

_Nor._ The word.

_Corp._ Have mercy on me, what word does he mean? Prethee devil, if thou be'st the devil, Do not make an Ass of me; for I remember yet As well as I am here, I am the Corporal, I'll lay my life on't devil.

_Nor._ Thou art damn'd:

_Corp._ That's all one: but am not I the Corporal? I would give a thousand pound to be resolv'd now, Had not I Soldiers here?

_Nor._ No, not a man, Thou art debauch'd, and cozen'd.

_Corp._ That may be, It may be I am drunk; Lord, where have I been? Is not this my Halbert in my hand?

_Nor._ No, 'tis a _May_-pole.

_Cor._ Why then I know not who I am, nor what, Nor whence I come.

_Nor._ Ye are an arrand Rascal; You Corporal of a Watch.

_Cor._ 'Tis the _Dane_'s voice: you are no devil then.

_Nor._ No, nor no Sow, Sir.

_Cor._ Of that [I] am right g[l]ad, Sir, I was ne'r so frighted in my life, as I am a Soldier.

_Nor._ Tall watchmen, A guard for a Goose, you sing away your Centuries. A careful company: let me out o' th' port here, I was a little merry with your worships: And keep your guards strong, though the devil walk. Hold, there's to bring ye into your wits again. Goe off no more to hunt Pigs: such another trick And you will hunt the gallows.

_Cor._ Pray Sir pardon us: And let the devil come next, I'll make him stand Or make him stink.

_Nor._ Doe, doe your duty truly. Come let me out, and come away: no more rage. [_Exe._

_Scæna Secunda._

_Enter_ Abdella _with a Letter, and_ Rocca.

_Ab._ Write thus to me? he hath fearfully, and basely Betraid his own cause: yet to free himself He now ascribes the fault to me.

_Roc._ I know not. What he hath done: but what he now desires, His Letters have inform'd you.

_Ab._ Yes, he is Too well acquainted with the power he holds, Over my mad affections: I want time To write: but pray you tell him, if I were No better steel'd in my strong resolutions Than he hath shown himself in his; or thought There was a hell hereafter, or a Heaven, But in enjoying him, I should stick here, And move no further: bid him yet take comfort; For something I would doe, the devil would quake at, But I'll untie this Nuptial knot of love, And make way for his wishes: in the mean time Let him lie close, for he is strictly sought for, And practise to love her, that for his ends Scorns fear and danger.

_Enter_ Oriana _and_ Velleda.

_Roc._ All this I will tell him. [_Exit_ Rocca.

_Ab._ Do so: farewel. My Lady, with my fellow, So earnest in discourse! what e'r it be I'll second it.

_Vel._ He is such a noble Husband, In every circumstance so truly loving, That I might say, and without flattery, Madam The Sun sees not a Lady but your self That can deserve him.

_Abd._ Of all men I say That dare (for 'tis a desperate adventure) Wear on their free necks the sweet yoak of woman, (For they that do repine, are no true husbands) Give me a Soldier.

_Ori._ Why, are they more loving Than other men?

_Abd._ And love too with more judgement; For, but observe, your Courtier is more curious To set himself forth richly than his Lady; His baths, perfumes, nay paintings too, more costly Than his frugality will allow to her, His clothes as chargeable; and grant him but A thing without a beard, and he may pass At all times for a woman, and with some Have better welcome: Now, your man of Lands For the most part is careful to manure them, But leaves his Lady fallow; your great Merchant Breaks oftner for the debt he owes his wife, Than with his creditors; and that's the reason She looks elsewhere for payment: Now your Soldier--

_Vel._ I marry do him right.

_Abd._ First, who has one, Has a perpetual guard upon her honor; For while he wears a sword, slander her self Dares not bark at it: next, she sits at home Like a great Queen, and sends him forth to fetch in Her tribute from all parts; which being brought home, He laies it at her feet, and seeks no further For his reward, than what she may give freely, And with delight too, from her own Exchequer Which he finds ever open.

_Ori._ Be more modest.

_Abd._ Why, we may speak of that we are glad to taste of, Among our selves I mean.

_Ori._ Thou talkst of nothing.

_Abd._ Of nothing Madam? You have found it something; Or with the raising up this pre[tt]y mount here, My Lord hath dealt with spirits.

_Enter_ Gomera.

_Ori._ Two long hours absent?

_Gom._ Thy pardon sweet: I have been looking on The Prize that was brought in by the brave _Dane_, The valiant _Norandine_, and have brought something, That may be thou wilt like of; but one kiss, And then possess my purchase: there's a piece Of cloth of Tissue, this of purple Velvet, And as they swear, of the right _Tyrian_ dye, Which others here but weakly counterfeit: If they are worth thy use, wear them; if not, Bestow them on thy women.

_Abd._ Here's the Husband.

_Gom._ While there is any trading on the Sea Thou shalt want nothing; 'tis a Soldiers glory, However he neglect himself, to keep His Mistriss in full lustre.

_Ori._ You exceed, Sir.

_Gom._ Yet there was one part of the prize dispos'd of Before I came, which I grieve that I miss'd of, Being almost assured, it would have been A welcome present.

_Ori._ Pray you say, what was it?

_Gom._ A _Turkish_ Captive of incomparable beauty, And without question, in her Countrey Noble; Which, as companion to thy faithful _Moor_, I would have given thee for thy slave.

_Ori._ But was she Of such an exquisite form?

_Gom._ Most exquisite.

_Ori._ And well descended?

_Gom._ So the habit promis'd, In which she was taken.

_Ori._ Of what years?

_Gom._ 'Tis said A Virgin of fourteen.

_Ori._ I pity her, And wish she were mine, that I might have the means T' entertain her gently.

_Gom._ She's now _Miranda_'s, And as I have heard, made it her suit to be so.

_Ori. Miranda_'s? then her fate deserves not pity, But envy rather.

_Gom._ Envy _Oriana_?

_Ori._ Yes, and their envy that live free.

_Gom._ How's this?

_Ori._ Why, she's falln into the hands of one, So full of that, which in men we stile goodness, That in her being his slave, she is happier far Than if she were confirm'd the _Sultan_'s Mistriss.

_Gom. Miranda_ is indeed a Gentleman Of fair desert, and better hopes, but yet He hath his equals.

_Ori._ Where? I would go far, As I am now, though much unfit for travails, But to see one that without injury Might be put in the scale, or paralell'd, In any thing that's Noble, with _Miranda_; His knowledge in all services of war, And ready courage, to put into act That knowing judgement, as you are a Soldier You best may speak of. Nor can you deliver, Nor I hear with delight, a better subject. And heaven did well, in such a lovely feature To place so chaste a mind; for he is of So sweet a carriage, such a winning nature, And such a bold, yet well-dispos'd behaviour; And to all these, h'as such a charming tongue, That if he would serve under Loves fresh colours, What monumental Trophies might he raise, Of his free conquests, made in Ladies favors?

_Gom._ Yet you did resist him, when he was An earnest suitor to you.

_Ori._ Yes I did; And if I were again sought to, I should; But must ascribe it rather to the fate That did appoint me yours, than any power Which I can call mine own.

_Gom._ Even so?

_Abd._ Thanks fortune, The plot I had to raise, in him, doubts of her, Thou hast effected.

_Ori._ I could tell you too, What cause I have to love him, with what reason. In thankfulnes, he may expect from me, All due observance; but I pass that, as A benefit, for which, in my behalf, You are his debtor.

_Abd._ I perceive it takes, By his chang'd looks.

_Ori._ He is not in the City? Is he my Lord?

_Gom._ Who Lady?

_Ori._ Why _Miranda_, Having you here, can there be any else Worth my enquiry?

_Gom._ This is somewhat more Than love to virtue.

_Ori._ Faith when he comes hither (As sometimes, without question you shall meet him) Invite him home.

_Gom._ To what end?

_Ori._ To dine with us, Or sup.

_Gom._ And then to take a hard bed with you: Mean you not so?

_Ori._ If you could win him to it, 'Twould be the better; for his entertainment, Leave that to me, he shall find Noble usage, And from me a free welcome.

_Gom._ Have you never Heard of a _Roman_ Lady (_Oriana_) Remembred as a president for Matrons, (Chaste ones, I pray you understand) whose husband Tax'd for his sowre breath by his enemy, Condemn'd his wife, for not acquainting him With his infirmity?

_Ori._ 'Tis a common one; Her answer was, having kiss'd none but him, She thought it was a general disease All men were subject to; but what infer you From that my Lord?

_Gom._ Why, that this virtuous Lady Had all her thoughts so fixed upon her Lord, That she could find no spare time to sing praises Of any other; nor would she imploy Her husband (though perhaps in debt to years As far as I am) for an instrument To bring home younger men that might delight her With their discourse, or--

_Ori._ What my Lord?

_Gom._ Their persons, Or if I should speak plainer--

_Ori._ No it needs not, You have said enough to make my innocence know It is suspected.

_Gom._ You betray your self To more than a suspition; could you else To me that live in nothing but love to you Make such a gross discovery, that your lust Had sold that heart I thought mine, to _Miranda_? Or rise to such a height in impudence, As to presume to work my yielding weakness To play for your bad ends, to my disgrace, The Wittal, or the Pander?

_Ori._ Do not study To print more wounds, (for that were tyranny) Upon a heart that is pierced through already.

_Gom._ Thy heart? thou hast pierc'd through mine honor false one, The honor of my house, fool that I was, To give it up to the deceiving trust Of wicked woman: for thy sake vild creature, For all I have done well, in my life, I have dig'd a grave, all buried in a wife; For thee I have defi'd my constant Mistriss, That never fail'd her servant, glorious war; For thee, refus'd the fellowship of an Order Which Princes, through all dangers, have been proud To fetch as far as from _Jerusalem_: And am I thus rewarded?

_Vel._ By all goodness, You wrong my Lady, and deserve her not, When you are at your best: repent your rashness, 'Twill show well in you.

_Abd._ Do, and ask her pardon.

_Ori._ No, I have liv'd too long, to have my faith (My tri'd faith) call'd in question, and by him That should know true affection is too tender To suffer an unkind touch, without ruine; Study ingratitude, all, from my example; For to be thankful now, is to be false. But be it so, let me dye, I see you wish it; Yet dead for truth, and pities sake, report What weapon you made choice of, when you kild me.

_Vel._ She faints.

_Abd._ What have ye done?

_Ori._ My last breath cannot Be better spent, than to say I forgive you; Nor is my death untimely, since with me I take along, what might have been hereafter In scorn delivered for the doubtful issue Of a suspected mother.

_Vel._ Oh, she's gone.

_Abd._ For ever gone. Are you a man?

_Gom._ I grow here.

_Abd._ Open her mouth, and power this Cordial in it; If any spark of life be unquench'd in her, This will recover her.

_Vel._ 'Tis all in vain, She's stiffe already: live I, and she dead?

_Gom._ How like a murtherer I stand! look up, And hear me curse my self, or but behold The vengeance I will take for't _Oriana_, And then in peace forsake me: Jealousie, Thou loathsome vomit of the fiends below, What desperate hunger made me to receive thee Into my heart, and soul? I'll let thee forth, And so in death find ease; and does my fault then Deserve no greater punishment? no, I'll live To keep thee for a fury to torment me, And make me know what hell is on the earth: All joyes and hopes forsake me; all mens malice, And all the plagues they can inflict, I wish it Fall thick upon me: let my tears be laught at, And may mine enemies smile to hear me groane; And dead, may I be pitied of none. [_Exeunt._

_Scæna Tertia._

_Enter_ Collonna _and_ Lucinda.

_Luc._ Pray you Sir why was the Ordnance of the Fort Discharg'd so sodainly?

_Col._ 'Twas the Governors pleasure, In honor of the _Dane_, a custom us'd, To speak a Soldiers welcome.

_Luc._ 'Tis a fit one: But is my Master here too?

_Col._ Three days since.

_Luc._ Might I demand without offence, so much, Is't pride in him (however now a slave) That I am not admitted to his presence?

_Col._ His curtesie to you, and to mankind May easily resolve you, he is free From that poor vice which only empty men Esteem a virtue.

_Luc._ What's the reason then, As you imagine, Sir?