Part 1

Produced by Jonathan Ingram and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

FRANCIS BEAUMONT Born 1584 Died 1616

JOHN FLETCHER Born 1579 Died 1625

_BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER_

THE WOMANS PRIZE THE ISLAND PRINCESS THE NOBLE GENTLEMAN THE CORONATION THE COXCOMB

THE TEXT EDITED BY A. R. WALLER, M.A.

Cambridge: at the University Press 1910

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS London: FETTER LANE, E.C. C. F. CLAY, MANAGER

Edinburgh: 100, PRINCES STREET Berlin: A. ASHER AND CO. Leipzig: F. A. BROCKHAUS New York: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS Bombay and Calcutta: MACMILLAN AND CO., LTD.

_All rights reserved_

CONTENTS

PAGE The Womans Prize 1 The Island Princess 91 The Noble Gentleman 171 The Coronation 240 The Coxcomb 308

THE WOMANS PRIZE, OR THE TAMER TAM'D. A Comedy.

The Persons represented in the Play.

Moroso, _an old rich doting Citizen, suitor to_ Livia. Sophocles, } _Two Gentlemen, friends_ Tranio, } _to_ Petruchio. Petruchio, _An_ Italian _Gent. Husband to_ Maria. Rowland, _A young Gent. in love with_ Livia. Petronius, _Father to_ Maria _and_ Livia. Jaques, } _Two witty servants to_ Pedro, } Petruchio. Doctor. Apothecarie. Watchmen. Porters.

WOMEN.

Maria, _A chaste witty Lady,_ } _The two masculine daughters_ Livia, _Mistriss to_ Rowland. } _of_ Petronius. Biancha, _Their Cosin, and Commander in chief._ City Wives, } _To the relief of the Ladies, of which,_ Countrey Wives, } _two were drunk._ Maids.

The Scene London.

PROLOGUE.

_Ladies to you, in whose defence and right,_ Fletchers _brave Muse prepar'd her self to fight A battel without blood, 'twas well fought too, (The victory's yours, though got with much ado.) We do present this_ Comedy, _in which A rivulet of pure wit flows, strong and rich In Fancy, Language, and all parts that may Add Grace and Ornament to a merry Play. Which this may prove. Yet not to go too far In promises from this our Female War. We do intreat the angry men would not Expect the mazes of a subtle plot, Set Speeches, high Expressions, and what's worse, In a true_ Comedy, _politick discourse. The end we aim at, is to make you sport; Yet neither gall the City, nor the Court. Hear, and observe his Comique strain, and when Y' are sick-of melancholy, see't agen. 'Tis no dear Physick since 'twill quit the cost: Or his intentions with our pains, are lost._

_Actus Primus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Moroso, Sophocles, _and_ Tranio, _with Rosemary, as from a wedding._

_Mo._ God give 'em joy.

_Tra._ Amen.

_Soph._ Amen, say I too: The pudding's now i'th' proof, alas poor wench. Through what a mine of patience must thou work, E'r thou know'st good hour more!

_Tra._ 'Tis too true: Certain, Methinks her father has dealt harshly with her, Exceeding harshly, and not like a Father, To match her to this Dragon; I protest I pity the poor Gentlewoman.

_Mor._ Methinks now, He's not so terrible as people think him.

_Soph._ This old thief flatters, out of meer devotion, To please the Father for his second daughter.

_Tra._ But shall he have her?

_Soph._ Yes, when I have _Rome_. And yet the father's for him.

_Mor._ I'll assure ye, I hold him a good man.

_Soph._ Yes sure a wealthy, But whether a good womans man, is doubtful.

_Tra._ Would 'twere no worse.

_M[o]r._ What though his other wife, Out of her most abundant soberness, Out of her daily hue and cries upon him, (For sure she was a rebel) turn'd his temper, And forc'd him blow as high as she? dos't follow He must retain that long since buried Tempest, To this soft Maid?

_Soph._ I fear it.

_Tra._ So do I too: And so far, that if God had made me woman, And his wife that must be--

_Mor._ What would you do, Sir?

_Tra._ I would learn to eat coals with an angry Cat, And spit fire at him: I would (to prevent him) Do all the ramping, roaring tricks, a whore Being drunk, and tumbling ripe, would tremble at: There is no safety else, nor moral wisdom. To be a wife, and his.

_Soph._ So I should think too.

_Tra._ For yet the bare remembrance of his first wife (I tell ye on my knowledge, and a truth too) Will make him start in's sleep, and very often Cry out for Cudgels, Colestaves, any thing; Hiding his breeches, out of fear her Ghost Should walk, and wear 'em yet. Since his first marriage, He is no more the still _Petruchio_, Than I am _Babylon_.

_Soph._ He's a good fellow, And on my word I love him: but to think A fit match for this tender soul--

_Tra._ His very frown, if she but say her prayers Louder than men talk treason, makes him tinder; The motion of a Dial, when he's testy, Is the same trouble to him as a Water-work; She must do nothing of her self; not eat, Drink, say Sir, how do ye? make her ready, unready, Unless he bid her.

_Soph._ He will bury her, Ten pound to twenty shillings, within these three weeks.

_Tra._ I'll be your half.

_Enter_ Jaques _with a pot of Wine._

_Mor._ He loves her most extreamly, And so long 'twill be Honey-moon. Now _Jaques_. You are a busie man I am sure.

_Jaq._ Yes certain, This old sport must have eggs.

_Sop._ Not yet this ten daies.

_Jaq._ Sweet Gentlemen with Muskadel.

_Tra._ That's right, Sir.

_Mor._ This fellow broods his Master: speed ye _Jaques_.

_Soph._ We shall be for you presently.

_Jaq._ Your worships Shall have it rich and neat: and o' my conscience As welcome as our _Lady-day_: Oh my old Sir, When shall we see your worship run at Ring? That hour, a standing were worth money.

_Mor._ So Sir.

_Jaq._ Upon my little honesty, your Mistriss, If I have any speculation, must think This single thrumming of a Fiddle, Without a Bow, but even poor sport.

_Mor._ Y'are merry.

_Ja._ Would I were wise too: so God bless your worship.

_Tra._ The fellow tells you true. [_Exit_ Jaq.

_Soph._ When is the day man? Come, come, you'll steal a marriage.

_Mor._ Nay, believe me: But when her Father pleases, I am ready, And all my friends shall know it.

_Tra._ Why not now? One charge had serv'd for both.

_Mor._ There's reason in't.

_Soph._ Call'd _Rowland_--

_Mor._ Will ye walk? They'll think we are lost: Come Gentlemen.

_Tra._ You have wip'd him now.

_Soph._ So will he never the wench, I hope.

_Tra._ I wish it. [_Exeunt._

_Scaena Secunda._

_Enter_ Rowland _and_ Livia.

_Row._ Now _Livia_, if you'll go away to night, If your affections be not made of words.

_Liv._ I love you, and you know how dearly _Rowland_, Is there none near us? my affections ever Have been your servants; with what superstition I have ever Sainted you--

_Row._ Why then take this way.

_Liv._ 'Twill be a childish, and a less prosperous course, Than his that knows not care: why should we do, Our honest and our hearty love such wrong, To over-run our fortunes?

_Row._ Then you flatter.

_Liv._ Alas, you know I cannot.

_Ro[w]._ What hope's left else But flying to enjoy ye?

_Liv._ None so far, For let it be admitted, we have time, And all things now in other expectation, My father's bent against us; what but ruine, Can such a by-way bring us? if your fears Would let you look with my eyes, I would shew you, And certain, how our staying here would win us A course, though somewhat longer, yet far surer.

_Row._ And then _Moroso_ h'as ye.

_Liv._ No such matter For hold this certain, begging, stealing, whoring, Selling (which is a sin unpardonable) Of counterfeit Cods, or musty English _Croacus_; Switches, or Stones for th' tooth-ache sooner finds me, Than that drawn Fox _Moroso_.

_Row._ But his money, If wealth may win you--

_Liv._ If a Hog may be High Priest among the _Jews_? his money _Rowland_? Oh Love forgive me, what faith hast thou? Why, can his money kiss me?

_Row._ Yes.

_Liv._ Behind, Laid out upon a Petticoat: or graspe me While I cry, Oh good thank you? o'my troth Thou mak'st me merry with thy fear: or lie with me. As you may do? alas, what fools you men are? His mouldy money? half a dozen Riders, That cannot sit, but stampt fast to their Saddles? No _Rowland_, no man shall make use of me; My beauty was born free, and free I'll give it To him that loves, not buys me. You yet doubt me.

_Row._ I cannot say I doubt ye.

_Liv._ Goe thy ways, Thou art the prettiest puling piece of passion: Y'faith I will not fail thee.

_Row._ I had rather--

_Liv._ Prethee believe me, if I do not carry it, For both our goods--

_Row._ But--

_Liv._ What but?

_Row._ I would tell you.

_Liv._ I know all you can tell me; all's but this, You would have me, and lie with me; is't not so?

_Row._ Yes.

_Liv._ Why you shall; will that content you? Goe.

_Row._ I am very loth to goe.

_Enter_ Byancha _and_ Maria.

_Liv._ Now o' my conscience Thou art an honest fellow: here's my Sister; Go, prethee go; this kiss, and credit me, E'r I am three nights older, I am for thee: You shall hear what I do. Farewel.

_Row._ Farewel. [_Exit_ Rowland.

_Liv._ Alas poor fool, how it looks! It would ev'n hang it self, should I but cross it. For pure love to the matter I must hatch it.

_Bya._ Nay, never look for merry hour, _Maria_, If now you make it not; let not your blushes, Your modesty, and tenderness of spirit, Make you continual Anvile to his anger: Believe me, since his first wife set him going, Nothing can bind his rage: Take your own council, You shall not say that I perswaded you. But if you suffer him--

_Mar._ Stay, shall I do it?

_Bya._ Have you a stomach to't?

_Mar._ I never shew'd it.

_Bya._ 'Twill shew the rarer and the stronger in you. But do not say I urg'd you.

_Mar._ I am perfect, Like _Curtius_, to redeem my Countrey, I have Leap'd into this gulph of marriage, and I'll do it. Farewel all poorer thoughts, but spight and anger, Till I have wrought a miracle. Now cosin, I am no more the gentle, tame _Maria_; Mistake me not; I have a new soul in me Made of a North wind, nothing but tempest; And like a tempest shall it make all ruin, Till I have run my Will out.

_Bya._ This is brave now, If you continue it; but your own Will lead you.

_Mar._ Adieu all tenderness, I dare continue; Maids that are made of fears, and modest blushes, View me, and love example.

_Bya._ Here is your Sister.

_Mar._ Here is the brave old mans love.

_Bya._ That loves the young man.

_Mar._ I and hold thee there wench: what a grief of heart is't? When _Paphos_ Revels should rowze up old night, To sweat against a Cork; to lie and tell The clock o'th lungs, to rise sport starv'd?

_Liv._ Dear Sister, Where have you been, you talk thus?

_Mar._ Why at Church, wench; Where I am ti'd to talke thus: I am a wife now.

_Liv._ It seems so, and a modest.

_Mar._ You are an ass; When thou art married once, thy modesty Will never buy thee pins.

_Liv._ 'Bless me.

_Mar._ From what?

_Bya._ From such a tame fool as our cosin _Livia_?

_Liv._ You are not mad.

_Mar._ Yes wench, and so must you be, Or none of our acquaintance: mark me _Livia_; Or indeed fit for our sex: 'Tis bed time. Pardon me yellow _Hymen_, that I mean Thine offerings to protract, or to keep fasting My valiant Bridegroom.

_Liv._ Whither will this woman?

_Bya._ You may perceive her end.

_Liv._ Or rather fear it.

_Mar._ Dare you be partner in't?

_Liv._ Leave it _Maria_, I fear I have mark'd too much, for goodness leave it; Divest you with obedient hands, to bed.

_Mar._ To bed? no _Livia_, there are Comets hang Prodigious over that yet; there's a fellow Must yet before I know that heat (ne'r start wench) Be made a man, for yet he is a monster; Here must his head be _Livia_.

_Liv._ Never hope it. 'Tis as easie with a Sive to scoop the Ocean, as To tame _Petruchio_.

_Mar._ Stay: _Lucina_ hear me, Never unlock the treasure of my womb For humane fruit, to make it capable; Nor never with thy secret hand make brief A mothers labor to me; if I do Give way unto my married Husband's Will, Or be a Wife in any thing but hopes, Till I have made him easie as a child, And tame as fear, he shall not win a smile, Or a pleas'd look, from this austerity, Though it would pull another Joynture from him, And make him ev'ry day another man; And when I kiss him, till I have my Will, May I be barren of delights, and know Only what pleasures are in dreams, and guesses.

_Liv._ A strange _Exordium_.

_Bya._ All the several wrongs Done by Imperious Husbands to their Wives These thousand years and upwards, strengthen thee: Thou hast a brave cause.

_Mar._ And I'll do it bravely, Or may I knit my life out ever after.

_Liv._ In what part of the world got she this spirit? Yet pray _Maria_, look before you truly, Besides the obedience of a wife; Which you will find a heavy imputation, Which yet I cannot think your own, it shews So distant from your sweetness.

_Mar._ 'Tis I swear.

_Liv._ Weigh but the person, and the hopes you have, To work this desperate cure.

_Mar._ A weaker subject Would shame the end I aim at, disobedience. You talk too tamely: By the faith I have In mine own noble Will, that childish woman That lives a prisoner to her Husbands pleasure, Has lost her making, and becomes a beast, Created for his use, not fellowship.

_Liv._ His first wife said as much.

_Mar._ She was a fool, And took a scurvy course; let her be nam'd 'Mongst those that wish for things, but dare not do'em: I have a new dance for him.

_Liv._ Are you of this faith?

_Bya._ Yes truly, and will die in't.

_Liv._ Why then let's all wear breeches.

_Mar._ Now thou com'st near the nature of a woman; Hang these tame hearted Eyasses, that no sooner See the Lure out, and hear their Husbands hollow, But cry like Kites upon 'em: The free Haggard (Which is that woman, that hath wing, and knows it, Spirit and plume) will make an hundred checks, To shew her freedom, sail in ev'ry air, And look out ev'ry pleasure; not regarding Lure, nor quarry, till her pitch command What she desires, making her foundred keeper Be glad to fling out trains, and golden ones, To take her down again.

_Liv._ You are learned, Sister; Yet I say still take heed.

_Mar._ A witty saying; I'll tell thee _Livia_, had this fellow tired As many wives as horses under him, With spurring of their patience; had he got A Patent, with an Office to reclaim us, Confirm'd by Parliament; had he all the malice And subtilty of Devils, or of us, Or any thing that's worse than both.

_Liv._ Hey, hey boys, this is excellent.

_Mar._ Or could he Cast his wives new again, like Bels, to make 'em Sound to his Will; or had the fearful name Of the first breaker of wild women: yet, Yet would I undertake this man, thus single, And, spight of all the freedom he has reach'd to, Turn him and bend him as I list, and mold him Into a babe again; that aged women, W[a]nting both teeth and spleen, may Master him.

_Bya._ Thou wilt be chronicl'd.

_Mar._ That's all I aim at.

_Liv._ I must confess, I do with all my heart Hate an imperious Husband, and in time Might be so wrought upon.

_Bya._ To make him cuckold?

_Mar._ If he deserve it.

_Liv._ Then I'll leave ye Ladies.

_Bya._ Thou hast not so much noble anger in thee.

_Mar._ Go sleep, go sleep, what we intend to do, Lies not for such starv'd souls, as thou hast _Livia_.

_Liv._ Good night: the Bridegroom will be with you presently.

_Mar._ That's more than you know.

_Liv._ If ye work upon him, As you have promised, ye may give example, Which no doubt will be followed.

_Mar._ So.

_Bya._ Good night: we'll trouble you no further.

_Mar._ If you intend no good, pray do no harm.

_Liv._ None, but pray for you. [_Exit_ Livia.

_Bya._ Cheer wench.

_Mar._ Now _Byancha_, Those wits we have, let's wind 'em to the height. My rest is up wench, and I pull for that Will make me ever famous. They that lay Foundations, are half-builders, all men say.

_Enter_ Jaques.

_Jaq._ My Master forsooth.

_Mar._ Oh how does thy Master? prethee commend me to him.

_Jaq._ How's this? my Master stays forsooth.

_Mar._ Why let him stay, who hinders him forsooth?

_Jaq._ The Revel's ended now, To visit you.

_Mar._ I am not sick.

_Jaq._ I mean to see his chamber forsooth.

_Mar._ Am I his Groom? where lay he last night forsooth?

_Ja[q]._ In the low matted Parlour.

_Mar._ There lies his way by the long Gallery.

_Jaq._ I mean your chamber: y'are very merry Mistriss.

_Mar._ 'Tis a good sign I am sound hearted _Jaques_: But if you'll know where I lie, follow me; And what thou seest, deliver to thy Master.

_Bya._ Do gentle _Jaques_. [_Exeunt._

_Ja._ Ha, is the wind in that door? By'r Lady we shall have foul weather then: I do not like the shuffling of these women, They are mad beasts, when they knock their heads together: I have observ'd them all this day; their whispers, One in anothers ear, their signs and pinches, And breaking often into violent laughters: As if the end they purpos'd were their own. Call you this weddings? Sure this is a knavery, A very trick, and dainty knavery, Marvellous finely carried, that's the comfort: What would these women do in ways of honor? That are such Masters this way? Well, my Sir Has been as good at finding out these toys, As any living; if he lose it now, At his own peril be it. I must follow. [_Exit._

_Scaena Tertia._

_Enter Servants with Lights_, Petruchio, Petronius, Moroso, Tranio, _and_ Sophocles.

_Pet._ You that are married, Gentlemen; have at ye For a round wager now.

_Soph._ Of this nights Stage?

_Petru._ Yes.

_Soph._ I am your first man, a pair of Gloves of twenty shillings.

_Petru._ Done: who takes me up next? I am for all bets.

_Mor._ Well lusty _Lawrence_, were but my night now, Old as I am, I would make you clap on Spurs, But I would reach you, and bring you to your trot too: I would Gallants.

_Petru._ Well said good Will; but where's the staff boy, ha? Old father Time, your hour-glass is empty.

_Tra._ A good tough train would break thee all to pieces; Thou hast not breath enough to say thy prayers.

_Petron._ See how these boys despise us. Will you to bed son? This pride will have a fall.

_Petru._ Upon your daughter; But I shall rise again, if there be truth In Eggs, and butter'd Parsnips.

_Petro._ Will you to bed son, and leave talking? To morrow morning we shall have you look, For all your great words, like _St. George_ at _Kingston_, Running a foot-back from the furious Dragon, That with her angry tail belabours him For being lazie.

_Tra._ His courage quench'd, and so far quench'd--

_Petru._ 'Tis well Sir. What then?

_Soph._ Fly, fly, quoth then the fearful dwarfe; Here is no place for living man.

_Petru._ Well my masters, if I do sink under my business, as I find 'tis very possible, I am not the first that has miscarried; So that's my comfort, what may be done without impeach or waste, I can and will do.

_Enter_ Jaques.

How now, is my fair Bride a bed?

_Jaq._ No truly, Sir.

_Petron._ Not a bed yet? body o' me: we'll up and rifle her: here's a coil with a Maiden-head, 'tis not intail'd, is it?

_Petru._ If it be, I'll try all the Law i'th' Land, but I'll cut it off: let's up, let's up, come.

_Jaq._ That you cannot neither.

_Petru._ Why?

_Jaq._ Unless you'll drop through the Chimney like a Daw, or force a breach i'th' windows: you may untile the house, 'tis possible.

_Petru._ What dost thou mean?

_Jaq._ A moral, Sir, the Ballad will express it: _The wind and the rain, has turned you back again, And you cannot be lodged there._ The truth is, all the doors Are baracadoed; not a Cathole, but holds a murd'rer in't. She's victuall'd for this month.

_Petru._ Art not thou drunk?

_Soph._ He's drunk, he's drunk; come, come, let's up.

_Jaq._ Yes, yes, I am drunk: ye may go up, ye may Gentlemen, but take heed to your heads: I say no more.

_Soph._ I'll try that. [_Exit_ Soph.

_Petron._ How dost thou say? the door fast lock'd fellow?

_Jaq._ Yes truly Sir, 'tis lock'd, and guarded too; and two as desperate tongues planted behind it, as e'er yet batter'd: they stand upon their honors, and will not give up without strange composition, I'll assure you; marching away with their Pieces cockt, and Bullets in their mouths, will not satisfie them.

_Petru._ How's this? how's this? they are-- Is there another with her?

_Jaq._ Yes marry is there, and an Enginier.

_Mor._ Who's that for Heavens sake?

_Jaq._ Colonel _Byancha_, she commands the works: _Spinola_'s but a Ditcher to her, there's a half-moon: I am but a poor man, but if you'll give me leave, I'll venture a years wages, draw all your force before it, and mount your ablest Piece of battery, you shall not enter it these three nights yet.

_Enter_ Sophocles.

_Petru._ I should laugh at that good _Jaques_.

_Soph._ Beat back again, she's fortified for ever.

_Jaq._ Am I drunk now, Sir?

_Soph._ He that dares most, go up now, and be cool'd. I have scap'd a pretty scowring.

_Petru._ What are they mad? have we another _Bedlam_? They do not talke I hope?

_Soph._ Oh terribly, extreamly fearful, the noise at _London-bridge_ is nothing near her.

_Petru._ How got she tongue?

_Soph._ As you got tail, she was born to't.

_Petru._ Lock'd out a doors, and on my wedding-night? Nay, and I suffer this, I may goe graze: Come Gentlemen, I'll batter; are these virtues?

_Soph._ Do, and be beaten off with shame, as I was: I went up, came to th' door, knock'd, no body answer'd; knock'd louder, yet heard nothing: would have broke in by force; when suddainly a Water-work flew from the window with such violence, that had I not duck'd quickly like a Fryer, _caetera quis nescit_? The chamber's nothing but a mere _Ostend_, in every window Pewter Cannons mounted, you'll quickly find with what they are charg'd, Sir.

_Petru._ Why then _tantara_ for us.

_Soph._ And all the lower Works lin'd sure with small shot, long tongues with Fire-locks, that at twelve score blank hit to the heart: now and ye dare go up.

_Enter_ Maria _and_ Byanca _above._

_Mar._ The window opens, beat a parley first; I am so much amaz'd, my very hair stands.

_Petron._ Why how now Daughter: what intrench'd?

_Mar._ A little guarded for my safety, Sir.

_Petru._ For your safety Sweet-heart? why who offends you? I come not to use violence.

_Mar._ I think you cannot, Sir, I am better fortified.

_Petru._ I know your end, You would fain reprieve your Maiden-head A night, or two.

_Mar._ Yes, or ten, or twenty, or say an hundred; Or indeed, till I list lie with you.

_Soph._ That's a shrewd saying; from this present hour, I never will believe a silent woman. When they break out they are bonfires.

_Petro._ Till you list lie with him? why who are you Madam?

_Bya._That trim Gentlemans wife, Sir.

_Petru._ Cry you mercy, do you command too?

_Mar._ Yes marry does she, and in chief.

_Bya._ I do command, and you shall go without: (I mean your wife, for this night)

_Mar._ And for the next too wench, and so as'[t follows]

_Petro._ Thou wilt not, wilt'a?

_Mar._ Yes indeed dear father, And till he seal to what I shall set down, For any thing I know for ever.

_Soph._ Indeed these are Bug[s]-words.

_Tra._ You hear Sir, she can talk, God be thanked.

_Petru._ I would I heard it not, Sir.