Part 15

_Peop._ Now heaven preserve the Duke, heaven bless the Duke. [_Exeunt Omnes._

_Enter Wife._

_Wife._ This Letter came this morn from my Cosin To the great Lady, high and mighty Duchess Of _Burgundy_, be these delivered. Oh, For a stronger lace to keep my breath That I may laugh the nine days till the wonder Fall to an ebb: the high and mighty Duchess? The high and mighty God? what a stile is this! Methinks it goes like a Duchy lope-man, A ladder of 100 rounds will fail To reach the top on't: well my gentle Cosin I know by these contents, your itch of honor; You must to the Court you say, and very shortly: You shall be welcome; and if your wife have wit I'll put her in a thriving course, if not Her own sin on her own head, not a blot Shall stain my reputation, only this I must for healths sake sometimes make an ass Of the tame moil my Husband; 'twill do him good, And give him fresher brains, Me fresher bloud. Now for the noble Duke, I hear him coming.

_Enter Duke, his train._

Your Grace is well return'd.

_Duke._ As well as may be: Never in younger health, never more able: I mean to be your bed-fellow this night, Let me have good encounter.

_Bew._ Bless me heaven What a hot meat this greatness is!

_Long._ It may be so, For I'll be sworn he hath not got a snap This two months on my knowledge, or her woman Is damn'd for swearing it.

_Duke._ I thank you Gentlemen for your attendance And also your great pains, pray know my Lodgings Better and oftner, do so Gentlemen. Now by my honor, as I am a Prince, I speak sincerely, know my lodgings better, And be not strangers, I shall see your service And your deservings, when you least expect.

_Om._ We humbly thank your grace for this great favor.

_Du._ _Jaques?_

_Jaq._ Your Grace.

_Du._ Be ready for the Countrey, And let my Tenants know the Kings great love: Say I would see them, but the weight at Court Lies heavy on my shoulders: let them know I do expect their duties in attendance Against the next feast, wait for my coming To take up Post-horse, and be full of speed. [_Exit_ Jaq.

_Wife._ I would desire your Grace--

_Du._ You shall desire, and have your Full desire: sweet Duchess speak.

_Wife._ To have some conference with a Gentleman That seems not altogether void of reason. He talks of Titles, and things near the Crown, And knowing none so fit as your [good] Grace, To give the difference in such points of State--

_Du._ What is he? if he be noble, or have any part That's worthy our converse, we do accept him.

_Wife._ I can assure your Grace, his strain is noble, But he's very subtle.

_Duke._ Let him be so. Let him have all the brains, I shall demonstrate How this most Christian Crown of _France_ can bear No other shew of Title than the Kings. I will go in and meditate for half an hour, And then be ready for him presently, I will convert him quickly, or confound him.

_Serv._ Is mad _Shattillion_ here?

_Wife._ Is here, and's Lady, I prethee servant fetch him hither.

_Serv._ Why, what do you mean to put him to?

_Wife._ To chat with the mad lad my Husband; 'Twill be brave to hear them speak, babble, Stare, and prate.

_Bew._ But what shall be the end of all this, Lady?

_Enter_ Shattillion _and Lady_.

_Wife._ Leave that to me, now for the grand dispute, For see, here comes _Shattillion_: as I live, methinks All _France_ should bear part of his griefs.

_Long._ I'll fetch my Lord the Duke.

_Shat._ Where am I now, or whether will you lead me? To my death? I crave my priviledge, I must not dye, but by just course of Law.

_Serv._ His Majesty hath sent by me your pardon, He meant not you should dye; but would intreat you To lay the full state of your Title open, Unto a grave and Noble Gentleman.

_Enter_ Duke _and_ Longovile.

The Duke of _Burgundy_ who here doth come, Who, either by his wisdom will confute you, Or else inform and satisfie the King.

_Bew._ May't please your grace, this is the Gentleman.

_Duke._ Is this he that chops Logick with my Liege?

_Shat._ D'ye mock me? you are great, the time will come, When you shall be as much contemn'd as I, Where are the antient compliments of _France_, The upstarts brave the Princes of the bloud?

_Duke._ Your Title Sir, in short.

_Shat._ He must Sir, Be a better States-man than your self, that can Trip me in any thing, I will not speak Before these witnesses.

_Duke._ Depart the room, for none shall stay, No, not my dearest Duchess.

_Wife._ We'll stand behind the Arras and hear all. [_Exeunt._

_Duke._ In that chair take your place, I in this, Discourse your Title now.

_Shat._ Sir, you shall know, My Loves true Title, mine by Marriage, Setting aside the first race of _French_ Kings, Which will not here concern us, as _Pharamond_, With _Clodian_, _Meroveus_, and _Chilperick_, And to come down unto the second Race, Which we will likewise slip--

_Duke._ But take me with you.

_Shat._ I pray you give me leave, of _Martel Charles_, The Father of King _Pippin_, who was, Sire To _Charles_ the Great, and famous _Charlemain_. And to come to the third Race of _French_ Kings, Which will not be greatly pertinent in this cause, Betwixt the King and me, of which you know _HUGH CAPET_ was the first, Next his Son _Robert_, _Henry_ then, and _Philip_ With _Lewis_, and his Son a _Lewis_ too, And of that name the Seventh, but all this Springs from a Female, as it shall appear.

_Duke._ Now give me leave, I grant you this your Title At the first sight, carries some shew of truth; But if ye weigh it well, ye shall find light. Is not his Majesty possest in peace, And justice executed in his name, And can you think the most Christian King Would do this if he saw not reason for it?

_Shat._ But had not the Tenth _Lewis_ a sole Daughter?

_Duke._ I cannot tell.

_Shat._ But answer me directly.

_Duke._ It is a most seditious question.

_Shat._ Is this your justice?

_Duke._ I stand for my King.

_Shat._ Was ever Heir-apparant thus abus'd? I'll have your head for this.

_Duke._ Why, do your worst.

_Shat._ Will no one stir to apprehend this Traitor? A guard about my person, will none come? Must my own royal hands perform the deed? Then thus I do arrest you.

_Duke._ Treason, help.

_Enter Wife_, Long. Bew. _and Serv._

_Wife._ Help, help, my Lord and Husband.

_Duke._ Help the Duke.

_Long._ Forbear his grace's person.

_Shat._ Forbear you to touch him that Your Heir-apparent weds, But by this hand, I will have all your heads. [_Exit._

_Serv._ How doth your Grace?

_Duke._ Why? well.

_Serv._ How do you find his Title?

_Duke._ 'Tis a dangerous one, As can come by a female.

_Serv._ I, 'tis true, But the Law _Salique_ cuts him off from all.

_Long._ I do beseech your Grace, how stands his Title?

_Duke._ Pew, nothing; the Law _Salique_ cuts him off from all.

_Wife._ My gracious Husband, you must now prepare, In all your Graces pomp to entertain Your Cosin, who is now a convertite, And follows here, this night he will be here.

_Duke._ Be ready all in haste, I do intend, To shew before my Cosin's wondring face, The greatness of my pomp, and of my place. [_Exeunt omnes._

_Actus Quartus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter Cosin and his Wife._

_Cos._ Sirrah, is all things carried to the Tailor? The measure, and the fashion of the Gown, With the best trim?

_Man._ Yes Sir, and 'twill be ready within this two days.

_Cos._ For my self I care not, I have a suit or two of antient Velvet; Which with some small correcting and addition, May steal into the presence.

_Wife._ Would my Gown were ready; Husband, I'll lay my life, To make you something e'r to morrow night.

_Cos._ It must not be Before we see the Duke, and have advice, How to behave our selves: lets in the while, And keep our selves from knowledge, till time shall call us.

_Enter_ Long. _and_ Bew.

_Long._ I much admire the fierce _masculine_ spirit, Of this dread _Amazon_.

_Bew._ This following night I'll have a wench in solace.

_Long._ Sir, I hear you, And will be with you if I live, no more.

_Enter_ Maria.

_Ma._ My Lady would intreat your presence, Gentlemen.

_Bew._ We will obey your Lady, she is worthy.

_Long._ You, light alone, a word, or two.

_Ma._ Your Will, Sir.

_Long._ Hark in your ear; wilt thou be married? speak, wilt thou marry?

_Ma._ Married? to whom Sir?

_Long._ To a proper fellow, landed, and able bodied.

_Ma._ Why do you flout me, Sir?

_Long._ I swear I do not; I love thee for thy Ladies sake, be free?

_Ma._ If I could meet such matches as you speak of, I were a very child to lose my time, Sir.

_Long._ What saist thou to Monsieur _Bewford_?

_Ma._ Sir, I say he's a proper Gentleman, and far Above my means to look at.

_Long._ Dost thou like him?

_Ma._ Yes Sir, and ever did.

_Long._ He is thine own.

_Ma._ You are too great in promises.

_Long._ Be rul'd, and follow my advice, he shall be thine.

_Ma._ Would you would make it good, Sir.

_Long._ Do but thus, Get thee a cushion underneath thy cloaths, And leave the rest to me.

_Ma._ I'll be your scholar, I cannot lose much by the venture sure.

_Long._ Thou wilt lose a pretty maidenhead, my rogue, Or I am much o'th' bow hand, you'll remember If all this take effect, who did it for you, And what I may deserve for such a kindness.

_Ma._ Yours Sir. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Jaques _and_ Shattillion _severally_.

_Jaq._ Save ye Sir.

_Shat._ Save the King.

_Jaq._ I pray you Sir, which is the nearest way.

_Shat._ Save the King, this is the nearest way.

_Jaq._ Which is the nearest way to the Post-house?

_Shat._ God save the King and his Post-house.

_Jaq._ I pray Sir direct me to the house.

_Shat._ Heaven save the King, you cannot catch me, Sir.

_Jaq._ I do not understand you, Sir.

_Shat._ You do not, I say you cannot catch me, Sir.

_Jaq._ Not catch you, Sir?

_Shat._ No Sir, nor can the King, With all his stratagems, and his forced tricks, Although he put his Nobles in disguise; Never so oft to sift into my words, By course of Law, lay hold upon my life.

_Jaq._ It is business that my Lord the Duke Is by the King imployed in, and he thinks I am acquainted with it.

_Shat._ I shall not need to rip the cause up, From the first, to you, But if his Majesty had suffer'd me To marry her, though she be after him, The right heir general to the Crown of _France_. I would not have convey'd her into _Spain_, As it was thought, nor would I e'er have joyn'd, With the reformed Churches, to make them, Stand for my cause.

_Jaq._ I do not think you would.

_Shat._ I thank you Sir, And since I see you are a favourer Of virtues, kept in bondage; Tell directly to my soveraign King, For so I will acknowledge him for ever, How you have found my staid affections Setled for peace, and for the present state.

_Jaq._ Why Sir?

_Shat._ And good Sir, tell him further this, That notwithstanding all suggestions Brought to him against me, and all his suspitions, Which are innumerable to my treasons, If he will warrant me but publique trial, I'll freely yeild my self into his hands; Can he have more than this?

_Jaq._ No by my troth.

_Shat._ I would his Majesty would hear but reason, As well as you.

_Jaq._ But Sir, you do mistake me, For I never saw the King. In all my life but once, therefore good Sir, May it please you to shew me which is the Post-house.

_Sha._ I cry you mercy, Sir, then you are my friend.

_Jaq._ Yes Sir.

_Sha._ And such men are very rare with me, The Post-house is hard by, farewel;

_Jaq._ I thank you, Sir, I must ride hard to night, And it is dark already.

_Sha._ I am cruel, to send this man directly to his death That is my friend, and I might easily save him, He shall not dye, come back, my friend, come back.

_Jaq._ What is your Will?

_Sha._ Do you not know?

_Jaq._ Not I.

_Sha._ And do you gather nothing by my face?

_Jaq._ No Sir.

_Sha._ Virtue is ever innocent, Lay not the fault on me, I grieve for you, And wish that all my tears might win your safety.

_Jaq._ Why Sir?

_Sha._ Alas good friend you are undone, The more ill fortune, mine to be the means Of your sad overthrow, you know not me.

_Jaq._ No truly Sir.

_Sha._ Would you had never seen me, I am a man pursu'd by the whole state And sure some one hath seen me talk with you.

_Jaq._ Yes, divers Sir.

_Sha._ Why then your head is gone.

_Jaq._ I'll out of town.

_Sha._ Would it were soon enough, Stay if you love your life, or else you are taken.

_Jaq._ What shall I do?

_Sha._ I'll venture deeply for him, Rather than to cast away an innocent, Take courage friend, I will preserve thy life, With hazard of mine own.

_Jaq._ I thank you, Sir.

_Sha._ This night thou shalt be lodg'd within my doors, Which shall be all lock'd fast, and in the morn I'll so provide, you shall have free access, To the Sea-side, and so be shipt away, E'r any know it.

_Jaq._ Good Sir, suddainly, I am afraid to dye.

_Sha._ Then follow me. [_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ Shatillion's _Love._

_Love._ This way he went, and there's the house, I hope, His better Angel hath directed him, To leave the wandring streets, poor Gentleman. Would I were able with as free a heart, To set his soul right, as I am to grieve, The ruine of his fame, which God forgive me; Sir, if you be within, I pray Sir speak to me.

_Sha._ I am within, and will be; what are you?

_Love._ A friend.

_Sha._ No Sir, you must pardon me, I am acquainted with none such: be speedy, Friend, there is no other remedy.

_Love._ A word Sir, I say, I am your friend.

_Sha._ You cannot scape by any other means, Be not fearful, God save the King, What's your business, Sir?

_Lov._ To speak with you.

_Sha._ Speak out then.

_Lov._ Shall I not come up?

_Sha._ Thou shalt not: flie if thou be'st thine own friend, There lies the suit and all the furniture Belonging to the head, on with it friend.

_Lov._ Sir do you hear?

_Sha._ I do, God bless the King, It was a habit I had laid aside, For my own person, if the state had forced me.

_Love._ Good Sir, unlock your door.

_Sha._ Be full of speed, I see some 20 Musquetiers in ambush Whate'r thou art, know I am here and will be, Seest thou this bloody sword that cries revenge? Shake not my friend, through millions of these foes I'll be thy guard, and set thee safe aboard.

_Lov._ Dare you not trust me, Sir?

_Sha._ My good sword before me, And my allegeance to the King I tell thee Captain (for so I ghess thee by thy Arms) And the loose flanks of Halberdiers about thee, Thou art too weak, and foolish to attempt me. If you be ready, follow me, and hark you Upon your life speak to no living wight, Except my self.

_Love._ Monsieur _Shattillion_?

_Sha._ Thou shalt not call agen; thus with my sword, And the strong faith I bear unto the King; Whom God preserve, I will de[sc]end my chamber, And cut thy throat, I swear I'll cut thy throat, Steal after me and live.

_Love._ I will not stay. The fury of a man so far distracted. [_Exit_ Love.

_Enter_ Shattillion.

Where's the Officer that dares not enter, To intrap the life of my distressed friend? I, have you hid your self? you must be found, What do you fear? is not authority on your side Nay, I know the Kings command Will be your warrant, why then fear you? speak What strange designs are these? _Shattillion_, Be resolute and bear thy self upright, Though the whole world despise thee: soft, methinks. I heard a rushing which was like the shake Of a discovered Officer, I'll search The whole street over, but I'll find thee out. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Jaques _in womans apparel_.

_Jaq._ How my joynts do shake, where had I been But for this worthy Gentleman, that Hath some touch of my infortunes; would I were Safe under hatches once, for _Callicut_, Farewel the pomp of Court, I never more Can hope to be a Duke or any thing, I never more shall see the glorious face Of my fair spreading Lord that lov'd me well.

_Enter_ Shattillion.

_Shat._ Fly you so fast? I had a sight of you, But would not follow you; I was too wise, You shall not lead me with a cunning trick; Where you may catch me; poor _Shattillion_; Hath the Kings anger left thee never a friend? No, all mens loves move by the breath of Kings.

_Jaq._ It is the Gentleman that sav'd my life, Sir.

_Shat._ Bless _Shattillion_, another plot.

_Jaq._ No Sir, 'tis I.

_Shat._ Why, who are you?

_Jaq._ Your friend whom you preserv'd.

_Shat._ Whom I preserv'd? My friend? I have no woman friend but one, Who is too close in prison to be here; Come near, let me look on you.

_Jaq._ 'Tis I.

_Shat._ You should not be a woman by your stature.

_Jaq._ I am none, Sir.

_Shat._ I know it, then keep off, Strange men and times! how I am still preserv'd! Here they have sent a yeoman of the guard, Disguis'd in womans clothes, to work on me, To make love to me; and to trap my words, And so insnare my life, I know you, Sir, Stand back, upon your peril, can this be In _Christian_ Common-weals, from this time forth I'll cut off all the means to work on me, I'll ne'er stir from my house: and keep my doors Lockt day and night, and cheapen meat and drink At the next shops by Signs, out of my window, And having bought it, draw it up in my garters.

_Jaq._ Sir, will you help me?

_Shat._ Do not follow me, I'll take a course to live, despight of men. [_Exit_ Shat.

_Jaq._ He dares not venture for me, wretched _Jaques_! Thou art undone for ever and for ever, Never to rise again? what shall I do?

_Enter_ Bewfort.

Where shall I hide me? here's one to take me, I must stand close, and not speak for my life.

_Bew._ This is the time of night, and this the haunt, In which I use to catch my Wastcoatiers, It is not very dark, no, I shall spie 'em, I have walk't out in such a pitchy night. I could not see my fingers this far off, And yet have brought home venison by the smell, I hope they have not left their old walk, ah? Have I spied you sitting by this light? To me there's no such fine sight in the world, As a white apron 'twixt twelve and one; See how it glisters! do you think to scape? See now I have you fast; come, and do not strive, It takes away the edge of appetite; Come, I'll be liberal every way. Take heed you make no noise, for waking of the Watch. [_Exeunt._

_Enter Cosin and his Wife._

_Cos._ Now the blessing of some happy guide, To bring us to the Duke, and we are ready.

_Enter_ Long. _and Servant_.

Come forward, see the door is open'd, And two of his Gent. I'll speak to them, And mark how I behave my self, God save ye; For less I cannot wish to men of sort, and of your seeming: Are you of the Dukes?

_Long._ We are, Sir, and your servants, your salutes, We give you back again with many thanks.

_Cos._ When did you hear such words before Wife? peace, Do you not dare to answer yet; is't fit So mean a Gentleman as my self should crave, The presence of the great Duke your Master?

_Serv._ Sir you may.

_Long._ Shall we desire your name, and business, Sir? And we will presently inform him of you.

_Cos._ My name is _Cleremont_.

_Serv._ You are his Graces kinsman, Or I am much mistaken?

_Cos._ You are right, Some of his noble bloud runs through these veins, Though far unworthy of his graces knowledge.

_Long._ Sir, we must all be yours; his graces kinsman, And we so much forgetful? 'twas a rudeness, And must attend your pardon, thus I crave it: First to this beauteous Lady, whom I take To be your Wife, Sir, next your mercy.

_Cos._ You have it, Sir, I do not like this kissing, It lies so open to a world of wishes.

_Serv._ This is the merry fellow; this is he That must be noble too.

_Long._ And so he shall. If all the Art I have can make him noble, I'll dub him with a Knight-hood; if his wife Will be but forward, and joyn issue, I like her above excellent.

_Serv._ Wil't please you To walk a turn or two, whilst to the Duke We make your comming known? [_Exit Serv. and_ Long.

_Cos._ I shall attend, Sir.

_Wife._ These Gentlemen are very proper men, And kiss the best that e'er I tasted. For goodness-sake husband, let us never more Come near the Countrey, whatsoe'er betide us; I am in malice with the memory Of that same stinking dung-hil.

_Cos._ Why now you are my chicken and my dear, Love where I love, hate where I hate: now You shall have twenty Gowns, and twenty Chains, See, the door is opening.

_Groom._ Room afore there, the Duke is entring.

_Enter Duke_, _Wife_, Long. _Servant_, Maria.

_Cos._ 'Tis the Duke, even he himself, be merry, This is the golden age the Poet speaks on.

_Wife._ I pray it be not brazen'd by their faces, And yet methinks they are the neatest Pieces For shape, and cutting that e'er I beheld.

_Cos._ Most gracious Duke, my poor Spouse and my self, Do kiss your mighty foot, and next to that The great hand of your Dutchess, ever wishing Your honors ever springing, and your years.

_Duke._ Cosin?

_Cos._ Your Graces vassal, far unworthy The nearness of your blood.

_Duke._ Correct me not, I know the word I speak, And know the person. Though I be something higher than the place Where common men have motion, and descending Down with my eye, their forms are lessened to me; Yet from this pitch can I behold my own, From millions of those men that have no mark, And in my fearful stoop, can make them stand, When others feel my feet, and perish: Cosin, Be comforted, you are very welcome, so Is your fair Wife: the charge of whom I give To my own dearest, and best beloved. Tell me, you have resolv'd your self for Court, And utterly renounc'd the slavish Countrey, With all the cares thereof?

_Cos._ I have, Sir.

_Duke._ Have you dismist your eating houshold, Sold your hangings of _Nebuchadnezar_, for such they were, As I remember, with the Furnitures Belonging to your Beds and Chambers?

_Cos._ I Sir.

_Duke._ Have you most carefully ta'en off the Lead, From you[r] roof, weak with age, and so prevented The ruin of your house, and clapt him In a summer suit of thatch to keep him cool?

_Cos._ All this I have perform'd.

_Duke._ Then lend me all your hands, I will embrace my Cosin Who is an understanding Gentleman, And with a zeal mighty, as is my name, Once more I bid you welcome to the Court; My state again.

_Duch._ As I was telling you, your Husband Must be no more Commander, look to that, Be several at meat, and lodging, let him have Board-wages, and Diet, 'mongst his men i'th' Town For pleasure, if he be given to't, let him have it, Else as your own fancy shall direct you. Cosin, you see this mighty man here: he was an ass When he came first to Town: indeed he was Just such another coxcomb as your Husband, God bless the mark, and every good mans child! This must not stir you Cosin.

_Wif._ Heaven forbid!

_Long._ Sweet _Maria_; provide the cushion ready for it.

_Mar._ It shall be done.

_Duke._ Receive all your advices from our self, Be once a day with us, and so farewel For this time, my fair Cosin, Gentlemen Conduct him to his Lodging.

_Duch._ Farewel, and think upon my words.

_Wife._ I shall observe them. [_Exit Duke and Duchess._

_Cos._ Health, and the Kings continual love, attend you.