Part 17

_Love._ Oh my most lov'd _Shattillion_, pain enough, But now I am free, thanks to my God and King.

_Long._ His eyes grow very heavy, not a word, That his weak senses may come sweetly home.

_Shat._ The King is honourable.

_Duke._ When do you whistle _Jaques_?

_Jaq._ By and by.

_Long._ Come hither Monsieur, canst thou laugh a little?

_Serv._ Yes Sir.

_Long._ So thou shalt then. _Bewford_, how dost thou?

_Bew._ Why well.

_Long._ I'm glad on't, and how does thy wife?

_Bew._ Why, you may see her, Sir, she stands behind you.

_Long._ By the mass she's there indeed, but where's her belly?

_Bew._ Belly?

_Long._ Her great belly, man; what hast thou sent thee?

_Serv._ A Boy, I'll lay my life, it tumbled so.

_Bew._ Catcht by this light.

_Long._ I'll be a Gossip _Bewford_.

_Serv._ And I.

_Long._ I have an odd Apostle spoon.

_Bew._ S'foot, catcht.

_Duc._ Why, what's the matter, Gentlemen?

_Long._ He's married to your woman.

_Duc._ And I not know it?

_Serv._ 'Twas a venial sin.

_Bew._ Gall, gall, gall.

_Duc._ Forgive her, Monsieur _Bewford_, 'twas her love.

_Bew._ You may rise if you please, I must endure it.

_Long._ See how my great Lord lies upon the ground And dare not stir yet! _Jaques_ whistles?

_Duke._ _Jaques_, _Jaques_, is the Kings Champion gon yet?

_Jaq._ No, but he's asleep.

_Duke._ Is he asleep art sure?

_Jaq._ I am sure he is, I hear him snore.

_Duke._ Then by your favours Gentlemen I rise, And know I am a Duke still.

_Jaq._ And I am his Champion.

_Duc._ Hold thee there, and all _France_ cannot mend thee.

_Duke._ I am a Prince as great within my thoughts As when the whole state did adorn my person; What trial can be made to try a Prince? I will [o]ppose this noble corps of mine To any danger that may end the doubt.

_Duc._ Great Duke, and Husband, there is but one way To satisfie the world of our true right, And it is dangerous.

_Duke._ What may it be? Were it to bring the great Turk bound in chains Through _France_ in triumph: or to couple up The _Sophie_, and great _Prestor John_ together, I would attempt it Duchess, tell the course.

_Duc._ There is a strong opinion through the world, And no doubt, grounded on experience, That Lions will not touch a lawful Prince, If you be confident then of your right, Amongst the Lions bear your naked body, And if you come off clear, and never winch, The world will say you are a perfect Prince.

_Duke._ I thank you Duchess, for your kind advice, But now we do not affect those ravenous beasts.

_Long._ A Lion is a beast to try a King; But for the trial of such a state like this _Pliny_ reports a mastive dog will serve.

_Duke._ We will not deal with dogs at all, but men.

_Serv._ You shall not need to deal with them at all, Hark you Sir, the King doth know you are a Duke:

_Duke._ No, does he?

_Serv._ Yes, and is content you shall be, but with this caution, That none know it but your self: For if ye do, he'll take it away by Act of Parliament.

_Duke._ Here's my hand, and whilst I live or breath, No living wight shall know I am a Duke.

_Serv._ Mark me directly, Sir, your wife may know it.

_Duke._ May not _Jaques_.

_Serv._ Yes, he may.

_Duke._ May not my Countrey Cosin?

_Serv._ By no means, Sir, if you love your life and state.

_Duke._ Well then, know all, I am no Duke.

_Serv._ No, I'll swear it.

_Long._ See, he wakes.

_Shat._ Where am I, or where have I been all this while? Sleep hath not sate so sound upon mine eyes But I remember well that face; Oh thou too cruel, leave at length to scorn Him that but looking on thy beauty, dies, Either receive me, or put out my eyes.

_Love._ Dearest _Shattillion_, see upon my knees, I offer up my love, forget my wrongs.

_Shat._ Art thou mine own?

_Love._ By heaven I am.

_Shat._ Then all the world is mine.

_Love._ I have stranger things to tell thee, my dearest love.

_Shat._ Tell nothing, but that thou art mine own: I do not care to know where I have been, Or how I have liv'd, or any thing, But that thou art my own.

_Bew._ Well wife, though 'twere a trick that made us wed, We'll make our selves merry soon in bed.

_Duke._ Know all, I am no Duke.

_Wife._ What [saye]?

_Duke._ _Jaques?_

_Jaq._ Sir.

_Duke._ I am a Duke.

_Both._ Are ye?

_Duke._ Yes faith, yes faith. But it must only run among our selves, And _Jaques_, thou shalt be my Secretary still.

_Wife._ Kind Gentlemen, lead in _Shattillion_, For he must needs be weak and sickly yet. Now all my labours have a perfect end, as I could wish, Let all young sprightly wives that have Dull foolish coxcombs to their Husbands, Learn by me their duties, what to do, Which is, to make 'em fools, and please 'em too. [_Exeunt._

EPILOGUE.

_The Monuments of virtue, and desert, Appear more goodly, when the gloss of Art Is eaten off by time, than when at first They were set up, not censur'd at the worst. We'ave done our best, for your contents to fit, With new pains, this old monument of wit._

THE CORONATION. A Comedy.

The Persons represented in the Play.

_Philocles._ _Lisander._ _Cassander._ _Lisimachus._ _Antigonu._ _Arcadius._ _Macarius._ _Seleucus._ _Queen._ _Charilla._ _Polidora._ _Nestorius._ _Eubulus._ _A Bishop._ _Polianus._ _Sophia._ _Demetrius._ _Gentlemen and Gentlewomen._ _Servants and Attendants._

PROLOGUE.

_Since 'tis become the Title of our Play, A woman once in a [Coronation may] With pardon, speak the_ Prologue, _give as free A welcome to the Theatre, as he That with a little Beard, a long black Cloak, With a starch'd face, and supple leg hath spoke Before the Plays the twelvemonth, let me then Present a welcome to these Gentlemen, If you be kind, and noble, you will not Think the worse of me for my Petticote: But to the Play, the Poet bad me tell His fears first in the Title, lest i[t] swell Some thoughts with expectation of a strain, That but once could be seen in a Kings Reign, This Coronation, he hopes you may See often, while the genius of his Play, Doth prophesie, the Conduits may run Wine, When the days triumph's ended, and divine Brisk Nectar swell his Temple[s] to a rage, With something of more price t' invest the Stage. There rests but to prepare you, that although It be a Coronation, there doth flow No undermirth, such as doth lard the Scene For course delight the language here is clean. And confident, our Poet bade me say, He'll bate you but the folly of a Play. For which, although dull souls his Pen despise, Who thinks it yet too early to be wise. The nobler will thank his Muse, at least Excuse him, cause his thought aim'd at the best, But we conclude not, it does rest in you. To censure Poet, Play, and Prologue too. But what have I omitted? is there not A blush upon my cheeks that I forgot The Ladies, and a Femal Prologue too? Your pardon noble Gentlewomen, you Were first within my thoughts, I know you sit As free, and high Commissioners of wit, Have clear, and active souls, nay, though the men Were lost in your eyes, they'll be found agen, You are the bright intelligences move, And make a harmony this sphere of Love, Be you propitious then, our Poet says, Our wreath from you, is worth their grove of Bayes:_

_Actus Primus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Philocles _and_ Lisander.

_Phi._ Make way for my Lord Protector.

_Lisan._ Your graces servants.

_Enter_ Cassander, _and_ Lisimachus.

_Cas._ I like your diligent waiting, where's _Lisimachus_?

_Lisi._ I wait upon you, Sir.

_Cas._ The Queen looks pleasant This morning, does she not?

_Lis._ I ever found Her gracious smiles on me.

_Cas._ She does consult Her safety in't, for I must tell thee boy, But in the assurance of her love to thee, I should advance thy hopes another way, And use the power I have in _Epire_, to Settle our own, and uncontrouled greatness; But since she carries her self so fairly, I am content to expect, and by her marriage Secure thy fortune, that's all my ambition Now, be still careful in thy applications To her, I must attend other affairs, Return, and use what Art thou canst to lay More charms of love upon her.

_Lis._ I presume She always speaks the language of her heart, And I can be ambitious for no more Happiness on earth, than she encourages Me to expect.

_Cas._ It was an act becoming The wisdom of her Father to engage A tye between our Families, and she Hath play'd her best discretion to allow it; But we lose time in conference, wait on her, And be what thou wert born for, King of _Epire_, I must away. [_Exit._

_Lis._ Success ever attend you. Is not the Queen yet coming forth?

_Lisa._ Your servant, You may command our duties, This is the Court Star, _Philocles_.

_Phi._ The Star that we must sail by.

_Lisa._ All must borrow A light from him, the young Queen directs all Her favours that way.

_Phi._ He's a noble Gentleman, And worthy of his expectations: Too good to be the son of such a Father.

_Lisa._ Peace, remember he is Lord Protector.

_Phil._ We have more need of Heavens Protection I' th' mean time, I wonder the old King Did in his life, design him for the office.

_Lisa._ He might expect his faith, I have heard when The King, who was no _Epirote_, advanc'd His claim, _Cassander_, our Protector now, Young then, oppos'd him toughly with his faction, But forc'd to yield, had fair conditions, And was declar'd by the whole State, next heir; If the King wanted issue, our hopes only Thriv'd in this daughter.

_Phi._ Whom but for her smiles And hope of marriage with _Lisimachus_, His Father, by some cunning, had remov'd E'r this.

_Lisa._ Take heed, the Arras may have ears I should not weep much if his grace would hence Remove to Heaven.

_Phi._ I prethee what should he do there?

_Lisa._ Some Offices will fall.

_Phi._ And the Skie too, e'r I get one stair higher While he's in place.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ _Lisander_, _Philocles_, How looks the day upon us? where's the Queen?

_Phi._ In her bed-chamber.

_Ant._ Who was with her?

_Lisa._ None but the young Lord _Lisimachus_.

_Ant._ 'Tis no treason If a man wish himself a Courtier Of such a possibility: he has The mounting fate.

_Phi._ I would his Father were Mounted to th' gallows.

_Ant._ He has a path fair enough, If he survive by title of his Father.

_Lisa._ The Queen will hasten his ascent.

_Phi._ Would I were Queen.

_Ant._ Thou wou'dst become rarely the petticoat, What wou'dst thou do?

_Phi._ Why, I wou'd marry My Gentleman usher, and trust all the strength And burden of my State upon his legs, Rather than be call'd wife by any son Of such a Father.

_Lisa._ Come, let's leave this subject, We may find more secure discourse; when saw You young _Arcadius_, Lord _Macarius's_ Nephew?

_Ant._ There's a spark, a youth moulded for a Favourite, The Queen might do him honor.

_Phi._ Favourite, 'tis too cheap a name, there were a match Now for her Virgin blood.

_Lisa._ Must every man That has a handsome face or leg, feed such Ambition: I confess I honor him, He has a nimble soul, and gives great hope To be no woman-hater, dances handsomly, Can court a Lady powerfully, but more goes To th' making of a Prince. He's here And's Uncle.

_Enter_ Arcadius, Macarius, Seleucus.

_Sel._ Save you Gentlemen, who can direct me To find my Lord Protector?

_Lisa._ He was here Within this half hour, young _Lisimachus_ His Son is with the Queen.

_Sel._ There let him compliment, I have other business, ha, _Arcadius_! [_Exit._

_Phi._ Observ'd you, with what eyes _Arcadius_ And he saluted, their two families Will hardly reconcile.

_Ant._ _Seleucus_ carries Himself too roughly; with what pride and scorn He past by 'em.

_Lisa._ Th'other with less shew Of anger, carries pride enough in's soul, I wish 'em all at peace, _Macarius_ looks Are without civil war, a good old man, The old King lov'd him well, _Seleucus_ Father Was as dear to him, and maintain'd the character Of an honest Lord through _Epire_: that two men So lov'd of others, should be so unwelcome To one another.

_Arc._ The Queen was not wont to send for me.

_Mac._ The reason's to her self, It will become your duty to attend her.

_Arc._ Save you Gentlemen, what novelty Does the Court breathe to day?

_Lisa._ None Sir, the news That took the last impression is, that you Purpose to leave the Kingdom, and those men, That honor you, take no delight to hear it.

_Arc._ I have ambition to see the difference Of Courts, and this may spare; the delights At home do surfet, and the Mistriss, whom We all do serve, is fixt upon one object, Her beams are too much pointed, but no Countrey Shall make me lose your memories.

_Enter Queen_, Lisimachus, Macarius, Charilla.

_Qu._ _Arcadius._

_Mac._ Your Lordship honor'd me, I have no blessing in his absence.

_Lis._ 'Tis done like a pious Uncle.

_Qu._ We must not Give any licence.

_Arc._ If your Majesty Would please.

_Qu._ We are not pleas'd, it had become your duty, To have first acquainted us, e'r you declar'd Your resolution publick, is our Court Not worth your stay?

_Arc._ I humbly beg your pardon.

_Qu._ Where's _Lysimachus_?

_Lis._ Your humble servant, Madam.

_Qu._ We shall find Employment at home for you, do not lose us.

_Arc._ Madam, I then write my self blest on earth When I may do you service.

_Qu._ We would be private, _Macarius_.

_Mac._ Madam, you have blest me, Nothing but your command could interpose to Stay him.

_Qu._ _Lisimachus_, You must not leave us.

_Lisa._ Nothing but _Lisimachus_? has she not Ta'en a philter?

_Qu._ Nay, pray be cover'd, Ceremony from you, Must be excus'd.

_Lisi._ It will become my duty.

_Qu._ Not your love? I know you would not have me look upon Your person as a Courtier, not as Favorite; That Title were too narrow to express How we esteem you.

_Lis._ The least of all These names from you, Madam, is grace enough.

_Qu._ Yet here you wou'd not rest?

_Lis._ Not if you please: To say there is a happiness beyond, And teach my ambition how to make it mine, Although the honors you already have Let fall upon your servant, exceed all My merit; I have a heart is studious To reach it with desert, and make i[f] possible Your favor's mine by justice, with your pardon.

_Qu._ We are confident this needs no pardon, Sir, But a reward to cherish your opinion, And that you may keep warm your passion, Know we resolve for marriage, and if I had another gift, beside my self, Greater, in that you should discern, how much My heart is fixt.

_Lis._ Let me digest my blessing.

_Qu._ But I cannot resolve when this shall be.

_Lis._ How Madam? do not make me dream of Heaven, And wake me into misery, if your purpose Be, to immortalize your humble servant, Your power on earth's divine, Princes are here The copies of Eternity, and create, When they but will our happiness.

_Qu._ I shall Believe you mock me in this argument, I have no power.

_Lis._ How, no power?

_Qu._ Not as a Queen.

_Lis._ I understand you not.

_Qu._ I must obey, your Father's my Protector.

_Lis._ How?

_Qu._ When I am absolute, _Lisimachus_, Our power and Titles meet, before, we are but A shadow, and to give you that were nothing.

_Lis._ Excellent Queen, My love took no original from State, Or the desire of other greatness, Above what my birth may challenge modestly, I love your virtues; mercenary souls Are taken with advancement, you've an Empire Within you, better than the worlds, to that Looks my ambition.

_Qu._ T'other is not, Sir, To be despis'd, Cosmography allows _Epire_, a place i' th' Map, and know till I Possess what I was born to, and alone Do grasp the Kingdoms Scepter, I account My self divided, he that marries me Shall take an [a]bsolute Queen to his warm bosom, My temples yet are naked, until then Our Loves can be but compliments, and wishes, Yet very hearty ones.

_Lis._ I apprehend.

_Qu._ Your Father.

_Enter_ Cassander _and_ Seleucus.

_Cas._ Madam, a Gentleman has an humble suit.

_Qu._ 'Tis in your power to grant, you are Protector, I am not yet a Queen.

_Cas._ How's this?

_Lis._ I shall expound her meaning.

_Qu._ Why kneel you, Sir?

_Sel._ Madam, to reconcile two families That may unite, both Counsels and their blood To serve your Crown.

_Qu._ _Macarius_, and _Eubulus_ That beare inveterate malice to each other. It grew, as I have heard, upon the question Which some of either family had made Which of their Fathers was the best Commander: If we believe our stories, they have both Deserved well of our state, and yet this quarrel Has cost too many lives, a severe faction.

_Sel._ But I'll propound a way to plant a quiet And peace in both our houses, which are torn With their dissentions, and lose the glory Of their great names, my blood speaks my relation To _Eubulus_, and I wish my veins were emptied To appease their war.

_Qu._ Thou hast a noble soul, This is a charity above thy youth, And it flows bravely from thee, name the way.

_Sel._ In such a desperate cause, a little stream Of blood might purge the foulness of their hearts If you'll prevent a deluge.

_Qu._ Be particular.

_Sel._ Let but your Majesty consent that two May with their personal valour, undertake The honor of their family, and determine Their difference.

_Qu._ This rather will inlarge Their hate, and be a means to call more blood Into the stream.

_Sel._ Not if both families Agree, and swear--

_Qu._ And who shall be the Champions?

_Sel._ I beg the honor, for _Eubulus_ cause To be ingag'd, if any for _Macarius_, Worthy to wager heart with mine, accept it, I am confident, _Arcadius_, For honor would direct me to his sword, Will not deny, to stake against my life His own, if you vouchsafe us priviledge.

_Qu._ You are the expectation, and top boughs Of both your houses, it would seem injustice, To allow a civil war to cut you off, And your selves the instruments, besides You appear a soldier; _Arcadius_ Hath no acquaintance yet with rugged war, More fit to drill a Lady, than expose His body to such dangers: a small wound I'th' head, may spoil the method of his hair, Whose curiosity exacts more time, Than his devotion, and who knows but he May lose his ribond by it in his lock, Dear as his Saint, with whom he would exchange His head, for her gay colours; then his band May [b]e disorder'd, and transform'd from Lace To Cutwork, his rich cloaths be discomplexioned With bloud, beside the infashionable slashes: And at the next Festival take Physick, Or put on black, and mourn for his slain breeches: His hands cas'd up in gloves all night, and sweet _Pomatum_: the next day may be endanger'd To blisters with a sword, how can he stand Upon his guard, who hath Fidlers in his head, To which, his feet must ever be a dancing? Beside a falsify may spoil his cringe, Or making of a leg, in which consists Much of his Court-perfection.

_Sel._ Is this Character Bestow'd on him?

_Qu._ It something may concern the Gentleman, Whom if you please to challenge To Dance, play on the Lute, or Sing.

_Sel._ Some [catch]?

_Qu._ He shall not want those will maintain him For any sum.

_Sel._ You are my Sovereign, I dare not think, yet I must speak somewhat, I shall burst else, I have no skill in Jiggs, Nor Tumbling.

_Qu._ How Sir?

_Sel._ Nor was I born a Minstrel, and in this you have So infinitely disgrac'd _Arcadius_. But that I have heard another Character, And with your royal Licence do believe it, I should not think him worth my killing.

_Qu._ Your killing?

_Sel._ Does she not jeer me; I shall talk treason presently, I find it At my tongues end already, this is an Affront, I'll leave her.

_Qu._ Come back, do you know _Arcadius_?

_Sel._ I ha' chang'd but little breath with him; our persons Admit no familiarity; we were Born to live both at distance, yet I ha' seen him Fight, and fight bravely.

_Qu._ When the spirit of Wine Made his brain valiant, he fought bravely.

_Sel._ Although he be my enemy, should any Of the gay flies that buzze about the Court, Sit to catch trouts i'th' summer, tell me so, I durst in any presence but your own.

_Qu._ What?

_Sel._ Tell him he were not honest.

_Qu._ I see _Sele[u]cus_, thou art resolute, And I but wrong'd _Arcadius_, your first Request is granted, you shall fight, and he That conquers be rewarded, to confirm First place and honor to his Family: Is it not this you plead for?

_Sel._ You are gracious.

_Qu._ _Lisimachus._

_Lis._ Madam.

_Cas._ She has granted then?

_Sel._ With much ado.

_Cas._ I wish thy sword may open His wanton veins, _Macarius_ is too popular, And has taught him to insinuate.

_Qu._ It shall But haste the confirmation of our loves, And ripen the delights of marriage, _Seleucus_. [_Exit cum_ Sel.

_Lis._ As I guest, It cannot be too soon.

_Cas._ To morrow then we crown her, and invest My Son with Majesty, 'tis to my wishes, Beget a race of Princes, my _Lisimachus_.

_Lis._ First, let us marry, Sir.

_Cas._ Thy brow was made To wear a golden circle, I'm transported, Thou shalt rule her, and I will govern thee.

_Lis._ Although you be my Father, that will not Concern my obedience, as I take it.

_Enter_ Philocles, Lisander, _and_ Antigonus.

Gentlemen, Prepare your selves for a solemnity Will turn the Kingdom into triumph, _Epire_ Look fresh to morrow, 'twill become your duties In all your glory, to attend the Queen At her Coronation, she is pleased to make The next day happy in our Calendar, My office doth expire, and my old blood Renews with thought on't.

_Phi._ How's this?

_Ant._ Crown'd to morrow.

_Lisa._ And he so joyful to resign his Regency, There's some trick in't, I do not like these hasty Proceedings, and whirls of state, they have commonl[y] As strange and violent effects; well, heaven save the Queen.

_Phi._ Heaven save the Queen, say I, and send her a sprightly Bed-fellow, for the Protector, let him pray for Himself, he is like to have no benefit of my devotion.

_Cas._ But this doth quicken my old heart, _Lisimachus_, There is not any step into her throne, But is the same degree of thy own state; Come Gentlemen.

_Lisa._ We attend your grace.

_Cas._ _Lisimachus._

_Lisi._ What heretofore could happen to mankind Was with much pain to climb to heaven, but in _Sophias_ marriage of all Queens the best, Heaven will come down to earth, to make me blest. [_Exe._

_Actus Secundus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Arcadius _and_ Polydora.

_Pol._ Indeed you shall not go.

_Arc._ Whither?

_Pol._ To travel, I know you see me, but to take your leave, But I must never yield to such an absence.

_Arc._ I prethee leave thy fears, I am commanded To th' contrary, I wonot leave thee now.

_Pol._ Commanded? by whom?

_Arc._ The Queen.

_Pol._ I am very glad, for trust me, I could think Of thy departure with no comfort, thou Art all the joy I have, half of my soul, But I must thank the Queen now for thy company, I prethee, what could make thee so desirous To be abroad?

_Arc._ Only to get an appetite To thee _Polidora_.

_Pol._ Then you must provoke it.

_Arc._ Nay, prethee do not so mistake thy servant.

_Pol._ Perhaps you surfeit with my Love.

_Arc._ Thy love?

_Pol._ Although I have no beauty to compare With the best faces, I have a heart above All competition.