Part 21

_Dem._ I'll talk with you anon, my _Polidora_, Allow thy patience till my breath recover, Which now comes laden with the richest news Thy ear was ever blest with.

_Sop._ Both your looks, And voice express some welcome accident.

_Dem._ Guess what in wish could make me fortunate And heaven hath dropt that on _Demetrius_.

_Sop._ What means this extasie?

_Dem._ 'Twere sin to busie Thy thoughts upon't, I'll tell thee that I could Retein some part; 'tis too wide a joy To be exprest so soon, and yet it falls In a few syllables, thou wot scarce believe me, I am no King.

_Sop._ How's that!

_Pol._ Good Heaven forbid.

_Dem._ Forbid? Heaven has reliev'd me with a mercy I knew not how to ask, I have, they say, An elder brother living, crown'd already, I only keep my name _Demetrius_, Without desire of more addition, Than to return thy servant.

_Pol._ You amaze me, Can you rejoyce to be deposed:

_Dem._ It but Translates me to a fairer and better Kingdom In _Polidora_.

_Pol._ Me?

_Dem._ Did you not say, Were I no King, you could be drawn to love Me agen, that was consented to in Heaven: A Kingdom first betraid my ambitious soul To forget thee, that, and the flattering glories, How willingly _Demetrius_ does resign, The Angels know: thus naked without Titles I throw me on thy charity, and shall Boast greater Empire to be thine agen, than To wear the triumphs of the world upon me.

_Enter_ Macarius.

_Mac._ Be not so careless of your self, the people Gather in multitudes to your protection Offering their lives and fortunes, if they may But see you Sir, and hear you speak to 'em, Accept their duties, and in time prevent Your ruin.

_Sop._ Be not desperate, 'tis counsel.

_Dem._ You trouble me with noise, speak _Polidora_.

_Pol._ For your own sake preserve your self, My fears distract my reason.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ Lord _Lisimachus_, With something that concerns your safety, is Fled hither, and desires a present hearing.

_Mac._ His soul is honest, be not, Sir, a mad man, And for a Lady, give up all our freedoms. [_Exit._

_Pol._ I'll say any thing here, _Lisimachus_.

_Sop._ Dear brother hear him.

_Enter_ Lisimachus.

_Lis._ Sir, I come to yield My self your prisoner, if my father have Rais'd an Impostor to supplant your Title Which I suspect, and inwardly do bleed for, I shall not only, by the tender of My self, declare my innocence, but either, By my unworthy life, secure your person, Or by what death you shall impose, reward The unexpected Treason.

_Sop._ Brave young man, Did you not hear him Brother?

_Lis._ I am not minded.

_Pol._ Be witness Madam, I resign my heart It never was anothers, you declare Too great a satisfaction, I hope This will destroy your jealousie, Remember now your danger.

_Dem._ I despise it, What fate dares injure me?

_Lis._ Yet hear me Sir.

_Sop._ Forgive me _Polidora_, you are happy, My hopes are remov'd farther, I had thought _Lisimachus_ had meant you for his Mistriss, 'Tis misery to feed, and not know where To place my jealousie.

_Enter_ Macarius.

_Mac._ Now 'tis too late, You may be deafe, until the Cannon make, You find your sense, we are shut up now by A troop of Horse, thank your self.

_Pol._ They will Admit conditions.

_Sop._ And allow us quarter. [_A shout within._

_Pol._ We are all lost.

_Dem._ Be comforted.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ News my Lord _Cassander_ sent by the new King. To bear us company.

_Dem._ Not as prisoner?

_Ant._ It does appear no otherwise, the soldiers Declare how much they love him, by their noise Of scorn, and joy to see him so rewarded.

_Dem._ It cannot be.

_Ant._ You'll find it presently, He curses the new King, talks treason 'gainst him As nimble as he were in's shirt, he's here.

_Enter_ Cassander.

_Cas._ Oh let me beg untill my knees take root I' th' earth, Sir, can you pardon me?

_Dem._ For what?

_Cas._ For Treason, desperate, most malicious Treason: I have undone you Sir.

_Dem._ It does appear You had a Will.

_Cas._ I'll make you all the recompence I can, But e'r you kill me, hear me, know the man, Whom I to serve my unjust ends, advanc'd To your throne, is an impostor, a mere counterfeit, _Eubulus'_ Son. [_E[xit]_ Anti.

_Dem._ It is not then our brother?

_Cas._ An insolent usurper, proud, and bloudy; _Seleucus_, is no leprosie upon me? There is not punishment enough in nature To quit my horrid act, I have not in My stock of blood, to satisfie with weeping, Nor could my soul, though melted to a flood Within me, gush out tears to wash my stain off.

_Dem._ How? an Impostor, what will become on's now? We are at his mercy.

_Cas._ Sir, the peoples hearts Will come to their own dwelling, when they see I dare accuse my self, and suffer for it, Have courage then young King, thy fate cannot Be long compell'd.

_Dem._ Rise, our misfortune Carries this good, although it lose our hopes, It makes you friend with virtue, we'll expect What providence will do.

_Cas._ You are too merciful.

_Lis._ Our duties shall beg heaven still to preserve you.

_Enter_ Antigonus.

_Ant._ Our enemy desires some parley, Sir.

_Lis._ 'Tis not amiss to hear their proposition.

_Pol._ I'll wait upon you.

_Dem._ Thou art my Angel, and canst best instruct me, Boldly present our selves, you'll with _Cassander._

_Cas._ And in death be blest To find our charity. [_Exit._

_Sop._ _Lisimachus._

_Lis._ Madam.

_Sop._ They will not miss your presence, the small time Is spent in asking of a question.

_Lis._ I wait your pleasure.

_Sop._ Sir, I have a suit to you.

_Lis._ To me? it must be granted.

_Sop._ If you have Cancell'd your kind opinion of me, Deny me not to know, who hath succeeded _Sophia_ in your heart, I beg the name Of your new Mistriss.

_Lis._ You shall know her, Madam, If but these tumults cease, and fate allow us To see the Court agen, I hope you'll bring No mutiny against her, but this is No time to talk of Love, let me attend you.

_Sop._ I must expect, till you are pleas'd to satisfie My poor request, conduct me at your pleasure. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Leonatus, Eubulus, Bishop, Lisander, _and_ Philocles.

_Leo._ They are too slow, dispatch new messengers, To intreat 'em fairly hither, I am extasi'd, Were you witness for me too? is it possible I am what this affirms, true _Leonatus_, And were you not my Father, was I given In trust to you an Infant?

_Eub._ 'Tis a truth, Our soul's bound to acknowledge, you supply'd The absence and opinion of my Son. Who died, but to make you my greater care I know not of _Demetrius_, but suppos'd Him dead indeed, as _Epire_ thought you were, Your Fathers character doth want no testimony, Which but compar'd with what concerns _Demetrius_ Will prove it self King _Theodosius_ act, Your Royal Father.

_Bish._ I am subscrib'd to both his Legacies By oath oblig'd to secresie, until Thus fairly summon'd to reveal the trust.

_Eub._ _Cassander_ had no thought you would prove thus, To whose policie I gave this aim, although He wrought you up to serve but as his Engine To batter young _Demetrius_, for it was Your Fathers prudent jealousie, that made him Give out your early deaths, as if his soul Prophecy'd his own first, and fear'd to leave Either of you, to the unsafe protection, Of one, whose study would be to supplant Your right, and make himself the King of _Epire._

_Bish._ Your Sister, fair _Sophia_, in your Fathers Life, was design'd to marry with _Lisimachus_ That guarded her; although she us'd some Art To quit her pupillage, and being absolute, Declar'd love to _Demetrius_, which enforc'd _Macarius_ to discover first your brother.

_Leo._ No more, lest you destroy agen _Leonatus_ With wonder of his fate, are they not come yet? Something it was, I felt within my envy Of young _Demetrius's_ fortune, there were seeds Scattered upon my heart, that made it swell With thought of Empire, Princes I see cannot Be totally eclips'd, but wherefore stays _Demetrius_ and _Sophia_, at whose names A gentle spirit walk'd upon my blood.

_Enter_ Demetrius, Polidora, Sophia, Macarius, _Cassander_, _Lisima_.

_Eub._ They are here.

_Leo._ Then thus I flie into their bosoms, Nature has rectifi'd in me, _Demetrius_, The wandrings of ambition, our dear Sister You are amaz'd, I did expect it, read Assurance there, the day is big with wonder.

_Mac._ What means all this?

_Leo._ _Lisimachus_, be dear to us, _Cassander_, you are welcome too.

_Cas._ Not I, I do not look for't, all this sha'not bribe My conscience to your faction, and make Me false agen, _Seleucus_ is no son Of _Theodosius_, my dear Countrey-men Correct your erring duties, and to that, Your lawful King, prostrate your selves, _Demetrius_ Doth challenge all your knees.

_Dem._ All Love and Duty, Flow from me to my Royal King, and Brother I am confirm'd.

_Cas._ You are t[o]o credulous, What can betray your faith so much?

_Leo._ _Sophia_, you appear sad, as if your Will Gave no consent to this days happiness.

_Sop._ No joy exceeds _Sophia's_ for your self.

_Lis._ With your pardon, Sir, I apprehend A cause that makes her troubled, she desires To know, what other Mistriss, since her late Unkindness I have chosen to direct My faith and service.

_Leo._ Another Mistriss?

_Lis._ Yes, Sir.

_Leo._ And does our Sister love _Lisimachus_?

_Sop._ Here's something would confess.

_Leo._ He must not dare To affront _Sophia_.

_Cas._ How my shame confounds me, I beg your justice, without pity on My age.

_Leo._ Your pennance shall be, to be faithful To our state hereafter,

_Omnes._ May you live long and happy, _Leonatus_, King of _Epire_.

_Leo._ But where's your other Mistriss?

_Lis._ Even here, Sir.

_Leo._ Our Sister? is this another Mistriss, Sir?

_[L]is._ It holds To prove my thoughts were so when she began Her sorrow for neglecting me, that sweetness Deserv'd, I should esteem her another Mistriss, Then when she cruelly forsook _Lisimachus_, Your pardon Madam, and receive a heart Proud with my first devotions to serve you.

_Sop._ In this I am crown'd agen, now mine for ever.

_Leo._ You have deceiv'd her happily, Joy to you both.

_Dem._ We are ripe for the same wishes, _Polidora's_ part of me.

_Pol._ He all my blessing.

_Leo._ Heaven pour full joys upon you.

_Mac._ We are all blest, There wants but one to fill your arms.

_Leo._ My Mistriss, And Wife shall be my Countrey, to which I Was in my birth contracted, your love since Hath plaid the Priest to perfect what was ceremony Though Kingdoms by just Titles prove our own, The subjects hearts do best secure a Crown. [_Exeunt Omnes._

EPILOGUE.

_There is no Coronation to day, Unless your gentle votes do crown our Play, If smiles appear within each Ladies eye, Which are the leading Stars in this fair skie, Our solemn day sets glorious, for then We hope by their s[oft] influence, the men Will grace what they first shin'd on, make't appear, (Both) how we please, and bless our covetous ear With your applause, more welcome than the Bells Upon a triumph, Bonfires, or what else Can speak a Coronation. And though I Were late depos'd, and spoil'd of Majesty, By the kind aid of your hands, Gentlemen, I quickly may be Crown'd a Queen agen._

THE COXCOMB. A Comedy.

The Persons represented in the Play.

Ricardo, _a young Gentleman, in love with_ Viola. Antonio, _the Coxcomb Gentleman_. Mercurie, _fellow-traveller with_ Antonio. Uberto, } Pedro, } _three merry Gentlemen, friends to_ Ricardo. Silvio, } Valerio, _a Countrey Gentleman_. Curio, _Kinsman to_ Antonio. Justice, _a shallow one_. Andrugio, _Father to_ Viola. Alexander, _servant to_ Mercurie's _Mother_. Marke, _the Justice's Clerk_. Rowland, _servant to_ Andrugio. Tinker. Constable. Watch. Drawer. Musicians.

WOMEN.

Viola, _Daughter to_ Andrugio. Maria, _Wife to_ Antonio. A Countrey-woman, _Mother to_ Mercurie. Nan _and_ } _Milk-maids._ Madge. } Dorothie, _the Tinkers Trull_.

The Scene England, France.

The Principal Actors were

_Nathan Field_, _Giles Gary_, _Rich. Allen_, _Robert Benfeild._ _Joseph Taylor_, _Emanuel Read_, _Hugh Atawell_, _Will. Barcksted._

PROLOGUE.

_This Comedy long forgot, by some thought dead, By us preserv'd, once more doth raise her head. And to your noble censures does present, Her outward form, and inward ornament. Nor let this smell of arrogance, since 'tis known, The makers that confest it for their own Were this way skilful, and without the crime Of flatteries I may say did please the time; The work it self too, when it first came forth, In the opinion of men of worth, Was well receiv'd and favour'd, though some rude And harsh among th' ignorant multitude, (That relish gross food, better than a dish, That's cook'd with care, and serv'd into the wish, Of curious pallats) wanting wit and strength, Truly to judge, condemn'd it for the length, That fault's reform'd, and now 'tis to be try'd Before such Judges 'twill not be deny'd A free and noble hearing: nor fear I, But 'twill deserve to have free liberty, And give you cause (and with content) to say, Their care was good, that did revive this Play._

_Actus Primus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Richardo _and_ Viola.

_Rich._ Let us make use of this stolen privacy, And not loose time in protestation, Mistriss, For 'twere in me a kind of breach of faith, To say again I love you.

_Vio._ Sweet, speak softly For though the venture of your love to me, Meets with a willing, and a full return: Should it arrive unto my Fathers knowledge; This were our last discourse.

_Rich._ How shall he know it?

_Vio._ His watching cares are such, for my advancement, That every where his eye is fix'd upon me: This night that does afford us some small freedom, At the request and much intreaty of The Mistriss of the House, was hardly given me: For I am never suffer'd to stir out, But he hath spies upon me: yet I know not You have so won upon me, that could I think You would love faithfully (though to entertain Another thought of you, would be my death) I should adventure on his utmost anger.

_Rich._ Why do you think I can be false?

_Vio._ No faith, You [h]ave an honest face, but if you should--

_Rich._ Let all the stor'd vengeance of heaven's justice--

_Vio._ No more, I do believe you, the dance ended, Which this free womans ghests have vow'd to have E'r they depart, I will make home, and store me With all the Jewels, Chains, and Gold are trusted Unto my custody, and at the next corner, To my Fathers house, before one at the farthest, Be ready to receive me.

_Rich._ I desire No bond beyond your promise, let's go in, To talk thus much, before the door, may breed Suspition.

_Enter_ Mercury _and_ Antonio _talking_.

_Vio._ Here are company too.

_Rich._ Away, Those powers that prosper true and honest loves Will bless our undertakings.

_Vio._ 'Tis my wish, Sir. [_Exit_ Rich. _and_ Vio.

_Mer._ Nay, Sir, excuse me, I have drawn you to Too much expence already in my travel: And you have been too forward in your love; To make my wants your own, allow me manners Which you must grant I want, should I increase, The bond in which your courtesies have ti'd me: By still consuming you, give me leave To take mine own ways now, and I shall often, With willingness, come to visit you, and then thank you.

_Ant._ By this hand I could be angry, what do you think me? Must we that have so long time been as one Seen Cities, Countreys, Kingdoms, and their wonders; Been bedfellows, and in our various journey Mixt all our observations, part (as if We were two Carriers at two several ways, And as the fore-horse guides, cry God be with you) Without or compliment, or ceremony? In Travellers, that know transalpine garbs, Though our designs are nee'r so serious, friend, It were a capital crime, it must not be: Nay, what is more, you shall not; you e'r long, Shall see my house, and find what I call mine Is wholly at your service.

_Mer._ 'Tis this tires me, Sir, I were easily woo'd, if nothing else But my Will lay in the choice: but 'tis not so, My friends and kindred that have part of me, And such on whom my chiefest hopes depend, Justly expect the tender of my love After my travel: then mine own honesty Tells me 'tis poor, having indifferent means To keep me in my quality and rank, At my return, to tire anothers bounty, And let mine own grow lusty, pardon me.

_Ant._ I will not, cannot, to conclude, I dare not: Can any thing conferr'd upon my friend Be burthensome to me? for this excuse Had I no reason else, you should not leave me, By a travellers faith you should not, I have said, And then you know my humor, there's no contending.

_Mer._ Is there no way to 'scape this Inundation? I shall be drown'd with folly if I go: And after nine days, men may take me up, With my gall broken.

_Ant._ Are you yet resolv'd?

_Mer._ Wou'd you would spare me.

_Ant._ By this light I cannot By all that may be sworn by.

_Mer._ Patience help me, And heaven grant his folly be not catching: If it be, the Town's undone, I now would give A reasonable sum of gold to any Sheriff, That would but lay an execution on me, And free me from his company; while he was abroad, His want of wit and language kept him dumb? But _Balaam's_ Asse will speak now, without spurring.

_Ant._ Speak, have I won you?--

_Enter Servant and Musician._

_Mer._ You are not to be resisted.

_Ser._ Be ready I intreat you, the dance done, Besides a liberal reward I have, A bottle of Sherry in my power shall beget New crotchets in your heads.

_Musi._ Tush, fear not us, we'll do our parts.

_Serv._ Go in.

_Ant._ I know this fellow. Belong you to the house?

_Serv._ I serve the Mistriss.

_Ant._ Pretty, and short, pray you Sir then inform her, Two Gentlemen are covetous to be honor'd, With her fair presence.

_Serv._ She shall know so much, This is a merry night with us, and forbid not Welcome to any that looks like a man: I'll guide you the way.

_Ant._ Nay, follow, I have a trick in't. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Uberto, Silvio, Richardo, Maria, Pedro, Portia, Viola, _with others_.

_Uber._ Come, where's this Masque? fairest, for our chear, Our thanks and service, may you long survive, To joy in many of these nights.

_Mar._ I thank you.

_Uber._ We must have Musick too, or else you give us, But half a welcome.

_Mar._ Pray you Sir, excuse me.

_Silv._ By no means, Lady.

_Uber._ We'll crown our liberal feast, With some delightful strain fitting your love: And this good company.

_Mar._ Since you enforce it, I will not plead the excuse of want of skill Or be, or nice, or curious, every year I celebrate my marriage night; and will Till I see my absent Husband.

_Uber._ 'Tis fit freedom.

_Silv._ _Richardo_ thou art dull--

_Enter Servant._

_Rich._ I shall be lighter, When I have had a heat.

_Mar._ Now Sir, the news?

_Serv._ Mistriss, there are two Gentlemen.

_Mar._ Where?

_Serv._ Complimenting who should first enter.

_Mar._ What are they?

_Serv._ Heaven knows, but for their strangeness, have you never seen a Cat wash her face?

_Uber._ Yes.

_Serv._ Just such a stir they keep, if you make but haste, You may see 'em yet before they enter.

_Enter_ Antonia _and_ Mercurie.

_Mer._ Let 'em be what they [will,] we'll [give] them fair Entertain, and gentle welcome.

_Ant._ It shall be so.

_Mer._ Then let it be your pleasure.

_Ant._ Lets stand aside, and you shall see us have Fine sport anon.

_Mer._ A fair society, do you know these Gentlewomen?

_Ant._ Yes.

_Mer._ What are they?

_Ant._ The second is a neighbors Daughter, her name is _Viola_. There is my kinsmans wife, _Portia_ her name, and a Friend too.

_Mer._ Let her--what's she that leads the dance?

_1 Serv._ A Gentlewoman.

_Mer._ I see that.

_1 Serv._ Indeed?

_Mer._ What?

_1 Serv._ A Gentlewoman.

_Mer._ Udsfoot, good Sir, what's she that leads the dance?

_2 Serv._ My Mistriss.

_Mer._ What else?

_2 Serv._ My Mistriss, Sir.

_Mer._ Your Mistriss? a pox on you, What a fry of fools are here? I see 'tis treason to understand in this house: if nature were not better to them, than they can be to themselves, they would scant hit their mouths; my Mistriss? is there any one with so much wit in's head, that can tell me at the first fight, what Gentlewoman that is that leads the dance?

[_Ant._] 'Tis my wife.

_Mer._ Hum.

_Ant._ How dost thou like her?

_Mer._ Well, a pretty Gentlewoman.

_Ant._ Prethee be quiet.

_Mer._ I would I could Let never any hereafter that's a man, That has affections in him, and free passions, Receive the least tye from such a fool as this is, That holds so sweet a wife, 'tis lamentable to consider truly What right he robs himself of, and what wrong He doth the youth of such a Gentlewoman, That knows her beauty, is no longer hers, Than men will please to make it so, and use it Neither of which lies freely in a Husband, Oh what have I done, what have I done, Coxcomb? If I had never seen, or never tasted The goodness of this kix, I had been a made man, But now to make a Cuckold is a sin Against all forgiveness, worse than a murther; I have a Wolf by the ears, and am bitten both ways.

_Ant._ How now friend, what are you thinking of?

_Mer._ Nothing concerning you, I must be gone.

_Ant._ Pardon me, I'll have no going, Sir.

_Mer._ Then good Sir, give me leave to go to bed, I am very weary, and ill-temper'd.

_Ant._ You shall presently, the dance is done.

_1 Serv._ Mistriss, these are the Gentlemen.

_Mar._ My Husband's welcome home, dear Sir.

_Mer._ She's fair still, oh that I were a knave, or durst be one, For thy sake coxcomb; he that invented honesty, undid me.

_Ant._ I thought you had not known me, y'are merry 'tis well; thought, And how ist with these worthy Gentlemen?

_Ub & Sil._ We are glad to see you here again.

_Ant._ Oh Gent, what ha' you lost? but get you into travels, There you may learn, I cannot say what hidden virtues.

_Mer._ Hidden from you I am sure, My blood boils like a furnace, She's a fare one.

_Ant._ Pray entertain this Gent. with all the courtesie, Fitting my most especial friend.

_Mar._ What this poor house may yield, To make you welcome, dear Sir, command Without more compliment.

_Mer._ I thank you: She's wise, and speaks well too, oh what a blessing Is gone by me, ne'er to be recovered! Well, 'twas an old shame the Devil laid up for me, and now has hit me home; if there be any ways to be dishonest, and save myself yet,---- No, it must not be, why should I be a fool too----Yet those eyes would tempt another _Adam_, how they call to me, and tell me----S'foot, they shall not tell me any thing, Sir, will you walk in?

_Ant._ How is't, Signior?

_Mer._ Crazie a little.

_Mar._ What ail you, Sir? What's in my power, pray make use of, Sir.

_Mer._ 'Tis that must do me good, she does not mock me sure? And't please you nothing, my disease is only weariness.

_Ub._ Come Gentlemen, we'll not keep you from your beds too long.

_Rich._ I ha' some business, and 'tis late, and you far from your lodging.

_Sil._ Well. [_Exit manent_, Ant. Mar. _and_ Mer.