Part 17

For blessings ne'er descend from thence, but when A sacrifice in thanks ascends from men. [_Exeunt omnes._

CUPID'S REVENGE.

The Persons represented in the Play.

Cupid. Leontius, _the old Duke of_ Lycia. Leucippus, _Son to the Duke_. Ismenus, _Nephew to the Duke_. Telamon, _a_ Lycian _Lord_. Dorialus, } Agenor, } _Courtiers_. Nisus, } Timantus, _a villainous Sycophant_. The Priest _of_ Cupid. _Four young Men and Maids._ Nilo, _sent in Commission to pull down_ Cupid_'s Image_. Zoilus, Leucippus_'s Dwarf_. _Four Citizens._

WOMEN.

Hidaspes, _Daughter to the Duke_. Cleophila, _and_ Hero _her Attendants_. Bacha, _a Strumpet_. Urania, _her Daughter_. Bacha's _Maid_. Urania's _Maid._ _Servants and Attendants._

_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._

_Enter_ Dorialus, Agenor, Nisus.

_Agenor._ Trust me my Lord _Dorialus_, I had mist of this, if you had not call'd me; I thought the Princesses birth-day had been to morrow.

_Nisus._ Why, did your Lordship sleep out the day?

_Dor._ I marvel what the Duke meant to make such an idle vow.

_Nis._ Idle, why?

_Dor._ Is't not idle, to swear to grant his Daughter any thing she shall ask on her birth-day? she may ask an impossible thing: and I pray heaven she do not ask an unfit thing at one time or other; 'tis dangerous trusting a mans vow upon the discretion on's Daughter.

_Age._ I wonder most at the Marquis her Brother, who is always vehemently forward to have her desires granted.

_Dor._ He's acquainted with 'em before.

_Age._ She's doubtless very chaste and virtuou.

_Dor._ So is _Leucippus_ her brother.

_Nis._ She's twenty year old, I wonder She aske not a Husband.

_Dor._ That were a folly in her; having refus'd all the Great Princes in one part of the world; She'll die a Maid.

_Age._ She may ask but one, may she?

_Nis._ A hundred times this day if she will; And indeed, every day is such a day, for though The Duke has vow'd it only on this day, He keeps it every day: he can deny Her nothing. [_Cornets._

_Enter_ Hidaspes, Leucippus, Leontius, _Timantas_, _Tellamon_.

_Leon._ Come fair _Hidaspes_, thou art Duchess to day, Art thou prepar'd to aske, thou knowest My oath will force performance. And _Leucippus_, if she now ask ought that shall, Or would have performance After my death, when by the help of heaven, This Land is thine, accursed be thy race, May every one forget thou art my Son, And so their own obedience.

_Leucip._ Mighty Sir, I do not wish to know that fatal hour, That is to make me King, but if I do, I shall most hastily, (and like a Son) Perform your grant[s] to all, chiefly to her: Remember that you aske what we Agreed upon.

_Leon._ Are you prepar'd? then speak.

_Hida._ Most Royal Sir, I am prepar'd, Nor shall my Will exceed a Virgins bounds, What I request shall both at once bring Me a full content.

_Leon._ So it ever does: Thou only comfort of my feeble age, Make known thy good desire, For I dare swear thou lov'st me.

_Hidas._ This is it I beg, And on my knees. The people of your Land, The _Lycians_, are through all the Nations That know their name, noted to have in use A vain and fruitless superstition; So much more hateful, that it bears the shew Of true Religion, and is nothing else But a false-pleasing bold lasciviousness.

_Leon._ What is it?

_Hidas._ Many ages before this, When every man got to himself a Trade, And was laborious in that chosen course, Hating an idle life, far worse than death: Some one that gave himself to Wine and Sloth, Which breed lascivious thoughts; And found himself conjoyn'd For that by every painful man, To take his stain away, fram'd to himself A _god_, whom he pretended to obey, In being thus dishonest, for a name He call'd him _Cupid_. This created _god_, Mans nature being ever credulous Of any vice that takes part with his blood, Had ready followers enow: and since In every age they grew, especially Amongst your Subjects, who do yet remain Adorers of that drowsie Deitie: Which drink invented: and the winged Boy, (For so they call him) has his sacrifices. These loose naked statues through the Land, And in every Village, nay the palace Is not free from 'em. This is my request, That these erect[ed] obscene Images May be pluckt down and burnt: and every man That offers to 'em any sacrifice, may lose his life.

_Leon._ But be advis'd my fairest daughter, if he be A god, he will express it upon thee my child: Which heaven avert.

_Leucip._ There is no such power: But the opinion of him fills the Land With lustful sins: every young man and maid That feel the least desire to one another, Dare not suppress it, for they think it is Blind _Cupid's_ motion: and he is a god.

_Leon._ This makes our youth unchaste. I am resolv'd: Nephew _Ismenus_, break the Statues down Here in the Palace, and command the City Do the like, let proclamations Be drawn, and hastily sent through the Land To the same purpose.

_Ismen._ Sir, I will break down none my self, But I will deliver your command: Hand I will have none in't, for I like it not.

_Leon._ Goe and command it. Pleasure of my life, Wouldst thou ought else? make many thousand suits, They must and shall be granted.

_Hid._ Nothing else. [_Exit_ Ismenus.

_Leon._ But go and meditate on other suits, Some six days hence I'll give thee Audience again, And by a new oath, bind my self to keep it: Ask largely for thy self, dearer than life In whom I may be bold to call my self, More fortunate than any in my age, I will deny thee nothing.

_Leu._ 'Twas well done, Sister. [_Exeunt all but these three Lords._

_Nis._ How like you this request my Lord[s]?

_Dor._ I know not yet, I am so full of wonder, We shall be gods our selves shortly, And we pull 'em out of Heaven o' this fashion.

_Age._ We shall have wenches now when we can Catch 'em, and we transgress thus.

_Nis._ And we abuse the gods once, 'tis a Justice We should be held at hard meat: for my part, I'll e'en make ready for mine own affection, I know the god incenst must send a hardness Through all good Womens hearts, and then we have Brought our Eggs and Muskadine to a fair Market: Would I had giv'n a 100 l. for a tolleration, That I might but use my conscience in mine Own house.

_Dor._ The Duke he's old and past it, he would Never have brought such a plague upon the Land else, 'Tis worse than Sword and Famine: Yet to say truth, we have deserv'd it, we have liv'd So wickedly, every man at his Livery, and wou'd that Wou'd have suffic'd us: we murmur'd at this Blessing, that was nothing; and cry'd out to the God for endless pleasures, he heard us, And supp[l]ied us, and our Women were new still As we need 'em: yet we like beasts still cry'd, Poor men can number their woers, give us Abundance: we had it, and this curse withal.

_Age._ Berlady we are like to have a long _Lent_ on't, Flesh shall be flesh: now Gentlemen I had rather Have anger'd all the gods, than that blind Gunner. I remem[b]er once the people did but slight him In a sacrifice: and what followed? Women kept their houses, grew good huswives Honest forsooth! was not that fine? Wore their own faces, Though they wear gay cloaths without surveying, And which was most lamentable, They lov'd their Husbands.

_Nis._ I do remember it to my grief, Young Maids were as cold as Cowcumbers And much of that complexion: Bawds were abolisht: and, to which misery It must come again, There were no Cuckolds, Well, we had need pray to keep these Divels from us, The times grow mischievous. There he goes, Lord!

_Enter one with an Image._

This is a sacriledge I have not heard of: Would I were gelt, that I might not Feel what follows.

_Age._ And I too. You shall see within these Few years, a fine confusion i'the Countrey: mark it: Nay, and we grow for to depose the Powers, And set up Chastity again, well, I have done. A fine new goddess certainly, whose blessings Are hunger and hard beds.

_Nis._ This comes of fulness, a sin too frequent with us I believe now we shall find shorter commons.

_Dor._ Would I were married, somewhat has some favour; The race of Gentry will quite run out now, 'Tis only left to Husbands, if younger Sisters Take not the greater charity, 'tis lawful.

_Age._ Well, let come what will come, I am but one, and as the plague falls, I'll shape my self: If Women will be honest, I'll be sound. If the _god_ be not too unmerciful, I'll take a little still, where I can get it, And thank him, and say nothing.

_Nis._ This ill wind yet may blow the City good, And let them, (if they can) get their own children, They have hung long enough in doubt, but howsoever, the old way was the surer, then they had 'em.

_Dor._ Farewel my Lords, I'll e'en take up what Rent I can before the day, I fear the year will fall out ill.

_Age._ We'll with you Sir: And love so favour us, As we are still thy servants. Come my Lords; Let's to the Duke, and tell him to what folly His doting now has brought him. [_Exeunt._

_Priest of_ Cupid, _with four young men_ _and Maids_.

_Priest._ Come my children, let your feet, In an even measure meet: And your chearful voices rise, For to present this Sacrifice; Lo great _Cupid_, in whose name, I his _Priest_ begin the same. Young men take your Loves and kiss, Thus our _Cupid_ honour'd is Kiss again, and in your kissing, Let no promises be missing: Nor let any Maiden here, Dare to turn away her ear, Unto the whisper of her Love, But give Bracelet, Ring or Glove, As a token to her sweeting, Of an after secret meeting: Now boy sing to stick our hearts Fuller of great _Cupid's_ darts.

SONG.

_Lovers rejoyce, your pains shall be rewarded,_ _The god of Love himself grieves at your crying:_ _No more shall frozen honor be regarded,_ _Nor the coy faces of a Maids denying._ _No more shall Virgins sigh, and say we dare not,_ _For men are false, and what they do they care not,_ _All shall be well again, then do not grieve,_ _Men shall be true, and Women shall believe._

_Lovers rejoyce, what you shall say henceforth._ _When you have caught your Sweet-hearts in your arms,_ _It shall be accounted Oracle, and Worth:_ _No more faint-hearted Girls shall dream of harms,_ _And cry they are too young, the god hath said,_ _Fifteen shall make a Mother of a Maid:_ _Then wise men, pull your Roses yet unblown,_ _Love hates the too ripe fruit that falls alone._

The Measure.

_After the Measure, Enter_ Nilo _and others_.

_Nilo._ No more of this: here break your Rights for ever, The Duke commands it so; Priest do not stare, I must deface your Temple, though unwilling, And your god _Cupid_ here must make a Scare-crow For any thing I know, or at the best, Adorn a Chimney-piece.

_Priest._ Oh Sacriledge unheard of!

_Nilo._ This will not help it, take down the Image[s] And away with 'em. Priest, change your coat you had best, all service now Is given to men: Prayers above their hearing Will prove but bablings: learn to lye and thrive, 'Twill prove your best profession: for the gods, He that lives by 'em now, must be a beggar. There's better holiness on earth they say, Pray God it ask not greater sacrifice. Go home, And if [y]our god be not deaf as well as blind, He will [make] some smoak for it.

_Gent._ Sir--

_Nilo._ Gentlemen, there is no talking, This must be done and speedily; I have commission that I must not break.

_Gent._ We are gone, to wonder what shall follow.

_Nilo._ On to the next Temple. [_Exeunt._

_Cornets. Descendit Cupid._

_Cupid._ Am I then scorn'd? is my all-doing Will And Power, that knows no limit, nor admits none, Now look'd into by less than gods? and weak'ned Am I, whose Bow struck terror through the earth, No less than Thunder, and in this, exceeding Even gods themselves; whose knees before my Altars Now shook off; and contemn'd by such, whose lives Are but my recreation! anger rise My sufferance and my self are made the subject Of sins against us. Go thou out displeasure, Displeasure of a great god, flying thy self Through all this Kingdom: sow what ever evils Proud flesh is [taking of], amongst these Rebels: And on the first heart that despise my Greatness, Lay a strange misery, that all may know _Cupid's_ revenge is mighty; with his Arrow Hotter than plagues or mine own anger, will I Now nobly right my self: nor shall the prayers Nor [sweete] smoaks on my Altars hold my hand, Till I have left this a most wretched Land. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Hidaspes, _and Cleophila_.

_Hidas. Cleophila_, what was he that went hence?

_Cleo._ What means your Grace now?

_Hidas._ I mean that handsome man, That something more than man I met at door.

_Cleo._ Here was no handsome man.

_Hidas._ Come, he's some one You would preserve in private, but you want Cunning to do it, and my eyes are sharper Than yours, and can with one neglecting glance, See all the graces of a man. Who was't?

_Cleo._ That went hence now?

_Hidas._ That went hence now, I, he.

_Cleo._ Faith here was no such one as your Grace thinks. _Zoylous_ your Brothers Dwarf went out but now.

_Hidas._ I think 'twas he: how bravely he past by: Is he not grown a goodly Gentleman?

_Cleo._ A goodly Gentleman, Madam? He is the most deformed fellow i'the Land.

_Hidas._ Oh blasphemy: he may perhaps to thee Appear deform'd, for he is indeed Unlike a man: his shape and colours are Beyond the Art of Painting; he is like Nothing that we have seen, yet doth resemble _Apollo_, as I oft have fancied him, When rising from his bed, he stirs himself And shakes day from his hair.

_Cleo._ He resembles _Apollo_'s Recorder.

_Hidas. Cleophila_, go send a Page for him, And thou shalt see thy error, and repent. [_Exit_ Cleo. Alas, what do I feel, my bloud rebells, And I am one of those I us'd to scorn, My Maiden-thoughts are fled against my self, I harbor Traitors in my Virginity, That from my Childhood kept me company, Is heavier than I can endure to bear: Forgive me _Cupid_, for thou art a god, And I a wretched creature; I have sinn'd, But be thou merciful, and grant that yet I may enjoy what thou wilt have me, Love.

_Enter_ Cleo. _and_ Zoy.

[_Cleo._] _Zoylous_ is here Madam.

_Hida._ He's there indeed. Now be thine own Judge; see thou worse than mad, Is he deformed? look upon those eyes, That let all pleasure out into the world, Unhappy that they cannot see themselves; Look on his hair, that like so many beams, Streaking the _East_, shoot light o'er half the world, Look on him altogether, who is made As if two Natures had contention About their skill, and one had brought forth him.

_Zoy._ Ha, ha, ha: Madam, though Nature Hath not given me so much As others in my outward shew; I bear a heart as loyal unto you In this unsightly body (which you please To make your mirth) as many others do That are far more befriended in their births; Yet I could wish my self much more deformed Than yet I am, so I might make your Grace More merry than you are, ha, ha, ha.

_Hidas._ Beshrew me then if I be merry; But I[am] content whilst thou art with me: Thou that art my Saint: By hope of whose mild favour I do live To tell thee so: I pray thee scorn me not; Alas what can it add unto thy worth To triumph over me, that am a Maid, Without deceit? whose heart doth guide her tongue, Drown'd in my passions; yet I will take leave To call it reason that I dote on thee.

_Cleo._ The Princess is besides her Grace I think, To talk thus with a fellow that will hardly Serve i'th' dark when one is drunk.

_Hida._ What answer wilt thou give me?

_Zoy._ If it please your Grace to jest on, I can abide it.

_Hida._ If it be jest, not to esteem my life, Compar'd with thee: If it be jest in me, To hang a thousand kisses in an hour Upon those Lips, and take 'em off again: If it be jest for me to marry thee, And take obedience on me whilst I live: Then all I say is jest: For every part of this, I swear by those That see my thoughts, I am resolv'd to do, And I beseech thee, by thine own white hand, (Which pardon me, that I am bold to kiss With so unworthy Lips) that thou wilt swear To marry me, as I do here to thee, Before the face of heaven.

_Zoy._ Marry you? ha, ha, ha.

_Hida._ Kill me or grant, wilt thou not speak at all?

_Zoy._ Why I will do your Will for ever.

_Hida._ I ask no more: but let me kiss that mouth That is so merciful; that is my will: Next go with me before the King in haste, That is my Will; where I will make our Peers Know, that thou art their better.

_Zoy._ Ha, ha, ha, that is fine, ha, ha, ha.

_Cleo._ Madam, what means your Grace? Consider for the love of Heaven to what You run madly; will you take this Viper Into your bed?

_Hida._ Away, hold off thy hands: Strike her sweet _Zoylous_, for it is my Will, Which thou hast sworn to doe.

_Zoy._ Away for shame. Know you no manners: ha, ha, ha. [_Exit._

_Cleo._ Thou know'st none I fear, This is just _Cupid_'s Anger, _Venus_ look down mildly on us: And command thy Son to spare this Lady once, and let me be in love with [all]: and none in love with me. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Ismenus, _and_ Timantus.

_Timan._ Is your Lordship for the Wars this Summer?

_Ismen. Timantus_, wilt thou go with me?

_Timan._ If I had a Company, my Lord.

_Ismen._ Of Fidlers: Thou a company? No, no, keep thy Company at home, and cause cuckolds: The Wars will hurt thy face, there's no Semsters, Shoomakers, nor Taylors, nor Almond-milk i'th' morning, Nor poach'd Egs to keep your worship soluble, No man to warm your Shirt, and blow your Roses: Nor none to reverence your round lace Breeches: If thou wilt needs goe, and goe thus, Get a Case for thy Captainship, a shower will spoil thee else. Thus much for thee.

_Tim._ Your Lordship's wondrous witty, very pleasant believe't.

[_Exit._

_Enter_ Telamon, Dorialus, Agenor, Nisus, Leonti.

_Leon._ No news yet of my Son?

_Tela._ Sir, there be divers out in search: No doubt they'll bring the truth where he is, Or the occasion that led him hence.

_Tim._ They have good eyes then.

_Leon._ The gods goe with them: Who be those that wait there?

_Tele._ The Lord _Ismenus_, your General, for his dispatch.

_Leon._ Oh Nephew: we have no use to imploy your Virtue in our War: now the Province is well setled. Hear you aught of the Marquis?

_Ismen._ No Sir.

_Leon._ 'Tis strange he should be gone thus: These five days he was not seen.

_Tim._ I'll hold my [life], I could bolt him in an hour:

_Leon._ Where's my Daughter?

_Dori._ About the purging of the Temples, Sir.

_Leon._ She's chaste and virtuous; fetch her to me, And tell her I am pleas'd to grant her now Her last request, without repenting me. [_Exit_ Nis. Be it what it will: she is wise, _Dorialus_ And will not press me farther than a Father.

_Dor._ I pray the best may follow; yet if your Grace Had taken the opinions of your people, At least of such, whose wisdoms ever wake About your safety, I may say it, Sir, Under your noble pardon: that this change Either had been more honor to the gods, Or I think not at all. Sir, the Princess.

_Enter_ Hidaspes, Nisus, _and_ Zoylus.

_Leon._ Oh my Daughter, my health! And did I say my soul, I ly'd not; Thou art so near me, speak, and have whatever Thy wise Will leads thee too: had I a Heaven, It were too poor a place for such a goodness.

_Dor._ What's here?

_Agen._ An Apes skin stuft I think, 'tis so plump.

_Hida._ Sir, you have past your word, Still be a Prince, and hold you to it. Wonder not I press you, my life lies in your word: If you break that, you have broke my heart, I must ask That's my shame, and your Will must not deny me: Now for Heaven be not forsworn.

_Leon._ By the gods I will not, I cannot, were there no other power, Than my love call'd to a witness of it.

_Dor._ They have much reason to trust, You have forsworn one of 'em out o'th' countrey already.

_Hida._ Then this is my request: This Gent. Be not ashamed, Sir: You are worth a Kingdom.

_Leon._ In what?

_Hida._ In the way of marriage.

_Leon._ How?

_Hida._ In the way of marriage, it must be so, Your oath is ti'd to Heaven: as my love to him.

_Leon._ I know thou dost but try my age, Come ask again.

_Hida._ If I should ask all my life-time, this is all still. Sir, I am serious, I must have this worthy man without enquiring why; and suddenly, and freely: Doe not look for reason or obedience in my words: My love admits no wisdom: Only haste, and hope hangs on my fury, Speak Sir, speak, but not as a Father, I am deaf and dull to counsel: inflamed blood Hears nothing but my Will; For Gods sake speak.

_Dor._ Here's a brave alteration.

_Nis._ This comes of Chastity.

_Hida._ Will not you speak Sir?

_Agen._ The god begins his vengeance; what a sweet youth he has sent us here, with a pudding in's belly!

_Leon._ Oh let me never speak, Or with my words let me speak out my life; Thou power abus'd: great Love, whose vengeance now we feel and fear, have mercy on this Land.

_Nis._ How does your Grace?

_Leon._ Sick, very sick I hope.

_Dor._ Gods comfort you.

_Hida._ Will not you speak? is this your Royal word? Do not pull perjurie upon your soul. Sir, you are old, and near your punishment; remember.

_Leon._ Away base woman.

_Hidas._ Then be no more my Father, but a plague, I am bound to pray against: be any sin May force me to despair, and hang my self, Be thy name never more remembred King But in example of a broken faith, And curst even to forgetfulness: May thy Land bring forth such Monsters as thy Daughter is! I am weary of my rage. I pray forgive me, And let me have him, will you Noble Sir?

_Leon._ Mercy, mercy heaven: Thou heir of all dishonor, shamest thou not to draw This little moisture left for life, thus rudely from me? Carry that slave to death.

_Zoy._ For heavens sake Sir, it is no fault of mine, That she will love me.

_Leon._ To death with him, I say.

_Hida._ Then make haste Tyrant, or I'll be for him: This is the way to Hell.

_Leon._ Hold fast, I charge you away with him.

_Hida._ Alas old man, Death hath more doors than one, And I will meet him. [_Exit_ Hida.