SCENE I.[3173

_Enter_ DION, CLEREMONT, _and_ THRASILINE.

_Cler._ Here ’s nor lords nor ladies.

_Dion._ Credit me, gentlemen, I wonder at it. They receiv’d strict charge from the King to attend here; besides, it was boldly published that no officer should forbid any gentleman (5) that desired to attend and hear.

_Cle._ Can you guess the cause?

_Dion._ Sir, it is plain, about the Spanish Prince that’s come to marry our kingdom’s heir and be our sovereign. 10

_Thra._ Many that will seem to know much say she looks not on him like a maid in love.

_Dion._ Faith, sir, the multitude, that seldom know any thing but their own opinions, speak that they would have; but the prince, before (15) his own approach, receiv’d so many confident messages from the state, that I think she’s resolv’d to be rul’d.

_Cle._ Sir, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these kingdoms of Sicily and Calabria.

_Dion._ Sir, it is without controversy so (21) meant. But ’t will be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these kingdoms with safety, the right heir to one of them living, and living so virtuously: especially, the people admiring (25) the bravery of his mind and lamenting his injuries.

_Cle._ Who? Philaster?

_Dion._ Yes; whose father, we all know, was by our late King of Calabria unrighteously (30) deposed from his fruitful Sicily. Myself drew some blood in those wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from.

_Cle._ Sir, my ignorance in state-policy will not let me know why, Philaster being heir to one (35) of these kingdoms, the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty.

_Dion._ Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to inquire after state-news. But the King, of late, made a hazard of both the (40) kingdoms, of Sicily and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster; at which the city was in arms, not to be charm’d down by any state-order or proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets pleas’d and (45) without a guard: at which they threw their hats and their arms from them; some to make bonfires, some to drink, all for his deliverance: which wise men say is the cause the King labours to bring in the power of a foreign nation to awe his own with. 51

_Enter_ GALATEA, _a_ Lady, _and_ MEGRA.

_Thra._ See, the ladies! What ’s the first?

_Dion._ A wise and modest gentlewoman that attends the princess.

_Cle._ The second? 55

_Dion._ She is one that may stand still discreetly enough and ill-favour’dly dance her measure; simper when she is courted by her friend, and slight her husband.

_Cle._ The last? 60

_Dion._ Faith, I think she is one whom the state keeps for the agents of our confederate princes; she’ll cog[3174] and lie with a whole army, before the league shall break. Her name is common through the kingdom, and the trophies (65) of her dishonour advanced beyond Hercules’ Pillars. She loves to try the several constitutions of men’s bodies; and, indeed, has destroyed the worth of her own body by making experiment upon it for the good of the (70) commonwealth.

_Cle._ She’s a profitable member.

_Meg._ Peace, if you love me! You shall see these gentlemen stand their ground and not court us.

_Gal._ What if they should? 75

_La._ What if they should!

_Meg._ Nay, let her alone.—What if they should! Why, if they should, I say they were never abroad. What foreigner would do so? (79) It writes them directly untravell’d.

_Gal._ Why, what if they be?

_La._ What if they be!

_Meg._ Good madam, let her go on.—What if they be! Why, if they be, I will justify, (84) they cannot maintain discourse with a judicious lady, nor make a leg[3175] nor say “Excuse me.”

_Gal._ Ha, ha, ha!

_Meg._ Do you laugh, madam?

_Dion._ Your desires upon you, ladies!

_Meg._ Then you must sit beside us. 90

_Dion._ I shall sit near you then, lady.

_Meg._ Near me, perhaps; but there’s a lady endures no stranger; and to me you appear a very strange fellow. 94

_La._ Methinks he ’s not so strange; he would quickly be acquainted.

_Thra._ Peace, the King!

_Enter_ KING, PHARAMOND, ARETHUSA, _and Train_.

_King._ To give a stronger testimony of love Than sickly promises (which commonly In princes find both birth and burial 100 In one breath) we have drawn you, worthy sir, To make your fair endearments to our daughter, And worthy services known to our subjects, Now lov’d and wondered at; next, our intent To plant you deeply our immediate heir 105 Both to our blood and kingdoms. For this lady, (The best part of your life, as you confirm me, And I believe,) though her few years and sex Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes, Desires without desire, discourse and knowledge 110 Only of what herself is to herself, Make her feel moderate health; and when she sleeps, In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams. Think not, dear sir, these undivided parts, That must mould up a virgin, are put on 115 To show her so, as borrowed ornaments To speak her perfect love to you, or add An artificial shadow to her nature,— No, sir; I boldly dare proclaim her yet No woman. But woo her still, and think her modesty 120 A sweeter mistress than the offer’d language Of any dame, were she a queen, whose eye Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants.[3176] Last, noble son (for so I now must call you), What I have done thus public, is not only 125 To add a comfort in particular To you or me, but all; and to confirm The nobles and the gentry of these kingdoms By oath to your succession, which shall be Within this month at most. 130

_Thra._ This will be hardly done.

_Cle._ It must be ill done, if it be done.

_Dion._ When ’tis at best, ’t will be but half done, whilst So brave a gentleman is wrong’d and flung off.

_Thra._ I fear. 135

_Cle._ Who does not?

_Dion._ I fear not for myself, and yet I fear too. Well, we shall see, we shall see. No more.

_Pha._ Kissing your white hand, mistress, I take leave To thank your royal father; and thus far 140 To be my own free trumpet. Understand, Great King, and these your subjects, mine that must be, (For so deserving you have spoke me, sir, And so deserving I dare speak myself,) To what a person, of what eminence, 145 Ripe expectation, of what faculties, Manners and virtues, you would wed your kingdoms; You in me have your wishes. Oh, this country! By more than all the gods, I hold it happy; 149 Happy in their dear memories that have been Kings great and good; happy in yours that is; And from you (as a chronicle to keep Your noble name from eating age) do I Opine myself most, happy. Gentlemen, Believe me in a word, a prince’s word, 155 There shall he nothing to make up a kingdom Mighty and flourishing, defenced, fear’d, Equal to be commanded and obeyed, But through the travails of my life I’ll find it, And tie it to this country. By all the gods, 160 My reign shall be so easy to the subject, That every man shall be his prince himself, And his own law—yet I his prince and law. And dearest lady, to your dearest self (Dear in the choice of him whose name and lustre 165 Must make you more and mightier) let me say, You are the blessed’st living; for, sweet princess, You shall enjoy a man of men to be Your servant; you shall make him yours, for whom Great queens must die. 170

_Thra._ Miraculous!

_Cle._ This speech calls him Spaniard, being nothing but a large inventory of his own commendations.

_Dion._ I wonder what’s his price; for certainly 175 He’ll sell himself, he has so prais’d his shape. _Enter_ PHILASTER. But here comes one more worthy those large speeches, Than the large speaker of them. Let me be swallowed quick, if I can find, In all the anatomy of yon man’s virtues, 180 One sinew sound enough to promise for him, He shall be constable. By this sun, He’ll ne’er make king unless it be of trifles, In my poor judgment.

_Phi._ [_kneeling._] Right noble sir, as low as my obedience, 185 And with a heart as loyal as my knee, I beg your favour.

_King._ Rise; you have it, sir. [PHILASTER _rises_.]

_Dion._ Mark but the King, how pale he looks! He fears! Oh, this same whorson conscience, how it jades us!

_King._ Speak your intents, sir.

_Phi._ Shall I speak ’em freely? 190 Be still my royal sovereign.

_King._ As a subject, We give you freedom.

_Dion._ Now it heats.

_Phi._ Then thus I turn My language to you, prince; you, foreign man! Ne’er stare nor put on wonder, for you must Endure me, and you shall. This earth you tread upon 195 (A dowry, as you hope, with this fair princess), By my dead father (oh, I had a father, Whose memory I bow to!) was not left To your inheritance, and I up and living— Having myself about me and my sword, 200 The souls of all my name and memories, These arms and some few friends beside the gods— To part so calmly with it, and sit still And say, “I might have been.” I tell thee, Pharamond, 204 When thou art king, look I be dead and rotten, And my name ashes:[3177] for, hear me, Pharamond! This very ground thou goest on, this fat earth, My father’s friends made fertile with their faiths, Before that day of shame shall gape and swallow Thee and thy nation, like a hungry grave, 210 Into her hidden bowels. Prince, it shall: By the just gods, it shall!

_Pha._ He’s mad; beyond cure, mad.

_Dion._ Here is a fellow has some fire in ’s veins: The outlandish prince looks like a tooth-drawer.

_Phi._ Sir Prince of popinjays, I’ll make it well 215 Appear to you I am not mad.

_King._ You displease us: You are too bold.

_Phi._ No, sir, I am too tame, Too much a turtle, a thing born without passion, A faint shadow, that every drunken cloud Sails over, and makes nothing.

_King._ I do not fancy this. 220 Call our physicians; sure, he’s somewhat tainted![3178]

_Thra._ I do not think ’t will prove so.

_Dion._ H’as given him a general purge already, For all the right he has; and now he means To let him blood. Be constant, gentlemen: 225 By heaven, I’ll run his hazard, Although I run my name out of the kingdom!

_Cle._ Peace, we are all one soul.

_Pha._ What you have seen in me to stir offence I cannot find, unless it be this lady, 230 Offer’d into mine arms with the succession; Which I must keep, (though it hath pleas’d your fury To mutiny within you,) without disputing Your genealogies, or taking knowledge Whose branch you are. The King will leave it me, 235 And I dare make it mine. You have your answer.

_Phi._ If thou wert sole inheritor to him That made the world his,[3179] and couldst see no sun Shine upon any thing but thine; were Pharamond As truly valiant as I feel him cold, 240 And ring’d amongst the choicest of his friends (Such as would blush to talk such serious follies, Or back such bellied[3180] commendations), And from this presence, spite of all these bugs,[3181] You should hear further from me. 245

_King._ Sir, you wrong the prince; I gave you not this freedom To brave our best friends. You deserve our frown. Go to; be better temper’d.

_Phi._ It must be, sir, when I am nobler us’d.

_Gal._ Ladies, 250 This would have been a pattern of succession,[3182] Had he ne’er met this mischief. By my life, He is the worthiest the true name of man This day within my knowledge.

_Meg._ I cannot tell what you may call your knowledge; 255 But the other is the man set in mine eye. Oh, ’tis a prince of wax![3183]

_Gal._ A dog it is.[3184]

_King._ Philaster, tell me The injuries you aim at[3185] in your riddles. 259

_Phi._ If you had my eyes, sir, and sufferance, My griefs upon you, and my broken fortunes, My wants great, and now nought but hopes and fears, My wrongs would make ill riddles to be laught at. Dare you be still my king, and right me not?

_King._ Give me your wrongs in private.

_Phi._ Take them, 265 And ease me of a load would bow strong Atlas. _They whisper._

_Cle._ He dares not stand the shock.

_Dion._ I cannot blame him; there’s danger in ’t. Every man in this age has not a soul of crystal, for all men to read their actions 270 through: men’s hearts and faces are so far asunder, that they hold no intelligence. Do but view yon stranger well, and you shall see a fever through all his bravery,[3186] and feel him shake like a true tenant.[3187] If he give not back his (275) crown again upon the report of an elder-gun, I have no augury.

_King._ Go to; Be more yourself, as you respect our favour; 279 You ’ll stir us else. Sir, I must have you know, That y’ are and shall be, at our pleasure, what Fashion we will put upon you. Smooth your brow, Or by the gods——

_Phi._ I am dead, sir; y’ are my fate. It was not I Said, I was wrong’d: I carry all about me 285 My weak stars lead me to, all my weak fortunes. Who dares in all this presence speak, (that is But man of flesh, and may be mortal,) tell me I do not most entirely love this prince, And honour his full virtues!

_King._ Sure, he’s possess’d. 290

_Phi._ Yes, with my father’s spirit. It’s here, O King, A dangerous spirit! Now he tells me, King, I was a king’s heir, bids me be a king, And whispers to me, these are all my subjects. ’Tis strange he will not let me sleep, but dives Into my fancy, and there gives me shapes 296 That kneel and do me service, cry me king. But I’ll suppress him; he’s a factious spirit, And will undo me.—[_To_ PHAR.] Noble sir, your hand; I am your servant.

_King._ Away! I do not like this: 300 I’ll make you tamer, or I’ll dispossess you Both of your life and spirit. For this time I pardon your wild speech, without so much As your imprisonment. _Exeunt_ KING, PHARAMOND, ARETHUSA [_and_ Train].

_Dion._ I thank you, sir; you dare not for the people. 305

_Gal._ Ladies, what think you now of this brave fellow?

_Meg._ A pretty talking fellow, hot at hand. But eye yon stranger: is he not a fine complete gentleman? Oh, these strangers, I do affect[3188] them strangely! They do the rarest (310) home-things, and please the fullest! As I live, I could love all the nation over and over for his sake.

_Gal._ Gods comfort your poor head-piece, lady! ’T is a weak one, and had need of a nightcap. _Exeunt_ Ladies. 315

_Dion._ See, how his fancy labours! Has he not Spoke home and bravely? What a dangerous train Did he give fire to! How he shook the King, Made his soul melt within him, and his blood Run into whey! It stood upon his brow 320 Like a cold winter dew.

_Phi._ Gentlemen, You have no suit to me? I am no minion. You stand, methinks, like men that would be courtiers, If I [3189] could well be flatter’d at a price Not to undo your children. You’re all honest: Go, get you home again, and make your country 326 A virtuous court, to which your great ones may, In their diseased age, retire and live recluse.

_Cle._ How do you, worthy sir?

_Phi._ Well, very well; And so well that, if the King please you, I find I may live many years.

_Dion._ The King must please, 331 Whilst we know what you are and who you are, Your wrongs and virtues.[3190] Shrink not, worthy sir, But add your father to you; in whose name We’ll waken all the gods, and conjure up 335 The rods of vengeance, the abused people, Who, like to raging torrents, shall swell high, And so begirt the dens of these male-dragons, That, through the strongest safety, they shall beg For mercy at your sword’s point.

_Phi._ Friends, no more; 340 Our ears may be corrupted; t is an age We dare not trust our wills to. Do you love me?

_Thra._ Do we love Heaven and Honour?

_Phi._ My Lord Dion, you had A virtuous gentlewoman call’d you father; 345 Is she yet alive?

_Dion._ Most honour’d sir, she is; And, for the penance but of an idle dream Has undertook a tedious pilgrimage.

_Enter a_ Lady.

_Phi._ Is it to me, or any of these gentlemen, you come?

_Lady._ To you, brave lord; the princess would entreat 350 Your present company.

_Phi._ The princess send for me! You are mistaken.

_Lady._ If you be called Philaster, ’t is to you.

_Phi._ Kiss her fair hand, and say I will attend her. [_Exit_ Lady.]

_Dion._ Do you know what you do? 355

_Phi._ Yes; go to see a woman.

_Cle._ But do you weigh the danger you are in?

_Phi._ Danger in a sweet face! By Jupiter, I must not fear a woman!

_Thra._ But are you sure it was the princess sent? 360 It may be some foul train to catch your life.

_Phi._ I do not think it, gentlemen; she’s noble. Her eye may shoot me dead, or those true red And white friends in her cheeks may steal my soul out; 364 There’s all the danger in ’t. But, be what may, Her single[3191] name hath arm’d me. _Exit._

_Dion._ Go on, And be as truly happy as thou ’rt fearless!— Come, gentlemen, let ’s make our friends acquainted, Lest the King prove false. _Exeunt._

[SCENE II.][3192]

_Enter_ ARETHUSA _and a_ Lady.

_Are._ Comes he not?

_Lady._ Madam?

_Are._ Will Philaster come?

_Lady._ Dear madam, you were wont to credit me At first.

_Are._ But didst thou tell me so? I am forgetful, and my woman’s strength 5 Is so o’ercharg’d with dangers like to grow About my marriage, that these under-things Dare not abide in such a troubled sea. How lookt he when he told thee he would come?

_Lady._ Why, well. 10

_Are._ And not a little fearful?

_Lady._ Fear, madam! Sure, he knows not what it is.

_Are._ You all are of his faction; the whole court Is bold in praise of him; whilst I May live neglected, and do noble things, 15 As fools in strife throw gold into the sea, Drown’d in the doing. But, I know he fears.

_Lady._ Fear, madam! Methought, his looks hid more Of love than fear.

_Are._ Of love! To whom? To you? Did you deliver those plain words I sent, 20 With such a winning gesture and quick look That you have caught him?

_Lady._ Madam, I mean to you.

_Are._ Of love to me! Alas, thy ignorance Lets thee not see the crosses of our births! Nature, that loves not to be questioned 25 Why she did this or that, but has her ends, And knows she does well, never gave the world Two things be so opposite, so contrary As he and I am: if a bowl of blood Drawn from this arm of mine would poison thee, 30 A draught of his would cure thee. Of love to me!

_Lady._ Madam, I think I hear him.

_Are._ Bring him in. [_Exit_ Lady.] You gods, that would not have your dooms withstood, Whose holy wisdoms at this time it is To make the passion of a feeble maid 35 The way unto your justice, I obey.

[_Re_]_-enter_ [Lady _with_] PHILASTER.

_Lady._ Here is my Lord Philaster.

_Are._ Oh, ’t is well. Withdraw yourself. [_Exit_ Lady.]

_Phi._ Madam, your messenger Made me believe you wish’d to speak with me.

_Are._ ’T is true, Philaster; but the words are such 40 I have to say, and do so ill beseem The mouth of woman, that I wish them said, And yet am loth to speak them. Have you known That I have aught detracted from your worth? Have I in person wrong’d you, or have set 45 My baser instruments to throw disgrace Upon your virtues?

_Phi._ Never, madam, you.

_Are._ Why, then, should you, in such a public place, Injure a princess, and a scandal lay Upon my fortunes, fam’d to be so great, 50 Calling a great part of my dowry in question?

_Phi._ Madam, this truth which I shall speak will be Foolish: but, for your fair and virtuous self, I could afford myself to have no right To any thing you wish’d.

_Are._ Philaster, know, 55 I must enjoy these kingdoms.

_Phi._ Madam, both?

_Are._ Both, or I die: by heaven, I die, Philaster, If I not calmly may enjoy them both.

_Phi._ I would do much to save that noble life; Yet would be loth to have posterity 60 Find in our stories, that Philaster gave His right unto a sceptre and a crown To save a lady’s longing.

_Are._ Nay, then, hear: I must and will have them, and more——

_Phi._ What more?

_Are._ Or lose that little life the gods prepared To trouble this poor piece of earth withal. 66

_Phi._ Madam, what more?

_Are._ Turn, then, away thy face.

_Phi._ No.

_Are._ Do.

_Phi._ I can endure it. Turn away my face! 70 I never yet saw enemy that lookt So dreadfully, but that I thought myself As great a basilisk[3193] as he; or spake So horrible, but that I thought my tongue Bore thunder underneath, as much as his; 75 Nor beast that I could turn from. Shall I then Begin to fear sweet sounds? A lady’s voice, Whom I do love? Say you would have my life; Why, I will give it you; for ’t is of me A thing so loath’d, and unto you that ask 80 Of so poor use, that I shall make no price: If you entreat, I will unmov’dly hear.

_Are._ Yet, for my sake, a little bend thy looks.

_Phi._ I do.

_Are._ Then know, I must have them and thee.

_Phi._ And me?

_Are._ Thy love; without which, all the land Discovered yet will serve me for no use 86 But to be buried in.

_Phi._ Is ’t possible?

_Are._ With it, it were too little to bestow On thee. Now, though thy breath do strike me dead, (Which, know, it may,) I have unript my breast. 90

_Phi._ Madam, you are too full of noble thoughts, To lay a train for this contemned life, Which you may have for asking. To suspect Were base, where I deserve no ill. Love you! By all my hopes, I do, above my life! 95 But how this passion should proceed from you So violently, would amaze a man That would be jealous.[3194]

_Are._ Another soul into my body shot Could not have fill’d me with more strength and spirit 100 Than this thy breath. But spend not hasty time In seeking how I came thus: ’t is the gods, The gods, that make me so; and, sure, our love Will be the nobler and the better blest, In that the secret justice of the gods 105 Is mingled with it. Let us leave, and kiss; Lest some unwelcome guest should fall betwixt us, And we should part without it.

_Phi._ ’T will be ill I should abide here long.

_Are._ ’T is true; and worse You should come often. How shall we devise To hold intelligence, that our true loves, 111 On any new occasion, may agree What path is best to tread?

_Phi._ I have a boy, Sent by the gods, I hope, to this intent, 114 Not yet seen in the court. Hunting the buck, I found him sitting by a fountain’s side, Of which he borrow’d some to quench his thirst, And paid the nymph again as much in tears. A garland lay him by, made by himself Of many several flowers bred in the vale, 120 Stuck in that mystic order that the rareness Delighted me: but ever when he turn’d His tender eyes upon ’em, he would weep, As if he meant to make ’em grow again. Seeing such pretty helpless innocence 125 Dwell in his face, I ask’d him all his story. He told me that his parents gentle died, Leaving him to the mercy of the fields, Which gave him roots; and of the crystal springs, 129 Which did not stop their courses; and the sun, Which still, he thank’d him, yielded him his light. Then took he up his garland, and did show What every flower, as country-people hold, Did signify, and how all, ordered thus, Exprest his grief; and, to my thoughts, did read 135 The prettiest lecture of his country-art That could be wisht: so that methought I could Have studied it. I gladly entertain’d Him, who was glad to follow; and have got The trustiest, loving’st, and the gentlest boy 140 That ever master kept. Him will I send To wait on you, and bear our hidden love.

_Are._ ’T is well; no more.

_Re-enter_ Lady.

_Lady._ Madam, the prince is come to do his service.

_Are._ What will you do, Philaster, with yourself? 145

_Phi._ Why, that which all the gods have pointed out for me.

_Are._ Dear, hide thyself.— Bring in the prince. [_Exit_ Lady.]

_Phi._ Hide me from Pharamond! When thunder speaks, which is the voice of God, Though I do reverence, yet I hide me not; 150 And shall a stranger-prince have leave to brag Unto a foreign nation, that he made Philaster hide himself?

_Are._ He cannot know it.

_Phi._ Though it should sleep for ever to the world, It is a simple sin to hide myself, 155 Which will for ever on my conscience lie.

_Are._ Then, good Philaster, give him scope and way In what he says; for he is apt to speak What you are loth to hear. For my sake, do.

_Phi._ I will. 160

[_Re_]_-enter_ [Lady _with_] PHARAMOND.

_Pha._ My princely mistress, as true lovers ought, [_Exit_ Lady.] I come to kiss these fair hands, and to show, In outward ceremonies, the dear love Writ in my heart. 164

_Phi._ If I shall have an answer no directlier, I am gone.

_Pha._ To what would he have answer?

_Are._ To his claim unto the kingdom.

_Pha._ Sirrah. I forbare you before the King—

_Phi._ Good sir, do be still; I would not talk with you. 170

_Pha._ But now the time is fitter. Do but offer To make mention of right to any kingdom, Though it be scarce habitable——

_Phi._ Good sir, let me go.

_Pha._ And by the gods—

_Phi._ Peace, Pharamond! if thou——

_Are._ Leave us, Philaster.

_Phi._ I have done. [_Going._] 175

_Pha._ You are gone! by Heaven I’ll fetch you back.

_Phi._ You shall not need. [_Returning._]

_Pha._ What now?

_Phi._ Know, Pharamond, I loathe to brawl with such a blast as thou, Who art nought but a valiant voice; but if Thou shalt provoke me further, men shall say, Thou wert, and not lament it.

_Pha._ Do you slight 181 My greatness so, and in the chamber of The princess?

_Phi._ It is a place to which I must confess I owe a reverence; but were ’t the church, 185 Ay, at the altar, there’s no place so safe, Where thou dar’st injure me, but I dare kill thee. And for your greatness, know, sir, I can grasp You and your greatness thus, thus into nothing. Give not a word, not a word back! Farewell. _Exit._

_Pha._ ’T is an odd fellow, madam; we must stop 191 His mouth with some office when we are married.

_Are._ You were best make him your controller.

_Pha._ I think he would discharge it well. But, madam, I hope our hearts are knit; but yet so slow 195 The ceremonies of state are, that ’t will be long Before our hands be so. If then you please, Being agreed in heart, let us not wait For dreaming form, but take a little stolen Delights, and so prevent[3195] our joys to come. 200

_Are._ If you dare speak such thoughts, I must withdraw in honour. _Exit._

_Pha._ The constitution of my body will never hold out till the wedding; I must seek elsewhere. _Exit._ 205