Chapter 4

_Ger._ What reason had he for it, dost thou know?

_Ser._ My Lord, I do not; for we by your appointment Having took Horse, did with our greatest speed Pursue the Road should lead us to _Don John_'s; When near a Thicket stands some two Miles off, I spy'd _Antonio_ lying on the ground, And _Jasper_ walking of the Horses by him, Fearing his seeing us, we took the Thicket, Where shelter'd from their Eyes, I left my Fellows. But I approach'd as near as possible, Hoping I did you Service, if I could By their Discourse gather their cause of stay.

_Ger._ 'Twas like thy self, both diligent and prudent.

_Serv._ But all my care did signifie but little, The Wind blew fresh, and rustling in the Wood, Wholly destroy'd their Voyces, so that few words Of what they said I heard; and those I did, Came so divided they had no connexion.

_Ger._ What sort of Actions did you then perceive?

_Serv._ My Lord, I saw _Antonio_ much disturb'd; Sometimes he'd rise and walk a turn or two With eager pace, then stop as suddenly, Then stamp and tear his hair; then loudly cry. She's dead, she's dead! Oh, _Cælia_, Oh, _Antonio_! Then lye him down again, and rest a space: Sometimes call _Jasper_ to him, talk a while, And soon again rise in another Passion; Seldom I heard a word, except a Curse! Or now and then a Name; as _Lewis_, _Cælia_, _Pedro_, _Francisco_, _Flora_; nay, my Lord, Sometimes I heard your Name, and then _Eugenia's_; Then suddenly holding his hands to Heav'n, He'd down again, and there a while would role.

_Ger._ These Actions sure did seem a perfect madness.

_Serv._ It seem'd indeed a madness methodiz'd, Like theirs who are Transported far with Passion.

_Ger._ But how perceiv'd you _Jasper_ bear himself?

_Serv._ Quite in another manner, but as strange! For when his Lord look'd down, his looks would be As full of mirth, ready to burst in Laughter; That I perceiv'd he scarce contain'd himself: But if his Lord did look about to speak, Then was his Face demure, with hand on Breast, Turning his Eyes to Heav'n, and groaning sighs. As you have seen, my Lord, a Canting Preacher Aiming to cheat his Audience, wanting matter, Sigh to seem Holy, till he thought on something. So at that distance seem'd his Actions to me; But when his back was turn'd, the Rascal would Make Mouths, and point with signs of greatest scorn.

_Ger._ There is some Fatal Villany in this; Some Mystery beyond my Fathoming: But how long staid they thus?

_Serv._ About two hours, when mounting both their Horses, I took mine, and un-espy'd did dogg e'm to the City, And where they Hous'd I know not; for they enter'd Remote from Home, and I i'th' streets soon lost e'm.

_Ger._ Do both your Fellows know this?

_Serv._ No, my Lord, I did not think it would become my Duty To tell them any thing but what they saw.

_Ger._ I never knew thee yet mistake thy trust; Thy secrecy was well: Preserve it still, For I must use it further, therefore go, And Charge your Pistols, we must walk a Round About _Antonio_'s House to watch their motion; For there the Scene must lye of this design; If there be mischief in't, thy courage now (If theirs occasion) must again be try'd. And well Rewarded too.

_Serv._ 'Tis so, my Lord, Above all other wayes in that you trust it. But I'le be gone, and Execute your Orders. [Exit.

_Ger._ A Faithful Servant is the best of Friends, Since he is nearest alwayes to assist us; But stay, I cannot guess from all I've heard, The cause that should disturb _Antonio_; Except 'tis Jealousie: Yet how can that be? If _Cælia's_ vitious there's no vertuous Women. But now I think how much he rail'd at Marriage, And more our Arguments concerning doubt, These things perswade he's Jealous! But of whom? The more I think, the more I am confounded! How Clouded Man Doubts first, and from one doubt doth soon proceed A thousand more in solving of the first; Like Nighted Travellers we lose our way; Then every _Ignis Fatuus_ makes us stray. By the false Lights of Reason led about, Till we arrive where we at first set out: "Nor shall we e're Truths perfect High-way see, Till dawns the Day-break of Eternity." [Exit.

_Enter _Eugenia_._

_Eug._ I am amaz'd the Nurse should stay so long; My Anger makes each minute seem an hour: That Woman is a thing made up of mischief; Some Fatal Devil sure did guide the Choyce My Mother made, in choosing her our Nurse. She's Fool to th' height: And yet hath wit enough To tread all Labyrinths of Treachery; But that's no wonder: For who's Treacherous That wants not Eyes to see it's ugly Form? For now I fear, and I believe not vainly, That Villain, _Jasper_, knows all my concerns, Or what could prompt him to that Impudence He did express in his address today.

_Enter Nurse._

Thou fatal Hagg, thou Mother of all mischief, What Devil taught thy perjur'd Tongue the way To tell the shame which thou didst first occasion?

_Nurse._ Pray what ayls you, Madam, are you mad?

_Eug._ I wish I was, as I have cause enough, For then I should not know the shame attends me, In being Table-talk for every Rascal, As thou (Hell thank thee for it) now hast made me.

_Nurse._ I made you Table-talk! There's no such thing; I've been too faithful to you, that I have; Losing my sleep full oft to watch your pleasure. And is this all I get? It is no matter, I Shall be even with you.

_Eug._ Threaten on (for thou hast Acted all thy threats, Imp) In letting _Jasper_ know my shame and folly.

_Nurse._ _Jasper_ knows nothing, that he does not, from me, And I will ask him; fore your face, I will, If I e're said _Francisco_ lay with you.

_Eug._ 'Tis plain, thy guilt transported thee to madness, Else thou wouldst never make thy Tongue a Herauld So loud, for to proclaim to all the House The Action you'd perswade me still is secret.

_Nurse._ If you talk lowd your self, why may not I? But I'le bring _Jasper_ to you shall deny all.

_Eug._ What mischief upon mischief she designs? Dost think, like thine, my Modesty is gone? To have this argu'd out before my face And such a Villaine by?--

_Nurse._ A Villain, say you? No Villain neither, I wou'd have you know; No more then is _Francisco_: pick that bone, Or if you will, I'le bid _Gerardo_ do it. Dee' think to rail at me? Is that my thanks?

_Eug._ My feares I see will force me to dissemble; Nurse, I but try'd thy patience; I believe Thou would'st not tell that secret for the world, No, tho' it were to _Jasper_.

_Nurse._ _Jasper's_ an honest fellow, and no Villain; And did he know a secret, he could keep it.

_Eug._ But have you told it then?

_Nurse._ No matter what I've done, I will not tell you, Because you vext and rated at me so.

_Eug._ Well, Nurse, I did believe you lov'd me better. [Weeps. And wou'd trust me with any thing you did, But I perceive your kindness all for _Jasper_.

_Nurse._ I love _Jasper_ well, and love you too, And you shall have no wrong I warrant you.

_Eug._ The thing is plain, I need not ask no further. But where's the remedy? Nurse, prethee tell me, What did _Francisco_ say unto my message?

_Nurse._ I, there's a bus'ness now worth asking for. He sayes, he's glad you'l condescend to meet; Nay, he's a glad man, I'le tell you that, i' faith, He bid me say, you were a gallant Girle, So to Revenge his quarrel on _Gerardo_.

_Eug._ _Gerardo_, said you! O thy mouth's a Sieve! There's not a secret thou canst keep a moment; Did I not charge thee not to name _Gerardo_, Till I should speak of it myself to him? Nay, 'tis the greatest motive makes me meet him, For to prevent the mischiefs else may follow; Well, I am curst for sin, and thou art made The cause o' th' sin, and curse that does attend it.

_Nur._ What, are you got to railing again for nothing? Pray who has most discretion to tell a bus'ness, You, or I? But you, forsooth, are grown so proud of late Because you hope to Marry _Don Gerardo_; That there's no speaking to you: Marry gip. 'Faith I shall spoil your Market. [Exit.

_Eug._ Do thy worst (for I am resolv'd to suffer once for all) Death would be better then this Slavery, And that's the worst can happen Should she tell my Brother, or _Gerardo_, my whole story; That's dying once, but I by fear thus fool'd, Do hourly dye, since still I Death behold. [Exit.

_Enter _Jasper_ and _Antonio_._

_Jasp._ My Lord, I'm confident this is the House, Wherein the Woman Lives I told you of.

_Anto._ Knock then; and if she comes, do you speak to her, I'le stand aloof a while, and hear you talk.

[Jasper _knocks_.

_Enter Witch with a block Rod, which she turns over her Head, whilst _Jasper_ makes a private sign of his Lord's being there._

_Jasp._ Hail, Reverend Mother; I suppose you are That famous Artist who Commands this House, Which if you be, with confidence I beg, You would resolve some Questions I should ask; Which if you please to do, my gratitude Shall be proportion'd to the kindness done.

_Witch._ What prating Fellow's here? Your Lord _Antonio_ Need not to doubt my Art, or if he did, He might have sent some wiser Man to try me. Come, come, my Lord, I am no Cheating Chymist, that requires A Faith in Fools to make his work successful. No, no, my Power is boundless, I can search The secrets of your Soul, and when I've done Solve all the doubts that there possess your mind; That Women should be Women, is no wonder.

_Anto._ But that Women should turn Devils, is.

_Witch._ No, no, my Lord, I am no Devil neither.

_Anto._ Mother! I meant not you, when I said so.

_Witch._ Son, Son, excuse it not, you have no cause To love us Women much, and I'm not angry At what you said, though I know what you meant.

_Ant._ Then, Mother, by these Powers you practice by, I do Conjure you, shew me all the truth Of what you know concerns my coming hither.

_Witch._ Come, enter in, my Lord, and nothing fear; There's not a doubt of yours but shall be clear. I've sent a Spirit out, who will e're long, Bring all the Names of those have done you wrong.

[Ex. and return.

_Enter _Antonio_, _Jasper_, and Witch, as in the House; in the Scenes a Chair, by which _Jasper_ stands, and Witch goes round._

_Witch._ Sit in this Chair, my Lord, whilst I do draw A Sacred Line, which shall the Spirits aw. About, about, I tread a Round, Where I tread is Sacred Ground. Thus and thus the Air I charm, To keep my Circle free from harm; Thus I sprinkle Water pure, And by it all the Charm secure; The Spirits that fiery are dare not come near us, Earth, Air, and Water do make e'm to fear us. Then boldly sit, boldly see, boldly despise What Spirits soever do happen to rise.

_Witch sings._ _Rise, arise, arise, rise and come away, My little pretty Spirit _Puncula_: What, not appear at thy Mistresses call, I'le surely torment thee; thou shalt not suck at all. Arise then, I say--_

[Spirit within sings. Spir. _I come, I come away, The Wind it blows hard, and forces me astray._

_Witch._ Let's wait a little, he'l appear, my Lord.

_Anto._ Fear seizes me so fast, that all my Spirits Retire, and leave an Ague in my Joynts.

_Enter a Spirit._

_Witch._ Come, have you done What I gave you in charge, If you have, I command you to tell it at large.

Spirit sings. _As you bid, I did go to the Caverns below Where the Spirits Inhabit that Govern the Wind. And though in their motions they be, And see Far, far quicker than we, Yet no Intelligence there I could find. From thence, like Lightning, I shot to the Pole, Where at a hole I glided to the Region of the Air: But the Spirits above Do Mankind so love, That they drove me from them with despair. From thence, in a moment, to _Ætna_ I came, Where the Spirits of fire that Inhabit that flame: Told me, all that I sought for they knew; Though to Spirits of Earth, As I am by Birth; They'd not tell it; yet hither they flew. And hereabouts they stay, till you pray, And attone them with Offerings to tell your desire; For these from of Old Have been Lovers of Gold, The Mettles being Govern'd by Spirits of fire_. [Exit.

_Witch._ It's necessary, Son, you throw them something, For o're these Spirits I have no Command.

_Anto._ Oh, any thing; take this and throw it them; But do release me of the fear I'm in, And quickly solve my doubts, take all I have.

_Witch._ There is Gold, there is Gold to you Spirits of fire; He does willingly offer what you do desire.

_Enter first Spirit, second Spirit Ascends. After some flashes of fire they sing._

1. Spir. _What Spirit did _Lewis_ attend?_

2. Spir. _It was I._

1. Spir. _Declare to that Lord what you know._

2. Spir. _I need not, the cause he did dye Was that truth to him known long ago._

Chor. _He's dead, he's dead, he's dead, and now For hot desires, In endless fires Must Live, must now forever Live with us below._

Chor. _He's dead, he's dead, &c._

_Anto._ Horrid and wonderful.

1. Spir. _Who all _Cælia's_ Crimes does know?_

2. Spir. _It is I, but must not shew All her ill, For I will_

[Third Spirit Ascends.

_Fit her better e're she go To her Paramour below._

3. Spir. _But I that _Francisco_ attend, Can declare, That he as a Friend To _Don Lewis_ doth share I'th' stolen Embraces of _Cælia's_ sweet Arms; They kiss and lye down, Then _Lewis_ bemoan, Thus with thoughts of Revenge they double Loves charms._

Chor. _They kiss and lye, &c._

_Anto._ Thus I have warm'd a Viper in my bosom, That wanted only heat enough to sting me, And give me Death it self.

1. Spir. _After him can _Pedro_ stay til't be day; Thus they sport the Night away, _Flora_ watching whilst they do Laugh at you, Saying, where's the Cuckold now?_

1. Spir. _They sport._

2. Spir. _They laugh._

3. Spir. _They kiss and play, Till your return, doth make e'm mourn, And spoils their Holy~day._

Chor. _Thus they will do untill they dye, When we in Hell, shall think it well To have their pleasant Company._

[They Descend.

_Anto._ And that shall be this Night; make ready then Fires that may fit so brave a pack of Letchers; If you delight in Offerings; and for Gold Can but increase their Torments, I will sell All my Estate to turn it into that, Daily to add more fewel to their flames. Let Fools that spend their Wealth on Priests for Prayers, Be Cheated still, I'le take a surer way, Torments for Souls are penny-worths I'le buy, And there is Reason in it; for 'tis likely Hell may take Bribes, when surely Heav'n won't. Oh Excellent project! Is't not a good one, _Jasper_? By Hell it self, this Night Hell hath e'm all.

_Witch._ Your Lordship's much disturb'd, I by my Art Will cause the Air to give a Melody, So to compose your Spirits to themselves.

[She waves her stick. Musick and an Antick Dance of Devils handing the Purse (_Antonio_ threw) to one another, toward the Close of which a noise without makes both Musick and Dance stop: But beginning again, a noise within makes e'm flye. The Witch trembles.

_Within._ Break op'e the doors, nay, sure enough they're here.

_Anto._ By Heav'n some Cheat, for these can be no Devils. I'le follow e'm, and see-- [Draws his Sword.

_Jasp._ It is some trick to draw you from the Circle. [_Jasp._ holds him.

_Anto._ Be what it will, Death cannot make me worse; Unhand me then, or I will sheath this in you. [Exit.

_Witch._ O, we're undone, the Officers will enter, [Noise continues. And my Lord will see the holes they creep into, And so discover them, then we shall all be hang'd. I'le tell my Lord the truth of all the Cheat, And that way save my Life.

_Jasp._ What's that? No stratagem to help it? Have you no hole near us, Aunt?

_Witch._ Yes, here is one, but should we go into't, The other taken once, will soon betray us.

_Jasp._ I'le hazzard that, rather then certain Death. And therefore to save one, I'le hide you there. [Kills her.

_Witch._ O thou ungrateful Dog, dost kill me for my Love?

_Jasp._ No muttering, Aunt, dye quietly, and lye as Quietly; 'tis the greatest kindness you can Do me; So, now a ready lye clears all I hope. [Runs her through often, then throws her into the hole, she shun'd him, then lyes down and trembles.

_Enter _Antonio_._

_Anto._ The Officers entring, they all vanish'd.

_Jasp._ The last is well.

_Anto._ Where's the Witch? What makes you tremble so?

_Jasp._ O, do not take me too, good Devil, do not.

_Anto._ What ayls the Fellow? _Jasper_, don't you know me?

_Jasp._ Alas, is't you, my Lord?

_Anto._ Ay, where's the Witch?

_Jasp._ She got upon a fiery Dragons back, And mounted like a Rocket through the Air, Leaving me half distracted.

_Anto._ 'Tis strange and wonderful.

[Enter Captain and Watch.

_1. Watch._ Here's two of them.

_Capt._ My Lord _Antonio_! 'Tis strange to meet you thus In a suspitious House so late in the Evening.

_Anto._ Riding by the River side to take the Air, My Horse threw me, which made me see For some convenient House to rest a while, And met with this, wherein I have slept this hour, And I believe had done so longer yet, Had not your noise awak'd me.

_Capt._ My Lord, I've no Commission to enquire, Into Persons bus'ness of your eminent Rank; It is for other Men that I search now, Some half a score the most notorious Rogues About the Town were seen to enter here. Saw you none such, my Lord?

_Anto._ No, on my Honour; For since I enter'd here, no human shape Was seen by me, but one Old wither'd Woman; And where she's gone, I know not.

_Capt._ My Lord, that Woman is the greatest Cheat About the Town; the simple think her a Witch; But I can witness for her she is none; My Lord, you'l pardon me, if I search for her.

_Anto._ With all my heart: Pray find her if you can; 'Twas my misfortune doubled to light here.

_Capt._ It might have prov'd so: Search the House. [Exit Watch. I'le tell your Lordship what I know of her. Walking my Round one Night, who should I meet, But (as I thought) two Devils, by their shapes; An Old one, and a Young one, so they seem'd: At first the sight amaz'd me, but at last My Reason telling me, if they were Spirits, The mischief they intended they might do, Though I should run away: I bid my Guard Stand, whilst my self advanc'd near these shapes, Which as I did, the little Devil fled, th' other seem'd To turn it's Eyes to fire, and glare upon me; I still advanc'd, Arm'd with my former thoughts, And as I nearer came, the fire grew duller, Yet still it stood, for truly it could not run, Proving, when I laid hold on't, this Old Woman, Cas'd in a Leopard's skin; the fiery Eyes Prov'd but two Lobster-shells: So she confessing, That for a Living she did use these Cheats, Helping poor People to their stolen Goods, In Devils shapes to countenance the Trade. And that the other was a little Boy, Train'd up as her Familiar, whom she producing, I only threaten'd them, and let them go.

_Anto._ A subtle Cheat it was, and very likely, And you deserv'd Reward that did detect it.

_Jasp._ A Halter it should be, were I to give it. [Aside.

_Enter the Watch with one of the Devils Remarkable Habits, and a Viol._

_1. Watch._ We've search'd sufficiently, but all we find Is a poor Devils skin, and a base Viol.

_Capt._ I, this is like the other, I'm glad 'twas found, 'Twill prove the story true I told your Lordship.

_Anto._ It does, to my amazement.

_Capt._ I'm glad it was my hap to meet you here, Your Lordship might have got some mischief else.

_Anto._ I might indeed, and I'm beholding to you: And, Captain, take my word, I'le speak your worth To the Vice-Roy, who is my Kinsman, And will take care for to advance your merit.

_Capt._ In that you'l bind my Service: Yet, my Lord, Shall I not wait your Lordship to your House?

_Anto._ No, 'twill be wonder'd at, besides, I've Horses here.

_Capt._ Then Health and a good Night attend your Lordship.

_Anto._ I thank you. Captain; here, Watch, there's some- Thing for you.

_1. Watch._ Bless your Noble Lordship.

[Ex. Capt. and Watch.

_Anto._ _Jasper_! Did you hear this?

_Jasp._ Ay, my good Lord, and wonder at it too; But I do still believe she is a Witch, and only Did pretend such things to the Captain, To save a Burning from th' Inquisition.

_Anto._ Fetch our Horses. [Exit _Jasper_. I do observe this Rogue Strangely to be amaz'd, what er'es the matter; I do believe that this was all some Cheat. Yet how could that be too, who could Name _Lewis_. But I am mad to be deluded thus! For now I think on't better; in my Passion I hinted _Lewis_ as a proof for all; And then this Rogue stood by--Ay, there it is-- He's a Confederate, and contriv'd all this, To be Reveng'd, but I'le dissemble yet, And trace his mischiefs further, then I'le kill him, And stop his mouth from publishing my folly: Had not this Accident so strangely happen'd, What mischief had I done before the Morning: I'le put him to his Tryal in the Garden; Which if he fail in, there shall end his Life, And he'l deserve it too, when mischiefs tend To such a height, they must in mischief end. He that contriv'd so many to destroy, Will scarce be punish'd if he barely dye, Therefore his Villany shall further swell, When'ts at the height I'le Lanch his Soul to hell. [Exit.

_Enter _Francisco_ and _Sebastian_._

_Sebast._ Couzen, believe me, I am loath to go. And I could likewise wish that you were so. Oft have I fear'd the danger when I went, Yet dreaded more the sin then punishment. For I consider'd, should I then be slain, That Death would but begin an endless pain; Then pardon me, though I could well obey All Friendships Laws, I dare not do't this way.

_Fran._ Sure Couzen, you are sick, or lately have Had melancholy thoughts about a Grave: Is this _Sebastian_, he, whose ready hand Was quick to Act all Friendship did Command? He, who no sooner heard _Francisco_ say, A Danger's there, but made that strait his way, And now he's turn'd my Ghostly Father sure.

_Sebast._ I would, so I might make a Ghostly Cure. _Francisco_, thou art sick, and so am I; Sick at our Souls, and shou'd we chance to dye E're our Disease was Cur'd, 'tis ten to one, We should in an Eternal Feaver groan.

_Fran._ Come, prethee say no more, 'tis ominous, I wonder much what 'tis shou'd make thee thus. Come, you must go this Night: I'le tell you why, 'Twill be the last, for she's to Marry, To Marry _Don Gerardo_! O 'tis rare, I am Reveng'd to th' purpose.

_Sebast._ Sure you are Turn'd Coward, or you ne're wou'd glory in Revenge so base, this doubles all your sin. _Gerardo_'s brave, and sure all Honour bleeds, When such are Wounded by Ignoble deeds. It is the Curse of Man, that he must be Subject to shame by Womens Levity; But hold, I wrong _Eugenia_, if I blame Her, and not you alone, for all her shame. You Rob'd her of her Chastity by force, Though fear of shame still kept her from Remorse.

_Fran._ Pish! Force! That was her policy to you, She did no more then what all Women do, Seem to resist what they do most desire, To raise the flame, yet seem to cool the fire; Believe this Truth, _Sebastian_, Women can Resist it, and perform it more then Man.

_Sebast._ Thus like the Devils we at first betray Their Innocence, then blame on them we lay; As if their guilt cou'd have another cause Then that which it from our Temptation draws.

_Fran._ Let it be so, I'le not dispute it now; It grows too near the time that I should go, And though my Actions do so much offend, I will not doubt to find another Friend.

_Sebast._ Do you so little prize _Eugenia's_ Fame, That you can suffer more to know her shame?

_Fran._ _Sebastian_, you mistake, I do not go This Night on the same terms I us'd to do. No, 'tis to take my leave, for she does vow In spight of fear she is turn'd vertuous now.