ACT III. SCENE I.

_Florence. An Anteroom in the Palace._

_Enter_ SANAZARRO _and Servant_.

_Sanaz._ Leave the horses with my grooms; but be you careful, With your best diligence and speed, to find out The prince, and humbly, in my name, entreat I may exchange some private conference with him Before the great duke know of my arrival.

_Serv._ I haste, my lord.

_Sanaz._ Here I'll attend his coming: And see you keep yourself, as much as may be, Conceal'd from all men else.

_Serv._ To serve your lordship, I wish I were invisible. [_Exit._

_Sanaz._ I am driven Into a desperate strait, and cannot steer A middle course; and of the two extremes Which I must make election of, I know not Which is more full of horror. Never servant Stood more engaged to a magnificent master, Than I to Cozimo: and all those honours And glories by his grace conferr'd upon me, Or by my prosperous services deserved, If now I should deceive his trust, and make A shipwreck of my loyalty, are ruin'd. And, on the other side, if I discover Lidia's divine perfections, all my hopes In her are sunk, never to be buoy'd up: For 'tis impossible, but, as soon as seen, She must with adoration be sued to. A hermit at his beads but looking on her At this object would take fire. Nor is the duke Such an Hippolytus, but that this Phædra, But seen, must force him to forsake the groves And Dian's huntmanship, proud to serve under Venus' soft ensigns. No, there is no way For me to hope fruition of my ends, But to conceal her beauties;--and how that May be effected is as hard a task As with a veil to cover the sun's beams, Or comfortable light. Three years the prince Lived in her company, and Contarino, The secretary, hath possess'd[74] the duke What a rare piece she is:--but he's my creature, And may with ease be frighted to deny What he hath said: and if my long experience, With some strong reasons I have thought upon, Cannot o'er-reach a youth, my practice yields me But little profit.

_Enter_ GIOVANNI _with the Servant_.

_Giov._ You are well return'd, sir.

_Sanaz._ Leave us.--[_Exit Servant._] When that your grace shall know the motives That forced me to invite you to this trouble, You will excuse my manners.

_Giov._ Sir, there needs not This circumstance between us. You are ever My noble friend.

_Sanaz._ You shall have further cause To assure you of my faith and zeal to serve you: And when I have committed to your trust (Presuming still on your retentive silence) A secret of no less importance than My honour, nay, my head, it will confirm What value you hold with me.

_Giov._ Pray you, believe, sir, What you deliver to me shall be lock'd up In a strong cabinet, of which you yourself Shall keep the key; for here I pawn my honour, Which is the best security I can give yet, It shall not be discover'd.

_Sanaz._ This assurance Is more than I with modesty could demand From such a paymaster; but I must be sudden; And, therefore, to the purpose. Can your excellence, In your imagination, conceive On what design, or whither, the duke's will Commanded me hence last night?

_Giov._ No, I assure you; And it had been a rudeness to inquire Of that I was not call'd to.

_Sanaz._ Grant me hearing, And I will make you truly understand It only did concern you.

_Giov._ Me, my lord!

_Sanaz._ You, in your present state and future fortunes; For both lie at the stake.

_Giov._ You much amaze me. Pray you, resolve this riddle.

_Sanaz._ You know the duke, If he die issueless, as yet he is, Determines you his heir.

_Giov._ It hath pleased his highness Oft to profess so much.

_Sanaz._ But say he should Be won to prove a second wife, on whom He may beget a son, how, in a moment, Will all those glorious expectations, which Render you reverenced and remarkable, Be in a moment blasted, howe'er you are His much-loved sister's son!

_Giov._ I must bear it With patience, and in me it is a duty That I was born with; and 'twere much unfit For the receiver of a benefit To offer, for his own ends, to prescribe Laws to the giver's pleasure.

_Sanaz._ Sweetly answer'd, And like your noble self. This your rare temper So wins upon me, that I would not live (If that by honest arts I can prevent it) To see your hopes made frustrate. And but think How you shall be transform'd from what you are, Should this (as Heaven avert it!) ever happen. It must disturb your peace: for whereas now, Being, as you are, received for the heir-apparent, You are no sooner seen but wonder'd at; The signiors making it a business to Inquire how you have slept; and, as you walk The streets of Florence, the glad multitude In throngs press but to see you; and, with joy, The father, pointing with his finger, tells His son, This is the prince, the hopeful prince, That must hereafter rule, and you obey him.-- Great ladies beg your picture, and make love To that, despairing to enjoy the substance.-- And but the last night, when 'twas only rumour'd That you were come to court, as if you had By sea pass'd hither from another world, What general shouts and acclamations follow'd! The bells rang loud, the bonfires blazed, and such As loved not wine, carousing to your health, Were drunk, and blush'd not at it. And is this A happiness to part with?

_Giov._ I allow these As flourishes of fortune, with which princes Are often soothed; but never yet esteem'd them For real blessings.

_Sanaz._ Yet all these were paid To what you may be, not to what you are; For if the Great Duke but show to his servants A son of his own, you shall, like one obscure, Pass unregarded.

_Giov._ I confess, command Is not to be contemn'd, and if my fate Appoint me to it, as I may, I'll bear it With willing shoulders. But, my lord, as yet, You've told me of a danger coming towards me, But have not named it.

_Sanaz._ That is soon deliver'd. Great Cozimo, your uncle, as I more Than guess, for 'tis no frivolous circumstance That does persuade my judgment to believe it, Purposes to be married.

_Giov._ Married, sir! With whom, and on what terms? pray you, instruct me.

_Sanaz._ With the fair Lidia.

_Giov._ Lidia!

_Sanaz._ The daughter Of signior Charomonte.

_Giov._ Pardon me Though I appear incredulous; for, on My knowledge, he ne'er saw her.

_Sanaz._ That is granted: But Contarino hath so sung her praises, And given her out for such a masterpiece, That he's transported with it, sir:--and love Steals sometimes through the ear into the heart, As well as by the eye. The duke no sooner Heard her described, but I was sent in post To see her, and return my judgment of her.

_Giov._ And what's your censure[75]?

_Sanaz._ 'Tis a pretty creature.

_Giov._ She's very fair.

_Sanaz._ Yes, yes, I have seen worse faces.

_Giov._ Her limbs are neatly form'd.

_Sanaz._ She hath a waist Indeed sized to love's wish.

_Giov._ A delicate hand too.

_Sanaz._ Then for a leg and foot--

_Giov._ And there I leave you, For I presumed no further.

_Sanaz._ As she is, sir, I know she wants no gracious part that may Allure the duke; and, if he only see her, She is his own; he will not be denied, And then you are lost: yet, if you'll second me, (As you have reason, for it most concerns you,) I can prevent all yet.

_Giov._ I would you could, A noble way.

_Sanaz._ I will cry down her beauties; Especially the beauties of her mind, As much as Contarino hath advanced them; And this, I hope, will breed forgetfulness, And kill affection in him: but you must join With me in my report, if you be question'd.

_Giov._ I never told a lie yet; and I hold it In some degree blasphémous[76] to dispraise What's worthy admiration: yet, for once, I will dispraise a little, and not vary From your relation.

_Sanaz._ Be constant in it.

_Enter_ ALPHONSO.

_Alph._ My lord, the duke hath seen your man, and wonders

_Enter_ COZIMO, HIPPOLITO, CONTARINO, _and Attendants._

You come not to him. See, if his desire To have conference with you hath not brought him hither In his own person!

_Coz._ They are comely coursers, And promise swiftness.

_Cont._ They are, of my knowledge, Of the best race in Naples.

_Coz._ You are, nephew, As I hear, an excellent horseman, and we like it: 'Tis a fair grace in a prince. Pray you, make trial Of their strength and speed; and, if you think them fit For your employment, with a liberal hand Reward the gentleman that did present them From the viceroy of Naples.

_Giov._ I will use My best endeavour, sir.

_Coz._ Wait on my nephew. [_Exeunt_ GIOVANNI, ALPHONSO, HIPPOLITO, _and Attendants._ Nay, stay you, Contarino:--be within call; It may be we shall use you. [_Exit_ CONTARINO.] You have rode hard, sir, And we thank you for it: every minute seems Irksome, and tedious to us, till you have Made your discovery. Say, friend, have you seen This phoenix of our age?

_Sanaz._ I have seen a maid, sir; But, if that I have judgment, no such wonder As she was deliver'd to you.

_Coz._ This is strange.

_Sanaz._ But certain truth. It may be, she was look'd on With admiration in the country, sir; But, if compared with many in your court, She would appear but ordinary.

_Coz._ Contarino Reports her otherwise.

_Sanaz._ Such as ne'er saw swans May think crows beautiful.

_Coz._ How is her behaviour?

_Sanaz._ 'Tis like the place she lives in.

_Coz._ How her wit, Discourse, and entertainment?

_Sanaz._ Very coarse; I would not willingly say poor, and rude: But, had she all the beauties of fair women, The dulness of her soul would fright me from her.

_Coz._ You are curious, sir. I know not what to think on 't.-- [_Aside._ Contarino!

_Re-enter_ CONTARINO.

_Cont._ Sir.

_Coz._ Where was thy judgment, man, To extol a virgin Sanazarro tells me Is nearer to deformity?

_Sanaz._ I saw her, And curiously perused her; and I wonder That she, that did appear to me, that know What beauty is, not worthy the observing, Should so transport you.

_Cont._ Troth, my lord, I thought then----

_Coz._ Thought! Didst thou not affirm it?

_Cont._ I confess, sir, I did believe so then; but now I hear My lord's opinion to the contrary, I am of another faith: for 'tis not fit That I should contradict him. I am dim, sir; But he's sharp-sighted.

_Sanaz._ This is to my wish. [_Aside._

_Coz._ We know not what to think of this; yet would not

_Re-enter_ GIOVANNI, HIPPOLITO, _and_ ALPHONSO.

Determine rashly of it. [_Aside._]--How do you like My nephew's horsemanship?

_Hip._ In my judgment, sir, It is exact and rare.

_Alph._ And, to my fancy, He did present great Alexander mounted On his Bucephalus.

_Coz._ You are right, courtiers, And know it is your duty to cry up All actions of a prince.

_Sanaz._ Do not betray Yourself, you're safe; I have done my part. [_Aside to_ GIOVANNI.

_Giov._ I thank you; Nor will I fail.

_Coz._ What's your opinion, nephew, Of the horses?

_Giov._ Two of them are, in my judgment, The best I ever back'd; I mean the roan, sir, And the brown bay: but for the chestnut-colour'd, Though he be full of metal, hot, and fiery, He treads weak in his pasterns.

_Coz._ So: come nearer; This exercise hath put you into a sweat; Take this and dry it: and now I command you To tell me truly what's your censure of Charomonte's daughter, Lidia.

_Giov._ I am, sir, A novice in my judgment of a lady; But such as 'tis, your grace shall have it freely. I would not speak ill of her, and am sorry, If I keep myself a friend to truth, I cannot Report her as I would, so much I owe Her reverend father: but I'll give you, sir, As near as I can, her character in little. She's of a goodly stature, and her limbs Not disproportion'd; for her face, it is Far from deformity; yet they flatter her, That style it excellent: her manners are Simple and innocent; but her discourse And wit deserve my pity, more than praise: At the best, my lord, she is a handsome picture, And, that said, all is spoken.

_Coz._ I believe you; I ne'er yet found you false.

_Giov._ Nor ever shall, sir.-- Forgive me, matchless Lidia! too much love, And jealous fear to lose thee, do compel me, Against my will, my reason, and my knowledge, To be a poor detractor of that beauty, Which fluent Ovid, if he lived again, Would want words to express. [_Aside._

_Coz._ Pray you, make choice of The richest of our furniture for these horses, [_To_ SANAZARRO. And take my nephew with you; we in this Will follow his directions.

_Giov._ Could I find now The princess Fiorinda, and persuade her To be silent in the suit that I moved to her, All were secure.

_Sanaz._ In that, my lord, I'll aid you.

_Coz._ We will be private; leave us. [_Exeunt all but_ COZIMO. All my studies And serious meditations aim no further Than this young man's good. He was my sister's son, And she was such a sister, when she lived, I could not prize too much; nor can I better Make known how dear I hold her memory, Than in my cherishing the only issue Which she hath left behind her. Who's that?

_Enter_ FIORINDA.

_Fior._ Sir.

_Coz._ My fair charge! you are welcome to us.

_Fior._ I have found it, sir.

_Coz._ All things go well in Urbin.

_Fior._ Your gracious care to me, an orphan, frees me From all suspicion that my jealous fears Can drive into my fancy.

_Coz._ The next summer, In our own person, we will bring you thither, And seat you in your own.

_Fior._ When you think fit, sir. But, in the mean time, with your highness' pardon, I am a suitor to you.

_Coz._ Name it, madam, With confidence to obtain it.

_Fior._ That you would please To lay a strict command on Charomonte, To bring his daughter Lidia to the court: And pray you, think, sir, that 'tis not my purpose To employ her as a servant, but to use her As a most wish'd companion.

_Coz._ Ha! your reason?

_Fior._ The hopeful prince, your nephew, sir, hath given her To me for such an abstract of perfection In all that can be wish'd for in a virgin, As beauty, music, ravishing discourse, Quickness of apprehension, with choice manners And learning too, not usual with women, That I am much ambitious (though I shall Appear but as a foil to set her off) To be by her instructed, and supplied In what I am defective.

_Coz._ Did my nephew Seriously deliver this?

_Fior._ I assure your grace, With zeal and vehemency; and, even when, With his best words, he strived to set her forth, (Though the rare subject made him eloquent,) He would complain, all he could say came short Of her deservings.

_Coz._ Pray you have patience. [_Walks aside._ This was strangely carried.--Ha! are we trifled with? Dare they do this? Is Cozimo's fury, that Of late was terrible, grown contemptible? Well; we will clear our brows, and undermine Their secret works, though they have digg'd like moles, And crush them with the tempest of my wrath When I appear most calm. He is unfit To command others that knows not to use it[77], And with all rigour: yet my stern looks shall not Discover my intents; for I will strike When I begin to frown.----You are the mistress Of that you did demand.

_Fior._ I thank your highness; But speed in the performance of the grant Doubles the favour, sir.

_Coz._ You shall possess it Sooner than you expect:---- Only be pleased to be ready, when my secretary Waits on you, to take the fresh air. My nephew, And my bosom friend, so to cheat me! 'tis not fair. [_Aside._

_Re-enter_ GIOVANNI _and_ SANAZARRO.

_Sanaz._ Where should this princess be? nor in her lodgings, Nor in the private walks, her own retreat, Which she so much frequented!

_Giov._ By my life, She's with the duke! and I much more than fear Her forwardness to prefer my suit hath ruin'd What with such care we built up.

_Coz._ Have you furnish'd Those coursers, as we will'd you?

_Sanaz._ There's no sign Of anger in his looks.

_Giov._ They are complete, sir.

_Coz._ 'Tis well: to your rest. Soft sleeps wait on you, madam. To-morrow, with the rising of the sun, Be ready to ride with us.--They with more safety Had trod on fork-tongued adders, than provoked me. [_Aside, and exit._

_Fior._ I come not to be thank'd, sir, for the speedy Performance of my promise touching Lidia: It is effected.

_Sanaz._ We are undone. [_Aside._

_Fior._ The duke No sooner heard me with my best of language Describe her excellencies, as you taught me, But he confirm'd it.--You look sad, as if You wish'd it were undone.

_Giov._ No, gracious madam, I am your servant for 't.

_Fior._ Be you as careful For what I moved to you.--Count Sanazarro, Now I perceive you honour me, in vouchsafing To wear so slight a favour.

_Sanaz._ 'Tis a grace I am unworthy of.

_Fior._ You merit more, In prizing so a trifle. Take this diamond; I'll second what I have begun; for know, Your valour hath so won upon me, that 'Tis not to be resisted: I have said, sir, And leave you to interpret it. [_Exit._

_Sanaz._ This to me Is wormwood. 'Tis apparent we are taken In our own noose. What's to be done?

_Giov._ I know not. And 'tis a punishment justly fallen upon me, For leaving truth, a constant mistress, that Ever protects her servants, to become A slave to lies and falsehood. What excuse Can we make to the duke, what mercy hope for, Our packing[78] being laid open?

_Sanaz._ 'Tis not to Be question'd but his purposed journey is To see fair Lidia.

_Giov._ And to divert him Impossible.

_Sanaz._ There's now no looking backward.

_Giov._ And which way to go on with safety, not To be imagined.

_Sanaz._ Give me leave: I have An embryon in my brain, which, I despair not, May be brought to form and fashion, provided You will be open-breasted.

_Giov._ 'Tis no time now, Our dangers being equal, to conceal A thought from you.

_Sanaz._ What power hold you o'er Lidia? Do you think that, with some hazard of her life, She would prevent your ruin?

_Giov._ I presume so: If, in the undertaking it, she stray not From what becomes her innocence; and to that 'Tis far from me to press her: I myself Will rather suffer.

_Sanaz._ 'Tis enough; this night Write to her by your servant Calandrino, As I shall give directions; my man

_Enter_ CALANDRINO, _fantastically dressed._

Shall bear him company. See, sir, to my wish He does appear; but much transform'd from what He was when he came hither.

_Cal._ I confess I am not very wise, and yet I find A fool, so he be parcel knave, in court May flourish and grow rich.

_Giov._ Calandrino.

_Cal._ Peace! I am in contemplation.

_Giov._ Do not you know me?

_Cal._ I tell thee, no; on forfeit of my place, I must not know myself, much less my father, But by petition; that petition lined too With golden birds, that sing to the tune of profit, Or I am deaf.

_Giov._ But you've your sense of feeling. [_Offering to strike him._

_Sanaz._ Nay, pray you, forbear.

_Cal._ I have all that's requisite To the making up of a signior: my spruce ruff, My hooded cloak, long stocking, and paned hose, My case of toothpicks, and my silver fork[79]; To convey an olive neatly to my mouth;-- And, what is all in all, my pockets ring A golden peal. O that the peasants in the country, My quondam fellows, but saw me as I am, How they would admire and worship me!

_Giov._ As they shall; For instantly you must thither.

Cal. _My grand signior, Vouchsafe a beso las manos[80], and a cringe Of the last edition._

_Giov._ You must ride post with letters This night to Lidia.

_Cal._ An it please your grace, Shall I use my coach, or footcloth mule?

_Sanaz._ You widgeon, You are to make all speed; think not of pomp.

_Giov._ Follow for your instructions, sirrah.

_Cal._ I have One suit to you, my good lord.

_Sanaz._ What is 't?

_Cal._ That you would give me A subtile court-charm, to defend me from The infectious air of the country.

_Giov._ What's the reason?

_Cal._ Why, as this court-air taught me knavish wit, By which I am grown rich, if that again Should turn me fool and honest, vain hopes farewell! For I must die a beggar.

_Sanaz._ Go to, sirrah, You'll be whipt for this.

_Giov._ Leave fooling, and attend us. [_Exeunt_[81].

FOOTNOTES:

[74] _Possessed_,] i. e. _informed_.

[75] _Censure_,] i. e. _judgment_.

[76] _Blasphémous._] So the word was usually accented in Massinger's time, and with strict regard to its Greek derivation.

[77] ------------_that knows not to use it_,] i. e. his _command_, authority: the expression is harsh, but is not uncommon in the writers of Massinger's time.--GIFFORD.

[78] _Packing_,] i. e. _insidious contrivance_: so the word is used by Shakspeare, and others.

[79] Cal. _I have all that's requisite To the making up of a signior: my spruce ruff, My hooded cloak, long stocking, and paned hose, My case of toothpicks, and my silver fork._] Calandrino is very correct in his enumeration of the articles which in his time made up a complete signior: and which are frequently introduced with evident marks of disapprobation and ridicule by our old poets. The ruff, cloak, and long stocking, are sufficiently familiar: _hose_ are breeches: _paned hose_ are breeches composed of small squares or pannels. _Toothpicks_, the next accompaniment of state, were newly imported from Italy, as were _forks_; the want of which our ancestors supplied, as well as they could, with their fingers.--GIFFORD.

[80] Cal. _My grand signior, Vouchsafe a beso las manos_, &c.] This is the phrase in which Calandrino supposes his "quondam fellows" will address him. In Massinger's time these tags of politeness were in everybody's mouth, and better understood than they are at this day.--GIFFORD.

[81] I have restricted myself to as few remarks as possible on the beauties of the author, but I cannot forbear observing, on the present occasion, that the act we have just finished, for language, sentiment, surprising yet natural turns, and general felicity of conduct, is scarcely to be paralleled in any drama with which I am acquainted.--GIFFORD.