Chapter 4
As you sit here The Deputy of the great King, who is The Substitute of that impartial Judge, With whom, or wealth, or titles prevail nothing, Grant to a much wrong'd Widow, or a Wife Your patience, with liberty to speak In her own Cause, and let me face to face To this bad man, deliver what he is: And if my wrongs, with his ingratitude ballanc'd, Move not compassion, let me die unpitied; His Tears, his Oaths, his Perjuries, I pass o're; To think of them is a disease; but death Should I repeat them. I dare not deny, (For Innocence cannot justifie what's false) But all the Advocate hath alledged concerning His falshood, and my shame, in my consent, To be most true: But now I turn to thee, To thee _Don Henrique_, and if impious Acts Have left thee blood enough to make a blush, I'le paint it on thy cheeks. Was not the wrong Sufficient to defeat me of mine honour, To leave me full of sorrow, as of want, The witness of thy lust left in my womb, To testifie thy falshood, and my shame? But now so many years I had conceal'd Thy most inhumane wickedness, and won This Gentleman, to hide it from the world, To Father what was thine (for yet by Heaven, Though in the City he pass'd for my husband, He never knew me as his wife.)
_Assist_.
'Tis strange: Give him an Oath.
_Oct_.
I gladly swear, and truly.
_Jac_.
After all this (I say) when I had born These wrongs, with Saint-like patience, saw another Freely enjoy, what was (in Justice) mine, Yet still so tender of thy rest and quiet, I never would divulge it, to disturb Thy peace at home; yet thou most barbarous, To be so careless of me, and my fame, (For all respect of thine in the first step To thy base lust, was lost) in open Court To publish my disgrace? and on record, To write me up an easie-yielding wanton? I think can find no precedent: In my extreams, One comfort yet is left, that though the Law Divorce me from thy bed, and made free way To the unjust embraces of another, It cannot yet deny that this thy Son (Look up _Ascanio_ since it is come out) Is thy legitimate heir.
_Jam_.
Confederacie! A trick (my Lord) to cheat me; e're you give Your Sentence, grant me hearing.
_Assist_.
New Chimera's?
_Jam_.
I am (my Lord) since he is without Issue, Or hope of any, his undoubted heir, And this forg'd by the Advocate, to defeat me Of what the laws of _Spain_ confer upon me, A meer Imposture, and conspiracie Against my future fortunes.
_Assist_.
You are too bold. Speak to the cause _Don Henrique_.
_Hen_.
I confess, (Though the acknowledgment must wound mine honour,) That all the Court hath heard touching this Cause, (Or with me, or against me) is most true: The later part my Brother urg'd, excepted: For what I now doe, is not out of Spleen (As he pretends) but from remorse of conscience And to repair the wrong that I have done To this poor woman: And I beseech your Lordship To think I have not so far lost my reason, To bring into my familie, to succeed me, The stranger--Issue of anothers Bed, By proof, this is my Son, I challenge him, Accept him, and acknowledge him, and desire By a definitive Sentence of the Court, He may be so recorded, and full power To me, to take him home.
_Jac_.
A second rape To the poor remnant of content that's left me, If this be granted: and all my former wrongs Were but beginnings to my miseries, But this the height of all: rather than part With my _Ascanio_, I'le deny my oath, Profess my self a Strumpet, and endure What punishment soe're the Court decrees Against a wretch that hath forsworn her self, Or plai'd the impudent whore.
_Assist_.
This tastes of passion, And that must not divert the course of Justice; _Don Henrique_, take your Son, with this condition You give him maintenance, as becomes his birth, And 'twill stand with your honour to doe something For this wronged woman: I will compel nothing, But leave it to your will. Break up the Court: It is in vain to move me; my doom's pass'd, And cannot be revok'd.--
[_Exit_.
_Hen_.
There's your reward.
_Bar_.
More causes, and such Fees. Now to my Wife, I have too long been absent: Health to your Lordship.
[_Exit_.
_Asc_.
You all look strangely, and I fear believe This unexpected fortune makes me proud, Indeed it do's not: I shall ever pay you The duty of a son, and honour you Next to my Father: good my Lord, for yet I dare not call you, uncle, be not sad, I never shall forget those noble favours You did me being a stranger, and if ever I live to be the master of a fortune, You shall command it.
_Jam_.
Since it was determin'd I should be cozen'd, I am glad the profit Shall fall on thee, I am too tough to melt, But something I will do.
_Hen_.
'Pray you take leave Of your steward (gentle Brother) the good husband That takes up all for you.
_Jam_.
Very well, mock on, It is your turn: I may have mine--
[_Exit_.
_Oct_.
But do not Forget us, dear _Ascanio_.
_Asc_.
Do not fear it, I every day will see you: every hour Remember you in my prayers.
_Oct_.
My grief's too great To be expressed in words--
[_Exit_.
_Hen_.
Take that and leave us,
[_gives mony to Jacinta_.
Leave us without reply, nay come back sirrah And study to forget such things as these As are not worth the knowledge.
[Asca. _offers to follow_.
_Asc_.
O good Sir, These are bad principles--
_Hen_.
Such as you must learn Now you are mine, for wealth and poverty Can hold no friendship: and what is my will You must observe and do, though good or ill.
[_Exeunt_.
SCENA IV.
_Enter_ Bartolus.
_Bar_.
Where is my wife? 'fore heaven, I have done wonders, Done mighty things to day, my _Amaranta_, My heart rejoyces at my wealthy Gleanings, A rich litigious Lord I love to follow, A Lord that builds his happiness on brawlings, O 'tis a blessed thing to have rich Clyents, Why, wife I say, how fares my studious Pupil? Hard at it still? ye are too violent, All things must have their rests, they will not last else, Come out and breathe. [Leandro _within_.
_Lean_.
I do beseech you pardon me, I am deeply in a sweet point Sir.
_Bar_.
I'le instruct ye:
_Enter_ Amaranta.
I say take breath, seek health first, then your study. O my sweet soul, I have brought thee golden birds home, Birds in abundance: I have done strange wonders: There's more a hatching too.
_Am_.
Have ye done, good husband? Then 'tis a good day spent.
_Bar_.
Good enough chicken, I have spread the nets o'th' law, to catch rich booties, And they come fluttering in: how do's my Pupil? My modest thing, hast thou yet spoken to him?
_Am_.
As I past by his chamber I might see him, But he is so bookish.
_Bar_.
And so bashfull too, I' faith he is, before he will speak, he will starve there.
_Am_.
I pitie him a little.
_Bar_.
So do I too.
_Am_.
And if he please to take the air o'th' gardens, Or walk i'th' inward rooms, so he molest not--
_Bar_.
He shall not trouble thee, he dare not speak to thee.
_Enter_ Moor, _with Chesse-board_.
Bring out the Chesse-board,--come let's have a game wife, I'le try your masterie, you say you are cunning.
_Am_.
As learned as ye are, Sir, I shall beat ye.
_Enter_ Leandro.
_Bar_.
Here he steals out, put him not out of countenance, Prethee look another way, he will be gone else Walk and refresh your self, I'll be with you presently.
_Lean_.
I'le take the air a little. [_Play at chess_.
_Bar_.
'Twill be healthfull.
_Am_.
Will ye be there? then here? I'le spare ye that man.
_Lea_.
Would I were so near too, and a mate fitting.
_Am_.
What think ye, Sir, to this I have at your Knight now.
_Bar_.
'Twas subtilly play'd: your Queen lies at my service. Prethee look off, he is ready to pop in again, Look off I say, do'st thou not see how he blushes?
_Am_.
I do not blast him.
_Lean_.
But ye do, and burn too, What killing looks she steals!
_Bar_.
I have you now close, Now for a Mate.
_Lean_.
You are a blessed man that may so have her. Oh that I might play with her--
[_knock within_.
_Bar_.
Who's there? I come, you cannot scape me now wife. I come, I come.
[_knock_.
_Lean_.
Most blessed hand that calls him.
_Bar_.
Play quickly wife.
_Am_.
'Pray ye give leave to think, Sir.
_Enter_ Moor.
_Moor_.
An honest neighbour that dwells hard by, Sir, Would fain speak with your worship about business.
_Lean_.
The devil blow him off.
_Bar_.
Play.
_Am_.
I will study: For if you beat me thus, you will still laugh at me--[_knock_.
_Bar_.
He knocks again; I cannot stay. _Leandro_, 'Pray thee come near.
_Lean_.
I am well, Sir, here.
_Bar_.
Come hither: Be not afraid, but come.
_Am_.
Here's none will bite, Sir.
_Lean_.
God forbid Lady.
_Am_.
'Pray come nearer.
_Lean_.
Yes forsooth.
_Bar_.
'Prethee observe these men: just as they stand here, And see this Lady do not alter 'em, And be not partial, Pupil.
_Lean_.
No indeed Sir.
_Bar_.
Let her not move a pawn, I'le come back presently, Nay you shall know I am a Conquerour. Have an eye Pupil--
[_Exit_.
_Am_.
Can ye play at Chess Sir?
_Lean_.
A little, Lady.
_Am_.
But you cannot tell me How to avoid this Mate, and win the Game too; H'as noble eyes: ye dare not friend me so far.
_Lean_.
I dare do any thing that's in mans power Lady, To be a friend to such a noble beauty.
_Am_.
This is no Lawyers language: I pray ye tell me, Whither may I remove, Ye see I am set round, To avoid my husband?
_Lean_.
I shall tell ye happily, But happily you will not be instructed.
_Am_.
Yes, and thank ye too, shall I move this man?
_Lean_.
Those are unseemly: move one can serve ye, Can honour ye, can love ye.
_Am_.
'Pray ye tell quickly, He will return, and then.
_Lean_.
I'le tell ye instantly, Move me, and I will move any way to serve ye, Move your heart this way, Lady.
_Am_.
How?
_Lean_.
'Pray ye hear me. Behold the sport of love, when he is imperious, Behold the slave of love.
_Am_.
Move my Queen this way? Sure, he's some worthy man: then if he hedge me, Or here to open him.
_Lean_.
Do but behold me, If there be pity in you, do but view me, But view the misery I have undertaken For you, the povertie.
_Am_.
He will come presently. Now play your best Sir, though I lose this Rook here, Yet I get libertie.
_Lean_.
I'le seise your fair hand, And warm it with a hundred, hundred kisses. The God of love warm your desires but equal, That shall play my game now.
_Am_.
What do you mean Sir? Why do you stop me?
_Lean_.
That ye may intend me. The time has blest us both: love bids us use it. I am a Gentleman nobly descended, Young to invite your love, rich to maintain it. I bring a whole heart to ye, thus I give it, And to those burning altars thus I offer, And thus, divine lips, where perpetual Spring grows--
_Am_.
Take that, ye are too saucy.
_Lean_.
How, proud Lady? Strike my deserts?
_Am_.
I was to blame.
_Enter_
Bartolus.
_Bar_.
What wife, there? Heaven keep my house from thieves.
_Lean_.
I am wretched: Opened, discovered, lost to my wishes. I shall be whooted at.
_Bar_.
What noise was this, wife? Why dost thou smile?
_Lean_.
This proud thing will betray me. _Bar_. Why these lie here? what angry, dear?
_Am_.
No, Sir, Only a chance, your pupil said he plaid well, And so indeed he do's: he undertook for ye, Because I would not sit so long time idle, I made my liberty, avoided your mate, And he again as cunningly endangered me, Indeed he put me strangely to it. When presently Hearing you come, & having broke his ambush too, Having the second time brought off my Queen fair, I rose o'th' sudden smilingly to shew ye, My apron caught the Chesse-board, and the men, And there the noise was.
_Bar_.
Thou art grown a Master, For all this I shall beat ye.
_Lean_.
Or I, Lawyer, For now I love her more, 'twas a neat answer, And by it hangs a mighty hope, I thank her, She gave my pate a sound knock that it rings yet, But you shall have a sounder if I live lawyer, My heart akes yet, I would not be in that fear--
_Bar_.
I am glad ye are a gamester, Sir, sometimes For recreation we two shall fight hard at it.
_Am_.
He will prove too hard for me.
_Lean_.
I hope he shall do, But your Chess-board is too hard for my head, line that, good Lady.
_Bar_.
I have been attoning two most wrangling neighbours, They had no mony, therefore I made even. Come, let's go in and eat, truly I am hungry.
_Lean_.
I have eaten already, I must intreat your pardon.
_Bar_.
Do as ye please, we shall expect ye at supper. He has got a little heart, now it seems handsomly.
_Am_.
You'l get no little head, if I do not look to ye.
_Lean_.
If ever I do catch thee again thou vanity--
_Am_.
I was to blame to be so rash, I am sorry--
[_Exeunt_.
_Actus Quartus. Scena Prima_.
_Enter_ Don Henrique, Violante, Ascanio.
_H[en]_.
Hear but my reasons.
_Viol_.
O my patience, hear 'em! Can cunning falshood colour an excuse With any seeming shape of borrowed truth? Extenuate this wofull wrong, not error?
_Hen_.
You gave consent that, to defeat my brother I should take any course.
_Vio_.
But not to make The cure more loathsom than the foul disease: Was't not enough you took me to your bed, Tir'd with loose dalliance, and with emptie veins, All those abilities spent before and wasted, That could confer the name of mother on me? But that (to perfect my account of sorrow For my long barr[en]ness) you must heighten it By shewing to my face, that you were fruitfull Hug'd in the base embraces of another? If Solitude that dwelt beneath my roof, And want of children was a torment to me, What end of my vexation to behold A bastard to upbraid me with my wants? And hear the name of father paid to ye, Yet know my self no mother, What can I say?
_Hen_.
Shall I confess my fault and ask your pardon? Will that content ye?
_Vio_.
If it could make void, What is confirm'd in Court: no, no, _Don Henrique_, You shall know that I find my self abus'd, And adde to that, I have a womans anger, And while I look upon this Basilisk, Whose envious eyes have blasted all my comforts Rest confident I'le study my dark ends, And not your pleasures.
_Asc_.
Noble Lady, hear me, Not as my Fathers son, but as your servant, Vouchsafe to hear me, for such in my duty, I ever will appear: and far be it from My poor ambition, ever to look on you, But with that reverence, which a slave stands bound To pay a worthy Mistris: I have heard That Dames of highest place, nay Queens themselves Disdain not to be serv'd by such as are Of meanest Birth: and I shall be most happie, To be emploi'd when you please to command me Even in the coursest office, as your Page, I can wait on your trencher, fill your wine, Carry your pantofles, and be sometimes bless'd In all humilitie to touch your feet: Or if that you esteem that too much grace, I can run by your Coach: observe your looks, And hope to gain a fortune by my service, With your good favour, which now, as a Son, I dare not challenge.
_Vio_.
As a Son?
_Asc_.
Forgive me, I will forget the name, let it be death For me to call you Mother.
_Vio_.
Still upbraided?
_Hen_. No way left to appease you?
_Vio_.
None: now hear me: Hear what I vow before the face of Heaven, And if I break it, all plagues in this life, And those that after death are fear'd fall, on me, While that this Bastard staies under my roof, Look for no peace at home, for I renounce All Offices of a wife.
_Hen_.
What am I faln to?
_Vio_.
I will not eat, nor sleep with you, and those hours, Which I should spend in prayers for your health, Shall be emploi'd in Curses.
_Hen_.
Terrible.
_Vio_.
All the day long, I'le be as tedious to you As lingring fevers, and I'le watch the nights, To ring aloud your shame, and break your sleeps. Or if you do but slumber, I'le appear In the shape of all my wrongs, and like a fury Fright you to madness, and if all this fail To work out my revenge, I have friends and kinsmen, That will not sit down tame with the disgrace That's offer'd to our noble familie In what I suffer.
_Hen_.
How am I divided Between the duties I owe as a Husband, And pietie of a Parent?
_Asc_.
I am taught Sir By the instinct of nature that obedience Which bids me to prefer your peace of mind, Before those pleasures that are dearest to me, Be wholly hers (my Lord) I quit all parts, That I may challenge: may you grow old together, And no distaste e're find you, and before The Characters of age are printed on you May you see many Images of your selves, Though I, like some false glass, that's never look'd in, Am cast aside, and broken; from this hour (Unless invited, which I dare not hope for) I never will set my forbidden feet Over your threshold: only give me leave Though cast off to the world to mention you In my devotions, 'tis all I sue for And so I take my last leave.
_Hen_.
Though I am Devoted to a wife, nay almost sold A slave to serve her pleasures, yet I cannot So part with all humanity, but I must Shew something of a Father: thou shalt not goe Unfurnish'd and unfriended too: take that To guard thee from necessities; may thy goodness Meet many favours, and thine innocence Deserve to be the heir of greater fortunes, Than thou wer't born to. Scorn me not _Violante_, This banishment is a kind of civil death, And now, as it were at his funeral To shed a tear or two, is not unmanly, And so farewel for ever: one word more, Though I must never see thee (my _Ascanio_) When this is spent (for so the Judge decreed) Send to me for supply: are you pleas'd now?
_Vio_.
Yes: I have cause: to see you howl and blubber At the parting of my torment, and your shame. 'Tis well: proceed: supply his wants: doe doe: Let the great dower I brought serve to maintain Your Bastards riots: send my Clothes and Jewels, To your old acquaintance, your dear dame his Mother. Now you begin to melt, I know 'twill follow.
_Hen_.
Is all I doe misconstru'd?
_Viol_.
I will take A course to right my self, a speeding one: By the bless'd Saints, I will; if I prove cruel, The shame to see thy foolish pity, taught me To lose my natural softness, keep off from me, Thy flatteries are infectious, and I'le flee thee As I would doe a Leper.
_Hen_.
Let not fury Transport you so: you know I am your Creature, All love, but to your self, with him, hath left me. I'le joyn with you in any thing.
_Viol_.
In vain, I'le take mine own waies, and will have no partners.
_Hen_.
I will not cross you.
_Viol_.
Do not, they shall find That to a Woman of her hopes beguil'd A Viper trod on, or an Aspick's mild.
[_Exeunt_.
SCENA II.
_Enter_ Lopez, Milanes, Arsenio.
_Lop_.
Sits the game there? I have you by mine order, I love _Leandro_ for't.
_Mil_.
But you must shew it In lending him your help, to gain him means And opportunity.
_Lop_.
He shall want nothing, I know my Advocate to a hair, and what Will fetch him from his Prayers, if he use any, I am honyed with the project: I would have him horn'd For a most precious Beast.
_Ars_.
But you lose time.
_Lop_.
I am gone, instruct you _Diego_, you will find him A sharp and subtle Knave, give him but hints And he will amplifie. See all things ready, I'le fetch him with a vengeance--
[_Exit_.
_Ars_.
If he fail now, We'll give him over too.
_Mil_.
Tush, he is flesh'd. And knows what vein to strike for his own credit.
_Ars_.
All things are ready.
_Mil_.
Then we shall have a merry Scene, ne're fear it.
[_Exeunt_.
SCENA III.
_Enter_ Amaranta, _with a note, and_ Moor.
_Amar_.
Is thy Master gone out?
_Moor_.
Even now, the Curate fetch'd him, About a serious business as it seem'd, For he snatch'd up his Cloak, and brush'd his Hat straight, Set his Band handsomely, and out he gallop'd.
_Amar_.
'Tis well, 'tis very well, he went out, _Egla_, As luckily, as one would say, go Husband, He was call'd by providence: fling this short Paper Into _Leandro's_ Cell, and waken him, He is monstrous vexed, and musty, at my Chess-play; But this shall supple him, when he has read it: Take your own Recreation for two hours, And hinder nothing.
_Moor_.
If I do, I'll hang for't.
[_Exeunt_.
SCENA IV.
_Enter_ Octavio, Jacintha.
_Octa_.
If that you lov'd _Ascanio_ for himself, And not your private ends, you rather should Bless the fair opportunity, that restores him To his Birth-right, and the Honours he was born to, Than grieve at his good Fortune.
_Jac_.
Grieve, _Octavio_? I would resign my Essence, that he were As happy as my love could fashion him, Though every blessing that should fall on him, Might prove a curse to me: my sorrow springs Out of my fear and doubt he is not safe. I am acquainted with _Don Henrique_'s nature, And I have heard too much the fiery temper Of Madam _Violante_: can you think That she, that almost is at war with Heaven For being barren, will with equal eyes Behold a Son of mine?
_Octa_.
His Father's care, That for the want of Issue, took him home, (Though with the forfeiture of his own fame) Will look unto his safety.
_Jac_.
Step-mothers Have many eyes, to find a way to mischief, Though blind to goodness.
_Enter_ Jamie _and_ Ascanio.
_Octa_.
Here comes _Don Jamie_, And with him our _Ascanio_.
_Jam_.
Good youth leave me, I know thou art forbid my company, And only to be seen with me, will call on Thy Fathers anger.
[_Asc_.]
Sir, if that to serve you Could lose me any thing (as indeed it cannot) I still would follow you. Alas I was born To do you hurt, but not to help my self, I was, for some particular end, took home, But am cast off again.
_Jam_.
Is't possible?
_Asc_.
The Lady, whom my Father calls his Wife, Abhors my sight, is sick of me, and forc'd him To turn me out of doors.
_Jac_.
By my best hopes I thank her cruelty, for it comes near A saving Charity.
_Asc_.
I am only happy That yet I can relieve you, 'pray you share: My Father's wondrous kind, and promises That I should be supplied: but sure the Lady Is a malicious Woman, and I fear Means me no good.
_Enter_ Servant.
_Jam_.
I am turn'd a stone with wonder, And know not what to think.
_Ser_.
From my Lady, Your private ear, and this--
_Jam_.
New Miracles?
_Ser_.