Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
_Lod._ Ha, ha! O Democritus, thy gods That govern the whole world! courtly reward And punishment. Fortune's a right whore: If she give aught, she deals it in small parcels, That she may take away all at one swoop. This 'tis to have great enemies:--God quit[12] them! Your wolf...
_Delio._ You are welcome to your country, dear Antonio; You have been long in France, and you return A very formal Frenchman in your habit: How do you like the French court?
7. SCENE I.--_A Hall in_ MONTICELSO'S _Mansion._Law._ Most literated judges, please your lordships So to connive your judgments to the view Of this debauched and diversivolent woman; Who such a black concatenation Of mischie...
16. SCENE VI.--_An Apartment in_ VITTORIA'S _House._Flam._ Is't come to this? They say, affrights cure agues: Thou hast a devil in thee; I will try If I can scare him from thee. Nay, sit still: My lord hath left me yet two case[...
76. SCENE III.--_Hall of State in the Palace._Lus._ That foul incontinent duchess we have banished; The bastard shall not live. After these revels, I'll begin strange ones: he and the step-sons Shall pay their lives for th...
30. SCENE II.--_Another Room in the_ DUCHESS' _Lodging_._Duch._ Indeed, I thank him: nothing but noise and folly Can keep me in my right wits; whereas reason And silence make me stark mad. Sit down; Discourse to me some dismal tragedy.
2. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in_ CAMILLO'S _House._Flam._ Pursue your noble wishes, I am prompt. As lightning to your service. O, my lord, The fair Vittoria, my happy sister, [_Whispers._ Shall give you present audience.--Gentl...
32. SCENE II.--_A Gallery in the_ Cardinal's _Palace at Milan._Doc._ I'll tell you. In those that are possessed with't there o'erflows Such melancholy humour they imagine Themselves to be transformed into wolves; Steal forth to churchyards...
25. SCENE II.--_The Bed-chamber of the_ DUCHESS._Ant._ O, fie upon this single life! forego it. We read how Daphne, for her peevish[125] flight, Became a fruitless bay-tree; Syrinx turned To the pale empty reed; Anaxarete Was...
3. SCENE I.--_A Room in_ FRANCISCO'S _Palace._Fran. de Med._ Surely he is wondrous kind: If I had such a dove-house as Camillo's, I would set fire on't, were't but to destroy The pole-cats that haunt to it.--My sweet cousin!
56. SCENE II.--_A Hall of justice. A scaffold at one end._1st Judge._ That worthy attribute of gentry which Your habit draws from ignorant respect Your name deserves not, nor yourself the name Of woman, since you are the poison that I...
52. SCENE III.--_The Churchyard._Charl._ How fit a place for contemplation is this dead of night, among the dwellings of the dead.--This grave--Perhaps the inhabitant was in his lifetime the possessor of his o...
13. SCENE III._--The Lists at Padua._Brach._ O, I am gone already! the infection Flies to the brain and heart. O thou strong heart! There's such a covenant 'tween the world and it, They're loth to break.
61. SCENE I._--A Room in_ GRATIANA'S _House._Cas._ How hardly shall that maiden be beset, Whose only fortunes are her constant thoughts! That has no other child's part but her honour, That keeps her low and empty in estat...
11. SCENE I.--_An Apartment in a Palace at Padua._Flam._ Yes, and conferred with him i'the duke's closet: I have not seen a goodlier personage, Nor ever talked with man better experienced In state affairs or rudiments of war:...
9. SCENE I.--_A Room in the House of Convertites._Flam. [Reads._] "Your tears I'll turn to triumphs, be but mine: Your prop is fall'n: I pity, that a vine, Which princes heretofore have longed to gather, Wanting supporters, no...
71. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in the Palace._Ven._ Now the duke is dead, the realm is clad in clay. His death being not yet known, under his name The people still are governed. Well, thou his son Art not long-lived: thou...
37. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in_ MONTFERRERS' _Mansion._Mont._ I prithee, let this current of my tears Divert thy inclination from the war, For of my children thou art only left To promise a succession to my house. And all the honou...
68. SCENE IV.--_A Lodge in the Ducal Grounds._Ven._ By the mass, I think I did too; Then I'll divide it to thee. The old duke, Thinking my outward shape and inward heart Are cut out of one piece (for he that prates his sec...
58. SCENE II.--_A Hall of Justice._Duke._ Duchess, it is your youngest son, we're sorry His violent act has e'en drawn blood of honour, And stained our honours; Thrown ink upon the forehead of our state; Which e...
19. SCENE I.--_An Apartment in the Palace of the_ DUCHESS._Bos._ Let me see: you have a reasonable good face for't already, and your night-cap expresses your ears sufficient largely. I would have you learn to twirl the strings of your...
74. SCENE I._--A Room in the Lodge. The_ DUKE'S _corpse, dressed in_Ven._ That's a good lay, for I must kill myself. Brother, that's I, that sits for me: do you mark it? And I must stand ready here to make away myself yonder. I must sit to be k...
59. SCENE III.--_A part of the City._Ven._ It will confirm me bold--the child o' the court; Let blushes dwell i' the country. Impudence! Thou goddess of the palace, mistress of mistresses, To whom the costly perfu...
43. SCENE IV.--_A Country Road near a Gravel Pit. Night time.Eternal darkness damn you! come away! Go round about into the gravel pit, And help my brother up. Why what a strange Unlucky night is this! Is't not, my lord? I think that dog t...
44. SCENE V.--LEVIDULCIA'S _Apartment._Lev._ But ay, Fresco, they are not bold enough. Thy mistress is of a lively attractive blood, Fresco, and in truth she is of my mind for that. A poor spirit is poorer than a po...
14. SCENE IV.--_An Apartment in a Palace at Padua._Flam._ I have known a poor woman's bastard better favoured; this is behind him; now, to his face, all comparisons were hateful. Wise was the courtly peacock that, being a great...
73. SCENE IV.--_A Room in_ GRATIANA'S _House._Ven._ Did not the duke's son direct A fellow of the world's condition hither, That did corrupt all that was good in thee? Made thee uncivilly forget thyself, And work our siste...
10. SCENE II.--_Before a Church._Lod._ O, sir, they are knights Of several orders: That lord i' the black cloak, with the silver cross, Is Knight of Rhodes; the next, Knight of St. Michael; That, of the Golden...
40. SCENE I.--_The Banqueting Room in_ BELFOREST'S _Mansion_._Lev._ Fresco, by my Lord D'Amville's leave, I prithee go into the buttery. Thou shalt find some o' my men there. If they bid thee not welcome they are very loggerheads.
28. SCENE V.--_Near Loretto._Duch._ The birds that live i' the field On the wild benefit of nature live Happier than we; for they may choose their mates, And carol their sweet pleasures to the spring.
29. SCENE I.--_An Apartment in the_ DUCHESS' _Palace at Malfi._Bos._ Nobly: I'll describe her. She's sad as one long used to't, and she seems Rather to welcome the end of misery Than shun it; a behaviour so noble As gives a majesty to adve...
39. SCENE IV.--_Another Apartment in the same._Bel._ I entertain the offer of this match With purpose to confirm it presently. I have already moved it to my daughter. Her soft excuses savoured at the first, Methought, but o...
35. SCENE V.--_Another Apartment in the same._Card._ I am puzzled in a question about hell: He says, in hell there's one material fire, And yet it shall not burn all men alike. Lay him by. How tedious is a guilty conscienc...
46. SCENE I.--_Inside a Church._D'Am._ Set down the body. Pay Earth what she lent. But she shall bear a living monument To let succeeding ages truly know That she is satisfied what he did owe, Both principal...
8. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in the Palace of_ FRANCISCO._Fran. de Med._ Shall I defy him, and impose a war Most burdensome on my poor subjects' necks, Which at my will I have not power to end? You know, for all the murders, rapes, an...
64. SCENE IV.--_The_ DUKE'S _Bedchamber.--The_ DUKE _and_ DUCHESS _in bed._Duke._ O, take me not in sleep! I have great sins; I must have days, Nay, months, dear son, with penitential heaves, To lift 'em out, and not to die unclear. O, thou wilt kill...
57. SCENE I.--_Near the House of_ GRATIANA._Ven._ Duke! royal lecher! go, grey-haired adultery! And thou his son, as impious steeped as he: And thou his bastard, true begot in evil: And thou his duchess, that will do wit...
36. SCENE I._--In the Grounds of_ D'AMVILLE'S _Mansion._D'Am._ I saw my nephew Charlemont but now Part from his father. Tell him I desire To speak with him. [_Exit_ Servant. Borachio, thou art read In nature and her large philosophy...
55. SCENE I.--_A Room in_ D'AMVILLE'S _Mansion._D'Am._ Cease that harsh music. We are not pleased with it. [_He handles the gold._ Here sounds a music whose melodious touch Like angels' voices ravishes the sense. Behold, tho...
62. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in the_ DUKE'S _Palace._Lus._ I much applaud Thy judgment; thou art well-read in a fellow; And 'tis the deepest art to study man. I know this, which I never learnt in schools, The world's divided into...
50. SCENE I.--_A Room in_ CATAPLASMA'S _House._Cata._ Come, Soquette, your work! let's examine your work. What's here? a medlar with a plum tree growing hard by it; the leaves o' the plum tree falling off; the gum issuing o...
47. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in_ D'AMVILLE'S _Mansion_._Sebas._ Inflict any punishment upon me. The severity shall not discourage me if it be not shameful, so you'll but put money i' my purse. The want of money makes a free spirit m...
24. SCENE I.--_An Apartment in the Palace of the_ DUCHESS._Ant._ You have not been in law, friend Delio, Nor in prison, nor a suitor at the court, Nor begged the reversion of some great man's place, Nor troubled with an old wife, which...
54. SCENE V.--_A Room, in_ CATAPLASMA'S _House._Lev._ If he brings word my husband is i' bed I will adventure one night's liberty To be abroad.-- My strange affection to this man!--'Tis like That natural sympathy which e'en...
12. SCENE II.--_Another Apartment in the Same._Cor._ Will you dissemble? sure, you do not well To fright me thus: you never look thus pale, But when you are most angry. I do charge you Upon my blessing,--nay, I'll call the...
69. SCENE V.--_A Room in the Palace._Sup._ Why, was't not my invention, brother, To slip the judges? and in lesser compass Did I not draw the model of his death; Advising you to sudden officers And e'en extemporal...
70. SCENE I.--_The precincts of the Palace._Lus._ Neglect! 'twas will. Judge of it. Firmly to tell of an incredible act, Not to be thought, less to be spoken of, 'Twixt my step-mother and the bastard; oh! Incestuous swee...
67. SCENE III.--_Inside a Prison._Y. Son._ Nothing but paper-comforts? I looked for my delivery before this, Had they been worth their oaths.--Prythee, be from us. [_Exit_ Keeper. Now what say you, forsooth? sp...
22. SCENE IV.--_An Apartment in the Palace of the_ Cardinal _at Rome._Card._ Why do you weep? Are tears your justification? the self-same tears Will fall into your husband's bosom, lady, With a loud protestation that you love him Above the world....
34. SCENE IV.--_An Apartment in the_ Cardinal's _Palace._Card._ O, by no means; The noise, and change of object in his eye, Doth more distract him: I pray, all to bed; And though you hear him in his violent fit, Do not rise, I entrea...
20. SCENE II.--_A Hall in the same Palace._Bos._ Who, I? no; only, by the way now and then, mention your frailties. The orange-tree bears ripe and green fruit and blossoms all together; and some of you give entertainmen...
23. SCENE V.--_Another Apartment in the same Palace._Ferd._ Lower! Rogues do not whisper't now, but seek to publish't (As servants do the bounty of their lords) Aloud; and with a covetous searching eye, To mark who note them. O,...
5. SCENE III.--_A Room in the House of_ CAMILLO._Brach._ Now, sir, I claim your promise: 'tis dead midnight, The time prefixed to show me, by your art, How the intended murder of Camillo And our loathed duchess grow to action.
21. SCENE III.--_The Court of the same Palace._Bos._ Sure I did hear a woman shriek: list, ha! And the sound came, if I received it right, From the duchess' lodgings. There's some stratagem In the confining all our courtier...
31. SCENE I.--_A Public Place in Milan._Delio._ I misdoubt it; For though they have sent their letters of safe-conduct For your repair to Milan, they appear But nets to entrap you. The Marquis of Pescara, Under whom...
60. SCENE IV.--_A Room in_ ANTONIO'S _House._Ant._ Draw nearer, lords, and be sad witnesses Of a fair comely building newly fallen, Being falsely undermined. Violent rape Has played a glorious act: behold, my lords, A sig...
4. SCENE II.--_The same._Fran. de Med._ An old tale. Upon a time Phœbus, the god of light, Or him we call the Sun, would needs be married: The gods gave their consent, and Mercury Was sent to voice it...
6. SCENE IV.--_The Mansion of_ MONTICELSO._Mont._ 'Twas not ill; For, sir, you know we have naught but circumstances To charge her with, about her husband's death: Their approbation, therefore, to the proofs Of her blac...
26. SCENE III.--_An Apartment in the_ Cardinal's _Palace at Rome._Mal._ The emperor, Hearing your worth that way, ere you attained This reverend garment, joins you in commission With the right fortunate soldier the Marquis of Pescara, And the...
49. SCENE IV.--_An Apartment in_ D'AMVILLE'S _Mansion._Cast._ O father, mercy is an attribute As high as justice, an essential part Of his unbounded goodness, whose divine Impression, form, and image man should bear! And, methinks,...
63. SCENE III.--_A Corridor in the Palace._1st Ser._ My lord, most sure on't; for 'twas spoke by one, That is most inward with the duke's son's lust, That he intends within this hour to steal Unto Hippolito's sister, wh...
45. SCENE VI.--_A Camp._Charl._ I know not why I should be thus inclined To sleep. I feel my disposition pressed With a necessity of heaviness. Soldier, if thou hast any better eyes, I prithee wake me...
42. SCENE III.--_An Apartment in the same._Cas._ O love, thou chaste affection of the soul, Without the adulterate mixture of the blood, That virtue, which to goodness addeth good,-- The minion of Heaven's heart. Heaven...
78. Act iii.--_Collier.[183] This is not a name of syphilis, but a comparison only of it to a mole, on account of the effects it sometimes produces in occasioning the loss of hair.--_Pegge._
1. SCENE I.--_A Street in Rome._Lod._ Ha, ha! O Democritus, thy gods That govern the whole world! courtly reward And punishment. Fortune's a right whore: If she give aught, she deals it in small parcels, That...
41. SCENE II.--_The Hall in the same._D'Am._ I think they are the jacks[148] indeed that have abused thee. Dost hear? That fellow is a proud knave. He has abused thee. As thou goest over the fields by-and-by in lig...
48. SCENE III.--_Inside a Prison._Charl._ I grant thee, Heaven, thy goodness doth command Our punishments, but yet no further than The measure of our sins. How should they else Be just? Or how should that good...
33. SCENE III.--_A Fortification at Milan._Delio._ Yond's the cardinal's window. This fortification Grew from the ruins of an ancient abbey; And to yond side o' the river lies a wall, Piece of a cloister, which in my op...
38. SCENE III.--_An Apartment in_ BELFOREST'S _Mansion_._Cast._ I speak't as 'tis now in fashion, in earnest. But I shall not be in quiet for you, I perceive, till I have given you a favour. Do you love me?
53. SCENE IV.--_An Apartment in_ BELFOREST'S _Mansion._Bel._ Methinks she's very affectedly inclined To young Sebastian's company o' late. But jealousy is such a torment that I am afraid to entertain it. Yet The more I shun by circ...
51. SCENE II.--_An Apartment in_ D'AMVILLE'S _Mansion._D'Am._ No matter how thou tak'st him. First take this-- [_Gives him a pistol._ Thou knowest the place. Observe his passages, And with the most advantage make a stand, That, fav...
27. SCENE IV.--_The Shrine of our Lady of Loretto._2nd Pil._ The Cardinal of Arragon Is this day to resign his cardinal's hat: His sister duchess likewise is arrived To pay her vow of pilgramage. I expect A noble ceremony.
66. SCENE II.--_The Courtyard of a Prison._Amb._ Officers, here's the duke's signet, your firm warrant, Brings the command of present death along with it Unto our brother, the duke's son; we are sorry That we are so unn...
75. SCENE II.--_A Room in_ PIERO'S _House._Ven._ My lords, be all of music, strike old griefs into other countries That flow in too much milk, and have faint livers, Not daring to stab home their discontents. Let our hi...
65. SCENE I.--_A Room in the Palace._Sup._ Brother, let my opinion sway you once; I speak it for the best, to have him die Surest and soonest; if the signet come Unto the judge's hand, why then his doom Will be de...
77. Act i., sc. 4.[161] "Means" are here equivalent to voices intermediate between treble and bass, as tenors. Collins adduces a passage from Lyly's _Galathea_ (Act v., sc. 3), where there is a s...
72. SCENE III.--_A Corridor in the Palace.15. SCENE V.--_A Street in Padua._Lod._ My lord, upon my soul, you shall no further; You have most ridiculously engaged yourself Too far already. For my part, I have paid All my debts; so, if I should chance to...
17. Act one another, he, from whose clear pen