 | Catiline His Conspiracy |  |
Act II.
Fvlvia, Galla, Servant.
Those roomes doe smell extremely. Bring my glasse,
And table hither. Galla.
Gal.
Madame.
Fvl.
Looke
Within, i' my blew cabinet, for the pearle
I'had sent me last, and bring it.
Gal.
That from Clodivs?
Fvl.
From Caivs Caesar. You'are for Clodivs, still.
Or Cvrivs. Sirrha, if Qvintvs Cvrivs come,
I am not in fit moode; I keepe my chamber:
Giue warning so, without.
Gal.
Is this it? madame.
Fvl.
Yes, helpe to hang it in mine eare.
Gal.
Beleeue me,
It is a rich one, madame.
Fvl.
I hope so:
It should not be worne there else. Make an end,
And binde my haire vp.
Gal.
As 'twas yesterday?
Fvl.
No, nor the t'other day. When knew you me
Appeare, two dayes together, in one dressing?
Gal.
Will you ha't i'the globe, or spire?
Fvl.
How thou wilt;
Any way, so thou wilt doe it, good impertinence:
Thy company, if I slept not very well.
A nights, would make me, an errant foole, with questions.
Gal.
Alas, madame—
Fvl.
Nay, gentle halfe o' the dialogue, cease:
Gal.
I doe it, indeed, but for your exercise,
As your physitian bids me.
Fvl.
How Do's he bid you
To anger me for exercise?
Gal.
Not to anger you,
But stirre your bloud a little: There's difference
Betweene luke-warme, and boyling, madame.
Fvl.
Iove!
Shee meanes to cooke me, I thinke? Pray you, ha' done.
Gal.
I meane to dresse you, madame.
Fvl.
O, my Ivno,
Be friend to me! Offring at wit, too? Why, Galla!
Where hast thou been?
Gal.
Why? madam!
Fvl.
What hast thou done
With thy poore innocent selfe?
Gal.
Wherefore! sweet madame!
Fvl.
Thus to come forth, so sodainely, a wit-worme?
Gal.
It pleases you to flout one. I did dreame
Of lady Sempronia—
Fvl.
O, the wonder is out.
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Gal.
Me thought,
Shee did discourse the best—
Fvl.
That euer thou heard'st?
Gal.
Yes.
Fvl.
I' thy sleepe? Of what was her discourse?
Gal.
O'the republike, madame, and the state,
And how shee was in debt, and where shee meant
To raise fresh summes: Shee's a great states-woman!
Fvl.
Thou dream'st all this?
Gal.
No, but you know she is, madam,
And both a mistris of the latine tongue,
And of the greeke.
Fvl.
I, but I neuer dreamt it, Galla,
As thou hast done, and therefore you must pardon me.
Gal.
Indeed, you mock me, madame.
Fvl.
Indeed, no.
Forth, with your learned lady. Shee has a wit, too?
Gal.
A very masculine one.
Fvl.
A shee-Critick, Galla?
And can compose, in verse, and make quick iests,
Modest, or otherwise?
Gal.
Yes, madame.
Fvl.
Shee can sing, too?
And play on instruments?
Gal.
Of all kindes, they say.
Fvl.
And doth dance rarely?
Gal.
Excellent! So, well,
As a bald Senator made a iest, and said,
'Twas better, then an honest woman need.
Fvl.
Tut, shee may beare that. Few wise womens honesties
Will doe their courtship hurt.
Gal.
Shee's liberall too, madame.
Fvl.
What! of her money, or her honor, pray thee?
Gal.
Of both, you know not which shee doth spare least.
Fvl.
A comely commendation.
Gal.
Troth, 'tis pitty,
Shee is in yeeres.
Fvl.
Why, Galla? For it is.
Fvl.
O, is that all? I thought thou hadst had a reason.
Gal.
Why, so I haue. Shee has beene a fine lady,
And, yet, shee dresses her selfe (except you, madame)
One o'the best in Rome: and paints, and hides
Her decayes very well.
Fvl.
They say, it is
Rather a visor, then a face shee weares.
Gal.
They wrong her verily, madame, shee do's sleeke
With crums of bread, and milke, and lies a nights
In as neat gloues—But shee is faine of late
To seeke, more then shee's sought to (the fame is)
And so spends that way.
Fvl.
Thou know'st all! But, Galla,
What say you to Catilines lady, Orestilla?
There is the gallant!
Gal.
Shee do's well. Shee has
Very good sutes, and very rich: but, then,
Shee cannot put 'hem on. Shee knowes not how
To weare a garment. You shall haue her all
Iewels, and gold sometimes, so that her selfe
Appeares the least part of her selfe. No' in troth,
As I liue, madame, you put 'hem all downe
With your meere strength of iudgement! and doe draw, too,
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Your selfe so diuersly! and with that spirit!
Still to the noblest humors! They could make
Loue to your dresse, although your face were away, they say.
Fvl.
And body too, and ha' the better match on't?
Say they not so too, Galla? Now! What newes
Trauailes your count'nance with?
Ser.
If't please you, madame,
The lady Sempronia is lighted at the gate;
Gal.
Castor, my dreame, my dreame.
Ser.
And comes to see you.
Gal.
For Venvs sake, good madame see her.
Fvl.
Peace,
The foole is wild, I thinke.
Gal.
And heare her talke,
Sweet madame, of state-matters, and the Senate.
Sempronia
, Fvlvia, Galla.
Fvlvia, good wench, how dost thou?
Fvl.
Well, Sempronia.
Whither are you thus early addrest?
Sem.
To see
Avrelia Orestilla. Shee sent for me.
I came to call thee, with me, wilt thou goe?
Fvl.
I cannot now, in troth, I haue some letters
To write, and send away.
Sem.
Alas, I pitty thee.
I ha' beene writing all this night (and am
So very weary) vnto all the tribes,
And centuries, for their voyces, to helpe Catiline,
In his election. We shall make him Consul,
I hope, amongst vs. Crassvs, I, and Caesar
Will carry it for him.
Fvl.
Do's he stand for't?
Sem.
H'is the chiefe Candidate.
Fvl.
Who stands beside?
(Giue me some wine, and poulder for my teeth.
Sem.
Here's a good pearle in troth!
Fvl.
A pretty one.
Sem.
A very orient one!) There are competitors,
Caivs Antonivs, Pvblivs Galba, Lvcivs
Cassivs Longinvs, Qvintvs Cornificivs,
Caivs Licinivs, and that talker, Cicero.
But Catiline, and Antonivs will be chosen.
For foure o' the other, Licinivs, Longinvs,
Galba, and Cornificivs will giue way.
And Cicero they will not choose.
Fvl.
No? why?
Sem.
It will be cross'd, by the nobilitie.
Gal.
(How shee do's vnderstand the common businesse!)
Sem.
Nor, were it fit. He is but a new fellow,
An in-mate, here, in Rome (as Catiline calls him)
And the Patricians should doe very ill,
To let the Consul-ship be so defil'd
As't would be, if he obtain'd it! A meere vpstart,
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No ensignes of a family?
Fvl.
He' has vertue.
Sem.
Hang vertue, where there is no bloud: 'tis vice,
And, in him, sawcinesse. Why should he presume
To be more learned, or more eloquent,
Then the nobilitie? or boast any qualitie
Worthy a nobleman, himselfe not noble?
Fvl.
'Twas vertue onely, at first, made all men noble.
Sem.
I yeeld you, it might, at first, in Romes poore age;
When both her Kings, and Consuls held the plough,
Or garden'd well: But, now, we ha' no need,
To digge, or loose our sweat for't. We haue wealth,
Fortune and ease, and then their stock, to spend on,
Of name, for vertue; which will beare vs out
'Gainst all new commers: and can neuer faile vs,
While the succession stayes. And, we must glorifie,
A mushrome? one of yesterday? a fine speaker?
'Cause he has suck'd at Athens? and aduance him,
To our owne losse? No, Fvlvia. There are they
Can speake greeke too, if need were. Caesar, and I,
Haue sate vpon him; so hath Crassvs, too:
And others. We haue all decreed his rest,
For rising farder.
Gal.
Excellent rare lady!
Fvl.
Sempronia, you are beholden to my woman, here.
Shee do's admire you.
Sem.
O good Galla, how dost thou?
Gal.
The better, for your learned ladiship.
Sem.
Is this grey poulder, a good dentifrice?
Fvl.
You see I vseit.
Sem.
I haue one is whiter.
Fvl.
It may be so.
Sem.
Yet this smells well.
Gal.
And clenses
Very well, madame, and resists the crudities.
Sem.
Fvlvia, I pray thee, who comes to thee, now?
Which of our great Patricians?
Fvl.
Faith, I keepe
No catalogue of 'hem. Sometimes I haue one,
Sometimes another, as the toy takes their blouds.
Sem.
Thou hast them all. Faith, when was Qvintvs Cvrivs,
Thy speciall seruant, here?
Fvl.
My speciall seruant?
Sem.
Yes, thy idolater, I call him.
Fvl.
He may be yours,
If you doe like him.
Sem.
How!
Fvl.
He comes, not, here,
I haue forbid him, hence.
Sem.
Venvs forbid!
Fvl.
Why?
Sem.
Your so constant louer.
Fvl.
So much the rather.
I would haue change. So would you too, I am sure.
And now, you may haue him.
Sem.
Hee's fresh yet, Fvlvia:
Beware, how you doe tempt me.
Fvl.
Faith, for me,
He' is somewhat too fresh, indeed. The salt is gone,
That gaue him season. His good gifts are done.
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And, for the act, I can haue secret fellowes,
With backs worth ten of him, and shall please me
(Now that the land is fled) a myriade better.
Sem.
And those one may command.
Fvl.
'Tis true: these Lordings,
Your noble Faunes, they are so imperious, saucy,
Rude, and as boistrous as Centaures, leaping
A lady, at first sight.
Sem.
And must be borne
Both with, and out, they thinke.
Fvl.
Tut, Ile obserue
None of 'hem all: nor humour 'hem a iot
Longer, then they come laden in the hand,
And say, here's t'one, for th'tother.
Sem.
Do's Caesar giue well?
Fvl.
They shall all giue, and pay well, that come here,
If they will haue it: and that iewells, pearle,
Plate, or round summes, to buy these. I'am not taken
With a cob-swan, or a high-mounting bull,
As foolish Leda, and Evropa were,
But the bright gold, with Danae. For such price,
I would endure, a rough, harsh Ivpiter,
Or ten such thundring gamsters: and refraine
To laugh at 'hem, till they are gone, with my much suffring.
Sem.
Th'art a most happy wench, that thus canst make
Vse of thy youth, and freshnesse, in the season:
And hast it, to make vse of.
Fvl.
(Which is the happinesse.)
Sem.
I am, now, faine to giue to them, and keepe
Musique, and a continuall table, to inuite 'hem;
Fvl.
(Yes, and they study your kitchin, more then you)
Sem.
Eate my selfe out with vsury, and my lord, too,
And all my officers, and friends beside,
To procure moneyes, for the needfull charge
I must beat, to haue 'hem: and, yet, scarce
Can I atchieue 'hem, so.
Fvl.
Why, that's because
You affect yong faces onely, and smooth chinnes,
Sempronia. If youl'd loue beards, and bristles,
(One with another, as others doe) or wrinkles—
Who's that? Looke Galla.
Gal.
'Tis the party, madame.
Fvl.
What party? Has he no name?
Gal.
'Tis Qvintvs Cvrivs.
Fvl.
Did I not bid 'hem, say, I kept my chamber?
Gal.
Why, so they doe.
Sem.
Ile leaue you, Fvlvia.
Fvl.
Nay, good Sempronia, stay.
Sem.
In faith, I will not.
Fvl.
By Ivno, I would not see him.
Sem.
Ile not hinder you.
Gal.
You know, he will not be kept out, madame.
Sem.
No,
Nor shall not, carefull Galla, by my meanes.
Fvl.
As I doe liue, Sempronia—
Sem.
What needs this?
Fvl.
Goe, say, I am a-sleepe, and ill at ease.
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By Castor, no, I'le tell him, you are awake;
And very well. Stay Galla; Farewell Fvlvia:
I know my manners. Why doe you labour, thus,
With action, against purpose? Qvintvs Cvrivs,
Shee is, yfaith, here, and in disposition.
Fvl.
Spight, with your courtesie! How shall I be tortur'd!
Cvrivs
, Fvlvia, Galla.
VVhereare you, faire one, that conceale your selfe,
And keepe your beautie, within locks, and barres, here,
Like a fooles treasure?
Fvl.
True, shee was a foole,
When, first, shee shew'd it to a thiefe.
Cvr.
How, pretty solennesse!
So harsh, and short?
Fvl.
The fooles artillery, sir.
Cvr.
Then, take my gowne off, for th'encounter.
Fvl.
Stay sir.
I am not in the moode.
Cvr.
I'le put you into't.
Fvl.
Best put your selfe, i'your case againe, and keepe
Your furious appetite warme, against you haue place for't.
Cvr.
What! doe you coy it?
Fvl.
No sir. I'am not proud.
Cvr.
I would you were. You thinke, this state becomes you?
By Hercvles, it do's not. Looke i'your glasse, now,
And see, how sciruely that countenance shewes;
You would be loth to owne it.
Fvl.
I shall not change it.
Cvr.
Faith, but you must; and slack this bended brow;
And shoot lesse scorne: there is a fortune comming
Towards you, Daintie, that will take thee, thus,
And set thee aloft, to tread vpon the head
Of her owne statue, here, in Rome.
Fvl.
I wonder,
Who let this promiser in! Did you, good diligence?
Giue him his bribe, againe. Or if you had none,
Pray you demand him, why he is so ventrous,
To presse, thus, to my chamber, being forbidden,
Both, by my selfe, and seruants?
Cvr.
How! This's handsome!
And somewhat a new straine!
Fvl.
'Tis not strain'd, sir.
'Tis very naturall.
Cvr.
I haue knowne it otherwise,
Betweene the parties, though.
Fvl.
For your fore-knowledge,
Thanke that, which made it. It will not be so,
Hereafter, I assure you.
Cvr.
No, my mistris?
Fvl.
No, though you bring the same materialls.
Cvr.
Heare me,
You ouer-act when you should vnder-doe.
A little call your selfe againe, and thinke.
If you doe this to practise on me' or finde
At what forc'd distance you can hold your seruant;
That' it be an artificiall trick, to enflame,
And fire me more, fearing my loue may need it,
703
Fvl.
As I ha' done heretofore?
Cvr.
Yes, when you'ld faine
Your husbands iealousie, your seruants watches,
Speake softly, and runne often to the dore,
Or to the windore, forme strange feares that were not;
As if the pleasure were lesse acceptable,
That were secure.
Fvl.
You are an impudent fellow.
Cvr.
And, when you might better haue done it, at the gate,
To take me in at the casement.
Fvl.
I take you in?
Cvr.
Yes, you my lady. And, then, being a-bed with you,
To haue your well taught wayter, here, come running,
And cry, her lord, and hide me without cause,
Crush'd in a chest, or thrust vp in a chimney.
When he, tame crow, was winking at his farme;
Or, had he beene here, and present, would haue kept
Both eyes, and beake seal'd vp, for sixe sesterces.
Fvl.
You haue a slanderous, beastly, vnwash'd tongue,
I'your rude mouth, and sauouring your selfe,
Vn-manner'd lord.
Cvr.
How now!
Fvl.
It is your title, sir.
Who (since you ha' lost your owne good name, and know not
What to loose more) care not, whose honor you wound,
Or fame' you poyson with it. You should goe,
And vent your selfe, i' the region, where you liue,
Among the suburbe-brothels, bawdes, and brokers,
Whither your broken fortunes haue design'd you.
Cvr.
Nay, then I must stop your fury, I see; and pluck
The tragick visor off. Come, lady Cypris,
He offers to force her, and shee drawes her knife.
Know your owne vertues, quickly. Ile not be
Put to the wooing of you thus, a-fresh,
At euery turne, for all the Vrnvs in you.
Yeeld, and be pliant; or by Pollvx—How now?
Will Lais turne a Lycrece?
Fvl.
No, but by Castor,
Hold off your rauishers hands, I pierce your heart, else.
Ile not be put to kill my selfe, as shee did
For you, sweet Tarqvine. What? doe you fall off?
Nay, it becomes you graciously! Put not vp.
You'll sooner draw your weapon on me, I thinke it,
Then on the Senate, who haue cast you forth
Disgracefully, to be the common tale
Of the whole citie; base, infamous man!
For, were you other, you would there imploy
Your desperate dagger.
Cvr.
Fvlvia, you doe know
The strengths you haue vpon me; doe not vse
Your power too like a tyran: I can beare,
Almost vntill you breake me.
Fvl.
I doe know, sir,
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Cvr.
By all the gods, that Senate will smart deepe
For your vpbraidings. I should be right sorry
To haue the meanes so to be veng'd on you,
(At least, the will) as I shall shortly on them.
But, goe you on still; fare you well, deare lady:
You could not still be faire vnlesse you were proud.
You will repent these moodes, and ere't be long, too.
I shall ha' you come about, againe.
Fvl.
Doe you thinke so?
Cvr.
Yes, and I know so.
Fvl.
By what augurie?
Cvr.
By the faire entrailes of the matrons chests,
Gold, pearle, and iewells, here in Rome, which Fvlvia
Will then (but late) say that shee might haue shar'd:
And, grieuing, misse.
Fvl.
Tut, all your promis'd mountaynes,
And seas, I am so stalely acquainted with—
Cvr.
But, when you see the vniuersall floud
Runne by your coffers; that my lords, the Senators,
Are sold for slaues, their wiues for bond-women,
Their houses, and fine gardens giuen away,
And all their goods, vnder the speare, at out cry,
And you haue none of this; but are still Fvlvia,
Or perhaps lesse, while you are thinking of it:
You will aduise then, Coynesse, with your cushion,
And looke o' your fingers; say, how you were wish'd;
And so, he left you.
Fvl.
Call him againe, Galla:
This is not vsuall! something hangs on this
That I must winne out of him.
Cvr.
How now, melt you?
Fvl.
Come, you will laugh, now, at my easinesse!
But, 'tis no miracle: Doues, they say, will bill,
After their pecking, and their murmuring.
Cvr.
Yes,
And then 'tis kindly. I would haue my loue
Angrie, sometimes, to sweeten off the rest
Of her behauiour.
Fvl.
You doe see, I studie
How I may please you, then. But you thinke, Cvrivs,
'Tis couetise hath wrought me: if you loue me,
Change that vnkinde conceipt.
Cvr.
By my lou'd soule,
I loue thee, like to it; and 'tis my studie,
More then mine owne reuenge, to make thee happy.
Fvl.
And 'tis that iust reuenge doth make me happy
To heare you prosequute: and which, indeed,
Hath wonne me, to you, more, then all the hope
Of what can else be promis'd. I loue valour
Better, then any lady loues her face,
Or dressing: then my selfe do's. Let me grow
Still, where I doe embrace. But, what good meanes
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Cvr.
Thou shalt, if thou'lt be gracious.
Fvl.
As I can be.
Cvr.
And wilt thou kisse me, then?
Fvl.
As close as shells
Of cockles meet.
Cvr.
And print 'hem deepe?
Fvl.
Quite through
Our subtle lips.
Cvr.
And often?
Fvl.
I will sow 'hem,
Faster, then you can reape. What is your plot?
Cvr.
Why, now my Fvlvia lookes, like her bright name!
And is her selfe!
Fvl.
Nay, answere me, your plot:
I pray thee tell me, Qvintvs.
Cvr.
I, these sounds
Become a mistris. Here is harmonie!
Shee kisses and flatters him along still.
When you are harsh, I see, the way to bend you
Is not with violence, but seruice. Cruell,
A lady is a fire: gentle, a light.
Fvl.
Will you not tell me, what I aske you?
Cvr.
All,
That I can thinke, sweet loue, or my brest holds,
Ile poure into thee.
Fvl.
What is your designe, then?
Cvr.
Ile tell thee; Catiline shall now be Consull:
But, you will heare more, shortly.
Fvl.
Nay, deare loue—
Cvr.
Ile speake it, in thine armes, let vs goe in.
Rome will be sack'd, her wealth will be our prize;
By publique ruine, priuate spirits must rise.
Chorvs.
Great father Mars, and greater Iove,
By whose high auspice, Rome hath stood
So long; and, first, was built in blood
Of your great nephew, that then stroue
Not with his brother, but your rites:
Be present to her now, as then,
And let not proud, and factious men
Against your wills oppose their mights.
Our Consuls, now, are to be made;
O, put it in the publique voice
To make a free, and worthy choice:
Excluding such as would inuade
The common wealth. Let whom we name
Haue wisedome, fore-sight, fortitude,
Be more with faith, then face endu'd,
And studie conscience, aboue fame.
Such, as not seeke to get the start
In state, by power, parts, or bribes,
Ambition's bawdes: but moue the tribes
By vertue, modestie, desart.
706
What euer great one it offend:
And from the'embraced truth not bend
For enuy, hatred, gifts, or feare.
That, by their deeds, will make it knowne,
Whose dignitie they doe sustaine;
And life, state, glorie, all they gaine,
Count the republiques, not their owne.
Such the old Brvti, Decii were,
The Cipi, Cvrtii, who did giue
Themselues for Rome: and would not liue,
As men, good, only for a yeere.
Such were the great Camilli, too;
The Fabii, Scipio's; that still thought
No worke, at price inough, was bought,
That for their countrey they could doe.
And, to her honor, so did knit;
As all their acts were vnderstood
The sinewes of the publique good:
And they themselues, one soule, with it.
These men were truely magistrates;
These neither practis'd force, nor formes:
Nor did they leaue the helme, in stormes!
And such they are make happy states.
| Catiline His Conspiracy | |