 | The Fancies Chast and Noble |  |
Act. V.
Enter Octavio, Troylo, Secco, and Nitido.Oct.
No more of these complaints and clamors;
Have we nor enemies abroad,
Nor waking Sycophants,
Who peering through our actions, wait occasion
By which they watch to lay advantage open
To vulgar descant, but amongst our selves
Some whom we call our owne must practise scandall
(Out of a libertie of ease and fulnesse)
Against our honour, we shall quickly order
Strange reformation Sirs, and you will finde it.
When Servants servants, slaves, once relish license
Of good opinion from a noble nature,
They take upon them boldnesse to abuse
Such interest, and Lord it ore their fellowes,
As if they were exempt from that condition.
Oct.
He is unfit to mannage publique matters
Who knowes not how to rule at home his hoshould;
You must be jealous (puppie) of a Boy too;
Raise uprores, (bandie noise) amongst young Maidens;
Keepe revels in your madnesse, use authoritie
Of giving punishment; a foole must foole ye;
And this is all but pastime, as you thinke it.
Nit.
With your good Lordships favor, since, Spadone
Confest it was a gullery put on Secco,
For some revenge meant me.
Troy.
He vow'd it truth
Before the Ladies in my hearing.
Oct.
Sirrah,
Ile turne you to your shop agen and trinkets,
Your suds and pan of small-cole; take your damzell
The grand old ragg, of beautie; your deaths head;
Try then what custome reverence can trade in;
Fiddle, and play your pranks amongst your neighbours;
That all the towne may roare ye; now ye simper
And looke like a shav'd skull.
Nit.
This comes of prating.
Sec.
I am my Lord a worme, pray my Lord tread on
me, I will not turne agen; 'las I shall never venture
My bare knees, I will downe unto my wife
And doe what she will have me, all I can doe;
Nay more, (if she will have it) aske forgivenes,
Be an obedient Husband; never crosse her,
Vnlesse sometimes in kindnes: Seignior Troylo,
Speake one sweet word; Ile sweare 'twas in my madnes,
I said I knew not what, and that no creature
Ile forsweare thee too.
Oct.
Wait a while our pleasure;
You shall know more anon.
Sec.
Remember me now.
Exeunt.
Oct.
Troylo, thou art my brothers sonne, and nereest
In blood to me; thou hast beene next in counsells.
Those ties of nature (if thou canst consider
How much they doe engage) worke by instinct
In every worthy or ignoble mention
Which can concerne me.
Troy.
Sir, they have and shall
As long as I beare life.
Oct.
Henceforth the Stewardship
My carefulnes, for the honour of our Familie
Has undertooke, must yeeld the world account,
And make cleare reckonings; yet we stand suspected
In our even courses.
Troy.
But when time shall wonder
How much it was mistaken in the issue
Of honourable, and secure contrivements.
Your wisedome crown'd with lawrels of a Iustice
Deserving approbation will quite foyle
The ignorance of popular opinion.
Oct.
Report is merry with my feates; my dotage
Vndoubtedly the Vulgar voyce doth caroll it.
Troy.
True Sir, but Romanello's late admission
Warrants that giddy confidence of rumor
Without all contradiction; now 'tis Oracle,
And so receiv'd; I am confirm'd, the Lady
By this time proves his scorne as well as laughter.
Oct.
And we with her his table-talke—she stands not
In any firme affection to him.
Troy.
None Sir,
More then her wonted Noblenesse afforded
Out of a civill custome.
We are resolute
In our determination, meaning quickly
To cause these clouds flie off; the ordering of it
Nephew is thine.
Enter Livio.
Troy.
Your care and love commands me.
Liv.
I come, my Lord, a Suiter.
Oct.
Honest Livio,
Perfectly honest, reallie; no fallacies
No flawes are in thy truth: I shall promote thee
To place more eminent.
Troy.
Livio deserves it.
Oct.
What suit? speake boldly.
Liv.
Pray discharge my office,
My mastership; 'twere better live a yeoman
And live with men, then over-eye your houses,
Whiles I my selfe am ridden like a jade.
Oct.
Such breath sounds but ill manners; know young man,
Old as we are, our Soule retaines a fire
Active and quick in motion, which shall equall
The daringst boyes ambition of true manhood
That weares a pride to brave us.
Troy.
He is my friend, Sir.
Oct.
You are wearie of our service, and may leave it.
We can court no mans dutie.
Liv.
Without passion,
My Lord, d'yee thinke your Nephew here, your Troylo
Parts in your spirit as freely as your blood;
'Tis no rude question.
Oct.
Had you knowne his Mother
You might have sworne her honest; let him justifie
Himselfe not base borne: for thy Sisters sake
I doe conceive the like of thee; be wiser,
But prate to me no more thus;—if the gallant
Resolve on my attendance, ere he leave me,
Acquaint him with the present service, Nephew,
Exit.
Troy.
Fie Livio, wherefore
Turn'd wild upon the sodaine.
Liv.
Pretty Gentleman,
How modestly you move your doubts? how tamely?
Aske Romanello, he hath without leave
Surveigh'd your Bowres of Fancies, hath discovered
The mystery of those pure Nuns; those chast ones,
Vntouch'd forsooth; the holy Academie:
Hath found a Mothers daughter there of mine too,
And one who cald my Father Father, talkes ont,
Ruffles in mirth on't; baffel'd to my face
The glory of her greatnesse by it.
Troy.
Truely.
Liv.
Death to my sufferance, canst thou heare this misery,
And answer't with a truely? 'twas thy wickednes
False as thine owne heart tempted my credulity,
That, her to ruine; she was once an innocent,
As free from spot, as the blew face of heaven
Without a cloud in't; she is now as sully'd
As is that Canopie, when mists and vapours
Divide it from our sight, and threaten pestilence.
Troy.
Sayes he so, Livio.
Liv.
Yes, and't like your noblenes,
He truely does so say; your breach of friendship
With me, must borrow courage from your Vncle,
Whiles your sword talkes an answer; theres no remedy,
I will have satisfaction, though thy life
Come short of such demand.
Troy.
Then satisfaction
Much worthier then your sword can force, you shall have,
Yet mine shall keepe the peace; I can be angry
And brave alow'd in my reply; but honour
Schooles me to fitter grounds, this as a gentleman
I promise ere the minutes of the night
Warne us to rest, such satisfaction (heare me
So much not thinke of.
Liv.
Not? the time is short,
Before our sleeping houre: you vow.
Troy.
I doe,
Before we ought to sleepe.
Liv.
So I intend to,
On confidence of which, what left the Marquesse
In charge for me? Ile do't.
Troy.
Invite Count Iulio
His Ladie, and her brother, with their company
To my Lords Court at Supper.
Liv.
Easie busines,
And then.—
Troy.
And then soone after, the performance
Of my past vow waites on yee, but be certaine
You bring them with y'e.
Liv.
Yet your servant.
Troy.
Neerer my friend, you'l find no lesse.
Liv.
'Tis strange, is't possible.
Exeunt.
Enter Castamela, Clarella, Floria, and Silvia.
Cast.
You have discourst to me a lovely story,
My heart doth dance toth' musique; 'twere a sinne
Should I in any tittle stand distrustfull
Where such a people such as you are, innocent
Even by the Patent of your yeares and language,
Informe a truth; O talke it ore againe;
Ye are ye say three daughters of one mother,
That Mother only Sister to the Marquesse,
Whose charge hath since her death (being left a widdow)
Here in this place prefer'd your education:
Is't so?
Cla.
It is even so, and howsoever
Report may wander loosely in some scandall
Against our privacies; yet we have wanted
No gracefull meanes fit for our births and qualities,
Of what, and who we ought to be.
Flo.
Our Vncle
Hath often told us, how it more concern'd him
Before he shew'd us to the world, to render
Our youths and our demeanors in each action
Approv'd by his experience, then too early
Adventure on the follies of the age,
By prone temptations fatall.
Sil.
In good deed la,
We meane no harme.
Cast.
Deceit must want a shelter
Vnder a roofe, that's covering to soules
So white as breaths beneath it, such as these are;
My happines shares largely in this blessing,
And I must thanke direction of the providence
Which led me hither.
Cla.
Aptly have you stil'd it,
A providence for ever in chast loves,
Such majestie hath power,—our Kinsman Troylo
Was herein his owne factor; he will prove,
Beleeve him Lady, every way as constant,
As noble, we can baile him from the cruelty
Of misconstruction.
Flo.
You will finde his tongue
But a just Secretary to his heart.
Cast.
The Guardianesse
(Deare Creatures) now and then, it seemes
Makes bold to talke.
Cla.
Sh'as waited on us
From all our Cradles, will prate sometimes odly,
However meanes but sport; I am unwilling
Our houshold should breake up, but must obey
His wisedome, under whose command we live:
Sever our companies I'm sure we shall not;
Yet 'tis a pretty life this and a quiet.
Sec.
Chuck, duckling, honye, mouse, monkey all and every
thing; I am thine ever and only, will never offend againe,
as I hope to shave cleane and get honour by't, heartily I
aske forgivenesse; bee gracious to thine owne flesh and
blood, and kisse me home.
Mor.
Looke you provoke us no more, for this time
you shall finde mercy;—was't that hedgehog set thy
braines a crowing? bee quits with him, but doe not hurt
the great male-baby.
Sec.
Enough, I am wise, and will be merry,—hast Beauties,
the Caroches will sodaine receive yee; a night of
pleasure is toward, pray for good husbands a peece, that
may trim you featly, (dainty ones) and let mee alone to
trim them.
Mor.
Loving hearts be quick as soone as ye can, time
runs apace; what you must doe, doe nimbly, and give
your minds to't; young bloods stand fumbling? fie away,
be ready for shame before-hand; hisband, stand to
thy tackling hisband, like a man of mettall: goe, goe, goe.
Exit Morosa and Ladies.
Sec.
Will ye come away loyterers? shall I wait all day?
Am I at livery d'ye thinke.
Enter Spadone ready to be trim'd, and Nitido.
Spa.
Here and ready; what a mouthing thou keep'st,
I have but scour'd my hands, and curried my head to save
time, honest Secco, neat Secco, precious barbarian, now
thou lookst like a worshipfull Tooth-drawer, would I
might see thee on horsebacke, in the pompe once.
Sec.
A Chaire, a Chaire, quick, quick.
Nit.
Here's a chaire, a chaire politique, my fine boy,
sit thee downe in triumph, and rise one of the nine Worthies;
thou'lt be a sweet youth anon sirrah.
Spa.
So, to worke with a grace now, I cannot but highly
be in love with the fashion of Gentry, which is never
the excrements of slovenry.
Sec.
Very commodiously deliver'd I protest.
Nit.
Nay, the thing under your fingers is a whelpe of
the wits I can assure you.
Spa.
I a whelpe of the wits? no, no, I cannot barke
impudently, and ignorantly enough;—oh, and a man of
this Art had now and then Soveraigntie over faire Ladies,
you would tickle their upper and their lower lips, you'd so
smouch and belaver their chopps.
Sec.
We light on some offices for Ladies too, as occasion
serves.
Nit.
Yes, frizzle or pouder their haire, plane their
eye-browes, set a napp on their cheekes, keepe secrets,
and tell newes, that's all.
Sec.
Winke fast with both your eyes, the ingredients
to the composition of this ball, are most odorous Camphire,
pure sope of Venice, oyle of sweet Almonds, with
the spirit of Allome; they will search and smart shrewdly,
if you keep not the shop-windowes of your head close.
Spa.
Newes? well remember'd, that's part of your trade
too (prethee doe not rub so roughly) and how goes the
tattle oth' towne? what novelties stirring, ha?
Sec.
Strange, and scarse to be credited; a gelding was
lately seene to leape an old Mare; and an old man of one
hundred and twelve stood in a white sheet for getting a
wench of fifteene with childe, here hard by, most admirable
and portentous.
Spa.
Ile never beleeve it, 'tis impossible.
Nit.
Most certaine, some Doctor Farriers are of opinion
that the Mare may cast a Foale, which the Master of
their Hall conclude in spight of all Iockies and their familiars,
will carry every race before him, without spurre or
switch.
Spa.
O rare, a man might venture ten or twenty to one
safely then, and nere be in danger o'the cheate;—this
soape of Venice say ye.
Sec.
With a little grecum album for mundification.
Nit.
Grecum album is a kinde of white perfum'd pouder,
which plaine Countrey people, I beleeve, call dog-muske.
Spa.
Dog-muske, poxe o'the dog-muske, what dost
meane to bleach my nose, thou giv'st such twitches to't?
set me at liberty as soone as thou canst, gentle Secco
Sec.
Onely pare off a little superfluous downe from
your chin, and all's done.
Spa.
Pish, no matter for that; dispatch, I entreat thee.
Nit.
Have patience man, 'tis for his credit to be neat.
Spa.
What's that so cold at my throat, and scrubs
so hard?
Sec.
A kinde of steele instrument ycleped a Razor, a
sharp toole and a keene, it has a certaine vertue of cutting
a throat, if a man please to give his mind to't;—hold
up your muzzle Signior,—when did you talke baudily
to my wife last? tell me for your owne good (Signior) I
advise you.
Spa.
I talke baudily to thy wife? hang baudry; good
now mind thy busines, lest thy hand slip.
Nit.
Give him kinde words you were best, for a toy
that I know.
Sec.
Confesse, or I shall marre your grace in whiffing
Tobacco or squirting of sweet wines downe your gullet;
—you have beene offering to play the gelding we told
yee of I suppose;—speake truth, (move the semicircle of
your countenance to my left hand file) out with the truth;
would you have had a leap.
Nit.
Spadone, thou art in a lamentable pickle, have a
good heart and pray if thou canst, I pitty thee.
Spa.
I protest and vow friend Secco, I know no leaps, I.
Sec.
Letcherously goatish and an Eunuch? this cutt,
and then—
Confound thee, thy leaps and thy cuts, I am no
Eunuch, you finicall asse, I am no Eunuch; but at all
points as well provided, as any he in Italy, and that thy
Wife could have told thee: this your conspiracie, to
thrust my head into a brazen tub of Kitchin-lee, hudwinke
mine eyes in mud-soape, and then offer to cut my
throat in the darke like a Coward? I may live to be reveng'd
on both of yee.
Nit.
Oh scurvy! thou art angry, feele man whether thy
weason be not cracked first.
Sec.
You must fiddle my braines into a jealousie, rub my
temples with saffron, and burnish my forehead with the
juyce of yellowes: have I fitted yee now sir?
Enter Morosa.
Spa.
All's whole yet I hope?
Mor.
Yes, sirrah; all is whole yet; but if ever thou
dost speak treason against my sweeting and me once more,
thoul't finde a roguy bargaine on't; deare, this was handled
like one of spirit and discretion: Nitido has pag'd it
trimly too; no wording, but make ready and attend
at Court.
Sec.
Now we know thou art a man; we forget what hath
past, and are fellowes and friends againe.
Nit.
Wipe your face cleane; and take heed of a Razor.
Spa.
The feare put me into a sweat; I cannot helpe it;
I am glad I have my throat mine owne, and must laugh for
Company, or be laught at.
Exit.
Enter Livio, and Troylo.
Liv.
You finde Sir, I have prov'd a ready servant,
And brought th'expected guests, amidst these feastings,
These costly entertainments; you must pardon
My incivility that here sequesters
Your eares from choise of musique, or discourse
To a lesse pleasant parley; night drawes on,
And quickly will grow old; it were unmanly
For any Gentleman, who loves his honour,
Of such a satisfaction as was promis'd,
Though certainly it must be had; pray tell me
What can appeare about me to be us'd thus?
My soule is free from injuries.
Troy.
My tongue from serious untruths, I never wrong'd you,
Love you too well to meane it now.
Liv.
Not wrong'd mee?
(Blest Heaven!) this is the bandie of a patience
Beyond all sufferance.
Troy.
If your owne acknowledgement
Quit me not fairely ere the houres of rest
Shall shut our eyes up, say I made a forfeit
Of what no length of yeares can once redeeme.
Liv.
Fine whirles in tame imagination; on sir,
It is scarce mannerly at such a season,
Such a solemnitie (the place and presence
Consider'd) with delights, to mixe combustions.
Troy.
Prepare for free contents, and give em welcome.
Flourish. Enter Octavio, Iulio, Flavia, Romanello, Camillo and Vespuci.
Oct.
I dare not study words, or hold a complement
For this particular; this speciall favour.
Iul.
Your bounty and your love, my Lord, must justly
Ingage a thankfulnes.
Fla.
Indeede
Varieties of entertainment heere
Have so exceeded all account of plentie,
That you have left (great Sir) no rarities
Except an equall welcome which may purchase
Opinion of a common Hospitality.
Oct.
But for this grace (Madam) I will lay open
Before your judgements which I know can rate 'em,
A Cabinet of Iewels, rich and lively,
The world can shew none goodlier; those I prize
Deare as my life;—Nephew—
Sir, I obey you.—
Exit.
Fla.
Iewels, my Lord.
Oct.
No strangers eye ere view'd them,
Vnlesse your Brother Romanello haply
Was wo'd unto a sight for his approvement:
No more.
Rom.
Not I, I doe protest; I hope Sir
You cannot thinke I am a lapidarie;
I skill in Iewels?
Oct.
'Tis a proper quality
For any Gentleman; your other friends
May be are not so coy.
Iul.
Who they, they know not
A Topaze from an Opall.
Cam.
We are ignorant
In gems which are not common.
Ves.
But his Lordship
Is pleas'd (it seemes) to try our ignorance.
For passage of the time, till they are brought,
Pray looke upon a Letter lately sent me,
Lord Iulio, (Madam) Romanello, read
A noveltie; 'tis written from Bonony
Fabricio once a Merchant in this Citie
Is enter'd into orders, and receiv'd
Amongst the Capuchins a fellow, newes
Which ought not any way to be unpleasant,
Certaine I can assure it.
Iul.
He at last has
Bestow'd himselfe upon a glorious service.
Rom.
Most happie man, I now forgive the injuries
Thy former life expos'd thee to.
Liv.
Turne Capuchine,
Hee, whiles I stand a Cypher and fill up
Only an uselesse summe to be laid out
In an unthrifty leudnesse, that must buy
Both name and riot; Oh my fickle destinie!
Sister, you cannot taste this course but bravely,
But thankfully.
Fla.
Hee's now dead to the world
And lives to heaven, a Saints reward reward him;
My onely lov'd Lord, all your feares are henceforth
Confin'd unto a sweet and happie pennance.
Enter Troylo, Castamela, Clarella, Floria, Silvia, and Morosa.
Oct.
Behold, I keepe my word, these are the Iewels
Deserve a treasurie; I can be prodigall
Amongst my friends; examine well their lustre
Do's it not sparkle? wherefore dwels your silence
In such amazement?
Liv.
Patience keepe within me,
Leap not yet rudely into scorne of anger.
Fla.
Beauties incomparable.
Oct.
Romanello,
I have beene onely Steward to your pleasures;
You lov'd this Ladie once, what say you now to her?
Cast.
I must not court you Sir.
Rom.
By no meanes faire one,
Enjoy your life of greatnesse; sure the spring
Is past, the Bovvers Of Fancies is quite wither'd
And offer'd like a lottery to be drawne;
I dare not venture for a blanke, excuse me,—
Exquisite Iewels.
Liv.
Hearke ye Troylo.
Troy.
Spare me.
Oct.
You then renounce all right in Castamela,
Say Romanello.
Rom.
Gladly.
Troy.
Then I must not;
Thus I embrace mine owne, my wife; confirme it.
Thus when I faile (my dearest) to deserve thee
Comforts and life shall faile me.
Cast.
Like vow I, for my part.
Livio, now my Brorher, justly
I have given satisfaction.
Cast.
Oh excuse
Our secrecie, I have beene—
Liv.
Much more worthy
A better Brother, he a better Friend
Then my dull braines could fashion.
Rom.
Am I cosen'd.
Oct.
You are not Romanello; we examin'd
On what conditions your affections fix'd,
And found them meerely Courtship; but my Nephew
Lov'd with a faith resolv'd, and us'd his policie
To draw the Ladie into this societie,
More freely to discover his sinceritie
Even without Livio's knowledge, thus succeeded
And prospered, he's my heire and she deserv'd him.
Iul.
Storme not at what is past.
Fla.
A fate as happie
May crowne you with a full content.
Oct.
What ever
Report hath talk'd of me abroad, and these
Know they are all my neeces, are the daughters
To my dead onely Sister, this their Guardianesse
Since they first saw the World; indeed my Mistresses
They are, I have none other; how brought up
Their qualities may speake; now Romanello,
And Gentlemen, for such I know yee all,
Portions they shall not want both fit and worthy;
Nor will I looke on fortune, if you like
Court them and win them, here is free accesse,
In mine owne Court henceforth; only for thee
Livio I wish Clarella were alotted.
Liv.
Most noble Lord, I am struck silent.
Fla.
Brother, heere's noble choyce.
Rom.
Frenzy, how didst thou seize me!
Cla.
We knew you Sir, in Prugniolo's posture.
Were merry at the sight.
Sil.
And gave you welcome.
Mor.
Indeed forsooth, and so we did an't like ye.
Oct.
Enough, enough; now to shut up the night,
Some meniall servants of mine owne are ready
For to present a merriment; they intend
Acording to th'occasion of the meeting,
In severall shapes to shew how love oreswayes
All men of severall conditions; Soldier,
Gentry, foole, scholler, Merchant man, and Clowne:
A harmlesse recreation; take your places.—
Dance.
Your duties are perform'd henceforth, Spadone,
Cast off thy borrow'd title: Nephew Troylo,
His Mother gave thee suck; esteeme him honestly.
Lights for the Lodgings, 'tis high time for rest;
Great men may be mistooke when they meane best.
| The Fancies Chast and Noble | |