 | The Ball |  |
Actus Quintus.
Enter Mounsieur and servants with perfume.Moun.
Bone forbone here a little, dere a little more, my
Lord hire dis house of the citie Merchent, begar
It smell musty, and he will have all sweete for de
For dere is purpose to make all smoke anon
Begar;
Enter Lady Rosomond and Honoria.
Treshumble serviter Madam.
Ho.
Where is my Lord?
Moun.
Hee waite on you presently Mounsieur de Freshwater?
Fr.
Mounsieur Le Friske these Ladies were pleas'd
To command my attendance hither.
Moun.
Welcome to de Ball, par ma foy
You pardon Mounsieur, I have much trouble
In my little head, I can no stay to
Complement, a vostre service.
Exit.
Fre.
In all my travells, I have not seene a more
Convenient Structure.
Ro.
Now you talke of your travells Signior, till my Lord
Come you shall doe us a speciall favour to
Discourse what passages you ha seene abroad.
Ho.
Were you ever abroad before Signior.
Fre.
I hardly ever was at home, and yet
All countries lost wiseman are his owne?
Did you never travell Ladies,
Ro.
We are no Ladies errant, tis enough
For such as you, that looke for State employment.
Fre.
Yet there be Ladies ha your languages,
And married to great men prove the better Statesmen.
Ro.
We have heard talke of many countries.
Fre.
And you may heare talke, but give me the man
That has measur'd 'em, talkes but talke.
Ho.
Have you seene a fairer Citie than London?
Fre.
London is nothing.
Ro.
How nothing?
Fre.
To what it will be a hundred yeares hence.
Ro.
I have heard much talke of Paris.
Ho.
You have beene there Ime sure.
Enter Lord.
Fre.
I tell you Madame, I tooke shipping at
Gravesend, and had no sooner past
The Cantons, and Grissons, making some stay
In the Valtoline, but I came to Paris a pretty
Hamlet, and much in the scituation like Dunstable,
Tis in the Province of Alcontora, some three leagues
Lo.
Is the fellow mad?
Ro.
I have heard Civill is in Spaine.
Fre.
You may heare many things,
The people are ciuill that live in Spaine, or there
May be one towne like another, but if Civill
Be not in France, I was never at Civill in my life.
Ho.
Proceede Sir.
Fre.
Doe not I know Paris, it was built by the yongest Son
Of King Priam, and was call'd by his name, yet some
Call it Lutetia, because the gentlewomen there
Play so well upon the Lute.
Lo.
What a Rascall is this?
Fr.
Here I observ'd many remarkeable buildings, as the
Vniversitie, which some call the Loure, where the
Students made very much of me, and carried me
To the Beare-garden, where I saw a play on the
Banke-side, a very pretty Comedy call'd Martheme,
In London.
Ro.
Ist possible?
Fre.
But there be no such Comedians as we have here,
Yet the women are the best Actors, they play
Their owne parts, a thing much desir'd in England
By some Ladies, Innes a Court Gentlemen, and others,
But that by the way.
Ho.
See Sir.
Fre.
I had staid longer there, but I was offended with a
Villanous sent of Onions, which the winde brought from
St. Omers.
Ro.
Onions wod make you sleepe well.
Fre.
But the sent tis not to be endured, I smelt
On 'em when I came to Rome, and hardly scap'd the
Inquisition fort.
Ho.
Were you at Rome too Signior.
Fre.
Tis in my way to Venice, Ile tell you Madam I was very
Loth to leave their country.
Ro.
Which Country?
Fre.
Where was I last?
Ho.
In France.
Fre.
Right, for I had a very good Inne, where mine Host
Was a notable good fellow, and a Cardinall.
How a Cardinall, oh impudence.
Fr.
Oh the catches we sang, and his wife a pretty woman.
And one that warmes a bed one oth' best in Europe.
Ho.
Did you ever heare the like.
Ro.
I did before suspect him.
Fr.
But mine Host.
Ho.
The Cardinall.
Fr.
Right, had a shrew'd pate, and his eares were something
O'th longest, for one upon the oath of a w---
Walloune that---from Spaine to the Low-Countries,
and the other from Lapland into Germany.
Ro.
Say you so?
Fr.
A parlous head, and yet loving to his guests,
As mine host Bankes, as red in the gills, and as merry
A---but anger him, and hee sets all Christendome
Together by the eares, well shortly after I left
France, and sayling along the Alpes, I came to
Lombardy, where I left my cloke, for it was very
Hot travelling, and went a Pilgrim to Rome
Where I saw the Tombs, and a Play in Pompeys
Theater, here I was kindely entertain'd by an anchorite,
In whose chamber I lay, and drinke Cider.
Lo.
Nay, now he is desperate.
Ho.
Doe not interrupt him.
Fre.
What should I trouble you with many stories? from hence
I went to Naples, a soft kinde of people, and cloth'd
In silke, from thence I went to Florence from whence we
Have the art of working custards, which we call
Florentines, Millan a rich state of
Haberdashers, Permount, where I had excellent Venison,
And Padua, famous for the pads, or easie saddles
Which our physitions ride upon, and first brought from
Thence when they commenst Doctor.
Ro.
Very good.
Fr.
I see little in Mantua, beside dancing upon the ropes,
Onely their strong beere, better than any I
Ever drunke at the Trumpet, but Uenice of all
The Champion Countries, do not mistake they are the
Valiantest gentlemen under the Sunne.
Is that it?
Fr.
O the Catazaners we turn'd there.
Ho.
Who was wee yee?
Fr.
Two or three magnifico's grandees of the State,
We tickled 'em in the very Pialto, by the same
Token two or three English spies told us they had laine
Leger three moneths to steale away the Piatzo, and ship
It for Covent. Garden, a pretty fabricke and building
Vpon the---but I was compell'd to make
Short stay here by reason of the Dukes Concubines
Fell in love wee me, gave me a ring of his, out of
A solide Diamonde, which afterwards I lost washing my
Hands in the salt water.
Ho.
You should ha fish'd fort, and as good lucke as
She that found her wedding ring in the
Haddocks belly.
Fr.
No, there was no staying, I tooke post horse presently
For Genoa, and from thence to Madrill, and so to
The Netherlands.
Ro.
And how sped you among the Dutch?
Fr.
Why, we were drunk every day together, they get their
Living by it.
Ho.
By drinking?
Fr.
And making bargaines in their tippling,
The Iewes are innocent, nay the devill himselfe
Is but a Dunce to 'em, of whose trade they are.
Ho.
Whats that?
Fr.
They fish, they fish still, who can helpe it, they
Have nets enough, and may catch the Province
In time then let the Kingdomes looke about 'em,
They can't be idle, and they have one advantage
Of all the world, theyle ha no conscience to trouble
'Em, I heard it whispered they want butter, they have
A Designe to charme the Indies, and remove their
Darie, but that as a secret, shall goe no further;
I caught a surfet of Bore in Holland, upon my
Recovery I went to Flushing, where I met with a hansome
Froe, with whom I went to Middleborough, by the---
And left her drunke at Roterdam, there I tooke
Shipping againe for France, from thence to Dover,
Hive, and from thence to what I am come to.
Lo.
And noble Signior you are very welcome.
Fr.
I hope he did not over-heare me.
Lo.
I am much honor'd Ladies in your presence.
Fr.
Absence had beene a sinne my Lord where you
Were pleas'd to invite.
Enter Mounsieur.
Moun.
Fie, fie, my Lord give me one eare.
He whispers with my Lord.
Lo.
Interrupt me no more good Moursieur.
Fr.
Mounsieur La Friske, a word, a word, I beseech you,
No excuser moy.
Exit Fresh. and Moun.
Lo.
Have you thought Ladies of your absent servant?
Within whose heart the civill warre of love,
Ro.
May end in a soft peace.
Lo.
Excellent, Lady.
Ho.
We had armies too my Lord, of, wounded thoughts.
Lo.
And are you agreed to which I must devote
My loving service, and which is wisest, fairest,
Is it concluded yet?
Ho.
You did propound
A hard Province, and we could not
Determine as you expected, but if
Your flame be not extinct, we have devis'd
Another way.
Lo.
You make my ambition happy,
And indeede I was thinking twas impossible
That two such beauties should give place to either,
And I am still that humble notary
To both your loves.
Ro.
Then this we have made lots,
That what we cannot, fate may soone divide,
And we are fixt to obey our destinie,
There is but two, one and your wishes guide you.
Lo.
And will you satisfie my chance.
Ho.
We should
Be else unjust.
Lo.
What method shall we use?
Ro.
Your hat my Lord,
If you vouchsafe the favour?
Ho.
Dare you expose your head to the ayre so long?
Lo.
Most willingly put in.
Ro.
There is Fortune.
That draw which quickly tell how much I love you.
Lo.
So, so now let me see, I commend your device,
Since I am uncapable of both,
This is a way indeede, but your favour.
Ro.
Lets have faire play my Lord.
Lo.
What foole is he?
That having the choise of Mistresses will be
Confinde to one, and rob himselfe, I am yet
The favorite of both these, is no policy,
I could make shift with both abed.
Ro.
You are merry?
Lo.
In troth, and so I am, and in the minde
I am in, will give my selfe no cause toth' contrary,
Dee see? Ile draw you both.
Ho.
How? both.
You cannot otherwise be reconcil'd,
Ile be content to marry one, and doe
Service to th' others peticote, I must tell you,
I am not without president.
Ho.
There you triumph.
Lo.
Within the name of Venus,---ha a blanke,
By this light nothing, neither name nor marke.
Both.
Ha, ha, ha.
Lo.
This is a riddle yet.
Ro.
Tis quickly solv'd,
Your Lordship was too confident,
We never were at such a losse my Lord,
As with the hazard of our wit or honour
To court you with so desperate affection.
Ho.
By our example know, some Ladies may
Commend, nay love a gentleman, and yet
Be safe in their owne thoughts, and see as farre
As modesty, and honour will allow us,
We are still servants to your Lordship,
Lo.
Say so? why looke you Ladies that you may perceive,
How I can be temperate too; first, I thanke you
Heartily, and to recompence your wit;
Present another Lottery, you shannot
Suspect I have a thought that will betray
Your innocence to scandall, let me intreate
And this is left your fortune, doe me honour
To weare these paire of Iewells for my sake,
So with a confidence of your happy pardon,
To what is past hereafter I shall pay
To your true vertues, better service then
So unnecessary trialls.
Ro.
And to shew
We are not coy my Lord, weele weare your Iewell.
Lo.
And be their ornament.
Enter Rainebow, Coronell, Bostoke.
Co.
All happinesse to your Lordship,
Your cruells are not full set noble Ladies.
Lo.
Your presence will soone make us active, Madam
I was bold.
Bo.
She has your Diamond my Lord.
Lo.
And can you pardon?
Bo.
Nay, nay, we are friends, are
We not Madam?
Luc.
I were else unmercifull.
Bo.
The Coronell too has given me satisfaction.
Co.
I thinke you had enough.
Bo.
As much as I desir'd, and heres my hand,
While I can draw a sword command me.
Co.
What?
Bo.
To put it up agen, all friends, all friends,
A poxe a quarrelling.
Co.
I kisse your hand sir.
Bo.
Kisse my hand, kisse my---noble Ladies here.
Co.
Why is Musicke silent all this while?
Has it no voyce to bid these Ladies welcome?
A golden Ball descends, Enter Venw and Cupid.
Ue.
Come Boy now draw thy powerfull Bow,
Here are Ladies hearts enough
To be transfixt, this meeting is
To ruffle Ladies, and to kisse,
These are my Orgies, from each eye,
A thousand wanton glances flie;
Lords, and Ladies of the Game,
Each brest be full of my owne flame:
Why shootes not Cupid? these are all.
Which Paris gave to Ida hill,
Ile maintaine these revells still:
Why stayes Cupid all this while.
Dia.
Uenus doth her selfe beguile.
Uen.
Diana here goe backe againe.
Dia.
These are none of Venus traine,
No sparke of this Lacivious fire,
Dwells in their bosomes, no desire,
But what doth fill Diana's breast,
In their modest thoughts doe rest.
Venus this new festivall,
Shall be still Diana's Ball:
A chaste meeting ever here,
Seeke thy votaries other where.
Uen.
You're chast indeede, doe not we know,
You to your sweete-heart nightly goe,
Envying one is not kist, no you
On his face but let fall dew,
Some may wonder what doth ayle,
Your lippes but kisses made them pale
Me thinkes the Moone should blush,
Dia.
I doe
Some times, but tis for such as you:
Then hide my selfe within a mist,
For shame to see thee clipt and kist.
Uen.
Draw Cupid, shall thy mother be
Brand by a Huntresse, let me see
I want one shaft.
Cu.
Moder not so,
You may quickly breake my bow,
Here Diana doth command,
My Bow is frozen to my hand,
Beside, the Ladies breasts are here,
Such proofes against my shafts I feare,
Each arrow would to our disgrace,
Breake, or rebound in my owne face;
Moder, flie hence or you will be,
Ue.
Can her Magicke charme them so,
Then tis time that Venus goe.
To seek her owne more choice delight,
Against my will, enjoy this night.
Dia.
Cupid if you meane to stay,
Throw your licensious shafts away,
Then you are Love, then be embrac't,
Love is welcome while he's chast;
Now some other straine to show,
What pleasures to this night we owe.
A Dance.
Enter Barker, like a Satyre Dancing.
Ere.
My Lord, my Ladies, will you see a Monster,
I have not met such another in all my travailes.
Luc.
What have we here a Satyre.
Bo.
No, tis a dancing Beare.
Lo.
What is the devise.
Bar.
Wonder that a Satyre can
Put off wildnesse and turne man,
Love, such miracles can doe,
But this owes it selfe to you
Bright Lady.
Ro.
Keepe the goblin from me Gentlemen.
Ba.
Youle know me.
Omnes, Barker.
Ba.
No more, the Cynicke, I protest
You have converted me.
Ro.
Your meaning Sir.
Ba.
I am the man you did incourage Madam
To learne to dance, I shall doe better shortly,
Your love will perfect me, and make me soft,
And smooth as any Reveller.
Ro.
Ha, ha, ha, my Love, I am not mad to love a Satyre,
For that's thy best condition, judgement all,
How scurvily this civility shewes in him.
Faith raile, and keepe your humour, still it shewes excellent,
Does he not become the beast,
The Lords allow you pension.
Omnes,
Ha, ha, ha.
Ba.
You are a Witch, Ile justifie it, and there is not
Dee laugh, loose witted Ladies, there are not
In hell such furies, that's a comfort yet
To him that shall goe thither, he shall have
Lesse torment after death then he findes here.
Lo.
Why Barker?
Ba.
Your wit has got the squirte too, Ile traduce
Your Ball for this, and if there be a post,
That dares write mischiefe, looke to be worse
Then executed.
Exit.
Lo.
He will come to himselfe agen, when he hath purg'd
Freshwater.
Enter Sir Stephen, and Sir Lionell.
Ste.
Madam your servants begge this favour from you.
Ro.
What ist?
Ste.
That since your resolutions will admit
No change of hearts you will not publish how
We ha beene jeer'd.
Ro.
Not jeer'd, but you came on so desperate.
Ho.
We love our owne when we preserve,
Gentlemens honour.
Co.
Then lets tosse the Ball.
Lo.
Signior Freshwater.
Fr.
Mercy and silence as you are honourable.
Lo.
May it concerne these gentlemen.
Fr.
Why if I must gentlemen, you imagine I ha beene
At Venice, but I staid at Gravesend
All this Summer expecting a winde, and finding it
So uncertaine, will deferre the voyage till the Spring,
I am not the first whom the windes, and seas have crost.
Ste.
Then you have crost no Sea?
Fr.
If you please, Ile require
But my principall, and for your good company,
Ile stay at home for good, and all to be merry.
Lo.
Nay, nay, you shall goe your voyage,
We wod not have you lose the benefit
Of travell, when you come home, you may summon
Your debters by a drumme, and shewing your bagge
Bo.
Receive your money when you can get it, and be
Knighted.
Fr.
I thanke you gentlemen, I am in a way now,
I have sold my land, and put out my mony
To live I see my heart wonot dance to night,
I may to Gravesend in the morning,
I can be but pickled in salt water, and Ile
Venture one drowning to be reveng'd
Agen, agen, set, set.
A Dance.
Luc.
What thinke you of all this?
Co.
To my wishes, an innocent, and generous recreation.
Lo.
Ladies and Gentlemen, now a banquet waites you,
Be pleas'd to accept, twill give you breath and then,
Renew our Revells, and toth' Ball agen.
Exeunt Omnes.
FJNJS.
| The Ball | |