University of Virginia Library

Act II.

Scene I.

Enter Brusco, Hirco.
Brusco.
Hirco , have you appeas'd the mutiny
The Generalls discontents did raise
Amongst his frie of friends, our tatter'd camp-
Companions in the streets?

Hirco.
All's quiet now,
They sadly weare their fingers in their pockets,
Which they did hope ere this should have beene us'd
In telling Pistolets and Chickeens.—

Enter Rampino.
Brusco.
Rampino, 'tis expected you bring peace.

Ramp.
Two houres I have beene preaching on
A stall to certaine Carre-men that took't ill
In a good cause they might not hang with our
Cast troops, to pull downe houses, and to rob
An hereticall new Church or two; but they
Are gone swearing, and well edified: come,
What newes? Is our Generall marry'd?

Brusco.
Not yet.

Ramp.
How? not marri'd?

Brusco.
No, some small spie that watch'd
Which way the current of his discontents
Would runne, convey'd it to the Court, and streight
The Prince himselfe sent to forbid the banes.

Ramp.
The embers are but cover'd yet, I feare
When they are stirr'd, the fire will flame agen.

Brusc.
Our Duke convey'd the Lady to his house:
Repair'd to Court, where the kind Prince with praise
And joy receiv'd him in his open armes.

Ramp.
This qualifies the heat of our affaires.

Brusco.
He then laid out for those spies that were
Suborn'd against his Ladies fame, who with
Severe inquiry being produc'd, had strict
Examination from the Prince; a while
They justified their oaths; but still
Falshood betray'd it selfe: for when
He urg'd for names of persons, time and place,
With doubtfull termes, and words dis-joynted, they
Began to stammer out their evidence;
Then Altophil claimes leave he may present
Their worships with an odde engine of pleasure.

Ramp.
Which courteous politcians call a Rocke.

Brusc.
The same, and each with painfull leisure was
Slowly wound up.—

Ramp.
Like a huge Jack-weight, by a weake sicke wench.

Brusc.
Right, Sir, and then they both confess'd that Saint
Goleotto brib'd them to this perjury.
And know my joy-sweet, wanting men of war,
He is by'th Prince imprison'd in the fort.

Ramp.
An excellent Prince, by this hand he sha'not want:
First I'll forgive him all my pay; then Hirco,
Thou shall lend him money.

Hirco.
Excuse me, Sir,
Upon securitie, not else; I've been
Too often bit that way already. Retire Gentlemen.

Enter Ascoli, Altophil, Galeotto, who is held by the Gard.
Ascol.
Though thou hast so behav'd thy selfe in war
With wise directions, and a valiant arme,
That fortune cannot boast a share in thy
Fam'd victories; yet I must chide thee Altophil,
Since being mine, and so much lov'd, thou couldst
Unto a Lady give thy selfe away,
Not freed by my consent.

Altoph.
Sir, I have ask'd your pardon, and believe
My joyes you did lessen with your sorrowes,
To make them by your kindnesse now more full.

Ascol.
This separation will be short, for since
Your Mistresse innocence is by her false accusers
Clear'd unto the world,
Your Nuptialls I will celebrate with all
The glory I can adde to'th triumph of
A friend; and you Galeotto, shall receive
Such punishment as shall declare
My justice equall to your crime.

Galeot.
Sir, I confesse your favour lifted me
To hope alliance with the noble Duke,
Which, had I lawfully contriv'd, perhaps,
Th'ambition had not much been blam'd;
But I am left: nor would I begge
Forgivenesse of your Lawes, but of your selfe,
And next my Lord of you; be pleas'd to thinke
The wrong were not of malice but of pride.

Altophil.
Not the eldest Divell with his long practice had
The skill to lay on me so great a wrong,
But I could pardon it; unlesse when I
Perceive the whitenesse of my Mistresse vertue stain'd,
Betray'd to penance too, it were a cruelty
The Fiends would sooner weepe at then commend.

Galeot.
Then I'll provide to suffer, and to scorne
That fate I cannot alter with my prayer.

Ascoli.
Thou, once the health, art poyson now to sight,
'Tis wholsomer to looke upon the Basiliske;
Perfidious to my friend! but where's Rangone,
That went to fetch your Mistresse? Altophil,
I never saw her yet; trust mee you are
A cunning Lover, so long conceal'd
The beauty you admire.—

Enter Rangone, Arthiopa richly attyr'd.
Rangone.
Madam, your sweetnesse doth deserve the best
Of joyes; and I have brought you where they are.

Ascoli.
What light is this, that ere the day is spent
Breakes like a second morning in our eyes,
Whil'st all that's shining else shewes like a shade.
About her beames, sweet as the pretious smoake
Ascending from the funerall fire o'th long-
Liv'd bird of Arabia.——

Rangone.
You sent me for this Lady, Sir, will you
Not speake to her? see where shee kneeles.

Ascoli.
O rise! if I have trespass'd in neglect,
Forgive thy beauty, and not it's that
Hath forc'd my wonder to adore what I
(Perhaps) by'th lawes of courtesie should first
Salute.—

Arthiopa.
Sir, though I never fear'd my stocke
Of modestie so small, that I could want
It for my necessary use; yet I
Shall need to borrow blushes, if you lay
More beautie to my charge then I dare owne.

Ascoli.
Where have I liv'd, that I could never heare
Sweet musique untill now? O Altophil!
I finde the treasure of thy love so great,
That were it mine, I should not blame
The envie of a friend; since from the excesse
Of judgement, when it values things at full,
Our envie growes, it is our nicity
To call that envie sinne

Altophil.
What meanes the Prince?

Ascoli.
Was she that was so delicate, and soft as is
The purple fleece of Clowds? was she thought fit
T'indure the rigour o'th perverted Law?
Convey the traytor hence, and never more
Presume to set thy treacherous foot upon
The confines of my Land.

Arthiop.
I, so yo'uld vouchsafe to make my mercy an
Example unto yours, I shall forgive his cruelties.

Ascoli.
It were an injury to heaven; away,
If the next time I in my Dominions spy
This loathed face, thy life is forfeited.

Galeot.
Sir, I'll presume yo'uld thinke my daughter had
No share in my unluckie guilt; therefore
It were not like your usuall justice, she
should suffer in my losse.

Ascoli.
She is too good for thy society,
Her vertues shall preserve her here.

Galeot.
Peace crowne you at home, and victory abroad.—

Exit with the Gard.
Ascol.
Know, Altophil, my darkest thoughts are not
So secret to my selfe, but I dare trust
Thy knowledge with them, and be safe.
Why then should thy intentions or desires
Be hid from me? I faine would sound thy breast
With a new question; prithee give me leave?

Altophil.
Sir, I am borne to follow your command.
Aske what you please; if I want knowledge here
To satisfie your doubt, I'll studie to
Know more; pray speake.

Ascol.
It is decree'd by th'powers above (whom no
Dull earthly mediation can disswade
Or alter) I must needs marry faire
Arthiopa.

Altophil.
I look'd for comfort, Sir,
From your consent, not trouble from your doubts.

Ascoli.
It is inevitable then, as the
Conjunction of th'illustrious Planets are,
That needs must meet; else all the Spheres will streight
Be out of tune; time breake his glasse, and throw
The sand in the Sunn's eyes to make him winke,
And leave us in the darke. Speake, must it be?
Or else you both will suffer an eclipse?
Make answer from thy kinde thoughts? is it
Decreed?

Altophil.
It is: and nought can alter it but death.

Ascoli.
How hardly then hath nature dealt with us:
For we are prisoners all; all circumscrib'd,
And to our limits ty'd: the fortunate
And lucklesse are alike: for thou art with
As strict necessitie unto thy happinesse
Confin'd, as others to their evill fate.

Altoph.
To be her prisner, Sir, is to be free;
Nor can I wish my bondage off, whil'st I
Am fetter'd in her armes.

Ascol.
You'll give mee leave
To try how far your Mistresse hath ingag'd
Her faith, and not be jealous, Altophil.

Altoph.
I'll trust such vertue with mine enemy.—
Ascoli withdrawes with Arthiopa.
Ah me! where is a Lovers wealth? what joy
Is there of beauty, when once conceal'd, more then
Of Jewels in the darke? but when reveal'd,
We stand to th'hazard of anothers claime.

Rangone.
I doe not like this alteration in the Prince,
If he doth love, I feare it is too late.

Ascol.
Oh do not promise so much comfort in
Your lookes, and in your language breathe dispaire,
'Tis like fantastick April, that ere-while
With gaudy Sunne beames smil'd upon the Spring,
And in a minutes space gathers the blacke
Thicke clouds about his brow to make a storme;
Have you no pitie left?

Arthiopa.
My pitie, Sir, you'll hardly entertaine,
Since it must come alone without reliefe.

Ascol.
Why were you trusted with such beautious wealth,
And make such hastie bargaines for your selfe?
Could you have skill to know the value of
Your love, and give it all way at once?

Arthiopa.
Sir, I beseech you doe not urge me to
Deny, what in your gentler clemencie
You should forbeare to aske, heaven made my vowes,
And they are Altophils.

Ascoli.
No more, my trespasse I'll decline, though I
Augment my griefes; my Altophil farewell.—
takes him by the hand
When thou dost heare me sicke, thinke what disease
Arthiopa's neglect might once have bred
In thee, then mourne me at that rate;
Rangone, come, leade to the Cypresse grove.—

Exit Ascoli, Rangone.
Altophil.
Thou art as much unfortunate as faire.
But smile upon thy stars, perhaps they may
Be sooth'd into a kinder influence.
The Prince is noble, and in's wisdome will
Digest this fit that shakes him out of frame:
These Gentlemen have shar'd with mee the sharpe
Calamities of war; give them your hand.—
Brusc. Ramp. Hirc. kisse her hand.
Take care my valiant friends here in the towne,
You give example of a sober discipline.—

Exeunt Altophil, Arthiopa.
Brusc.
A rare creature.

Rang.
No sweet meat in the world
Is like the conserve of a Ladies hand.

Hirco.
She'll thinke o'th'Hircos this twelve-month by way
Of a full busse; I laid it roundly on.

Ramp.
Why you came last, Sir, and kist but her wrist,
Her hand was melted before into my mouth; ah.—

Enter Friskin, Ramp. spies him, and starts backe.
Brusc.
What Planet-strucke?

Hirco.
'Tis his Taylor, he owes him money.

Ramp.
How did the Rascall finde me out? I shift
My lodging as often as conveniently
I can remove my Truncks; thrice in two dayes,
Would's needle stucke acrosse his throat.

Friskin.
Signior Rampino,—

Ramp.
Signior Friskin,—I thought it should be you.
And how deare heart, and how, how does thy wife?
My Godson too at nurse; I've a little whistle
For him, 'tis comming in the Generalls Court.

Friskin.
All well Signior,
Doe the wars thrive, Sir;
Is there any money stirring?

Ramp.
Faith some of us here,
By our continuall practice, know a Ducket
From a Counter, w've mauld King Hieldebrand.

Friskin.
We heare he is encamp'd som ten leagues hence.

Ramp.
Yes, we have put him to his Sallads, like
A sawcy Frog upon anothers meadow.

Friskin.
Signior, there is an old debt.

Ramp.
Do'st thou thinke I have forgot it? I prithee
What skirt's in fashion now the Jacket-way;
Downe to the hammes?

Friskin.
No Sir, sixe in a ranke;
But Sir, the debt is old.

Ramp.
I, I, with all my heart; how are their cloaks?
A square-full cape?

Friskin.
Just as you left them, Sir;
Would you would thinke upon your debt.

Ramp.
Do'st thinke I doe not; I prithee bring me but
A patterne of a Polish coat, I'd weare it loose
And short; pray Gentlemen know my friend; believ't
I'd rather see him sit crosse-legg'd then any man
In Lumbardy; his thimble on, and's needle thus—
He'll runne a tilt through cloth two inches thicke.

Brusco.
Is he so excellent? he shall make my cloaths.

Hirco.
And mine too, if he please.

Friskin.
Have they any sorts, Sir, are they well stor'd?

Ramp.
A brace of rich close curmudginely fellowes,
Thou seest they care not what their outside is,
So their pockets be well lin'd.

Friskin.
It seemes they are a little carelesse, Sir, indeed;
Where is your lodging now?

Ramp.
In troth 'twill be in the old mansion neere
The Palace yard, till six of clocke at night,
But then I must remove, the Fidlers doe
So often waken me with their mutton'd Gridyrons
And good-morrowes, I cannot sleepe for them;
I'll send thee word where I shall fix.

Friskin.
And you'll remember, Sir, my bill.

Ramp.
Do'st thinke I'll faile;
I prithee bring thy weights
Along with thee, we shall else wrangle about light gold.

Friskin.
Y'are welcome, Sir, to towne.

Ramp.
Away, lest we be vex'd againe with new
Solicitors for the old cause.—

Exeunt omnes.
Enter Galeotto, Gandolpho, Morello.
Galeotto.
Is Amaranta sent for by the Prince?

Morello.
She is, but for what use I could not learne;
My brother, whom your former bounties have
Preferr'd, and late made Captaine of the Fort,
Is come, Sir, to bewaile your miseries,
And proffer all his service, to make knowne,
Your losse cannot disswade his gratitude.

Gandol.
My Lord, from low deservings you have rais'd
Me to the best command this place affords
A souldiers hope, but if my life can pay
Your bountie, I will keepe it for that use.

Galeotto.
Your natures are so thankfull, Gentlemen,
For little benefits, that I am taught,
If ever I can reach my former power,
T'oblige more friends, though with a greater charge.

Morello.
My Lord, your wisdome hath the skill to cure
A disease stronger then your fortune feeles.

Galeotto.
Greatnesse hath still a little taint i'th blood;
And often 'tis corrupted neere the heart;
But these are not diseases held, till by
The Monarch spide; who our ambition feeds
Till't surfets with his love; nor doe wee strive
To cure or take it from ourselves, but from
His eyes, and then our medicine wee apply
Like th'weapon-salve, not to our selves, but him
Who was the sword that made the wound; and this
State medicine is compos'd of flattering industry,
And such false cures as like to false alarmes
Fright men to feare danger, when none is neere,
Still vex'd, and busie to no reall use,
As drones that keepe most noyse about the hive,
And then devour the politique Court Flies
What foolish Bees bring on their weary thighes.

Morel.
These Lectures (my Gandolpho) shew a braine
That will preserve him, spight of power; my Lord,
My broher is your owne, and wee will share
The hazard of your fortune.

Galeotto.
The Captaine hath a valiant soule; and I
Perhaps may use him in a close designe,
That i'th successe will richly pay his love.

Gandolph.
When y'are most confident of me, you can't
Expect so much as I'll performe.

Galeotto.
Enough; Morello, Sir, shall undertake
For my beliefe, to all you dare
Make promise of; if you will please to bring
Me to the Ports, where short the allowance of
My time will force mee take a sad farewell,
I'll breathe my love, and businesse to you both—

Exeunt.
Enter Altophil, Arthiopa.
Altoph.
Gladnesse possesse my Mistresse thoughts; I'm told
The Count Rangone from the Prince is now
Alighted at my gates, good newes I hope;
For though we live as in a covent here,
Thou as my Nunne, to morrow may proclaime
This house a Court, and you my cheerfull Bride.

Arthiop.
The frownes of heav'n is to the vertuous like
Those thicke darke clouds, poore wand'ring Sea-men spie,
Which oft fore-tell their happinesse, and shew
The long expected land is neere—

Enter Rangone, Amaranta her face vail'd.
Rangone.
Felicity and everlasting fame
Betide the noble Generall: thus I
Am bid salute you from our mighty Prince.

Altophil.
I am the creaure of his power and will.

Rangone.
I with this gentle greeting must present
The richest treasure nature in her last
Declining stocke of beauty could afford
The world, behold it and admire,—
Unvailes Amaranta, who weepes.
Her eyes dissolving thus in teares, should teach
Thy heart to melt; for know, thou cruell Lord,
She long hath chastly sickned for thy love.

Altophil.
Alas, unluckie maid! how can thy griefes
Expect comfort from him that knowes not to
Redresse his owne?

Amaranta.
Yet, Sir, I hope 'tis in
Your power t'excuse th'unwilling error of
My modesty; I surely am the first
Sad Lady ever was constrain'd to seeke
Her Lover, and then woo him too, but 'tis
The Prince hath forc'd mee here to nourish my
Affection with your reall sight, that else
Had been conceal'd, and with your shadow fed.

Arthiopa.
Poore Amaranta, I must needs lament
The malice of thy fortune, though
My pity shewes unkindnesse to my selfe.

Rangone.
Sir, my Commission's to aske, if you
Can love and celebrate this Ladie for
Your wife; and our kinde Prince, besides the forfeited
Possessions of her fathers wealth, will to
her dowrie adde honours and lands, untill
You share his royaltie.

Altophil.
Too soone this am'rous Riddle is resolv'd;
He Loves Arthiopa, and would
Enforce mee wed this Ladie, to assure
More easie way for's owne desires.

Arthiopa.
O, Altophil, were I not well
Instructed in thy loyaltie, how soone
Her beautie, and these soothing hopes would throw
Me cold into the armes of death.

Altophil.
Sir, you must carry to the Prince what I
Was never wont to send; a harsh deniall of
His suite: and give me leave to say 'tis troublesome,
And too severe.

Amaranta.
How am I lately hardened with the use
Of sorrowes, that I can listen to
My angrie doome and live?

Rangone.
Summon your wise,
Your kinder thoughts, and make such reply
As I may joy in the deliverie;
And soone procure a mutuall happinesse.

Altophil.
To court me to a better knowledge of my blisse
Then I alreadie understand,
Were but a vaine attempt; I am resolv'd
Within the chaste embraces of these armes
To live or die.

Amaranta.
My eares have forfeited their facultie,
Why should they still preserve their sense, that could
Not for a while be deafe, but needs must hearken to
My evill fate?

Rangone.
Sir, pardon mine obedience to my Prince;
For I shall execute a sad command:
You of the Guard, lay hold upon the Duke.—

Enter the Guard, and seize on Altophil.
Altophil.
Feare not, Arthiopa, some joy remaines
I'th hopes we shall not be divided in
Our sufferings.

Rangone.
Shee is my pris'ner, Sir,
And must to Court, whilst you and Amaranta stay
Confin'd together in this house.

Altopil.
False Prince, how cunning is thy crueltie?

Arthiopa,
Lest we had courage left t'expect an end
Of all our calamities, this way was found
To make us yet more certaine of despaire.

Rangone.
In this, Sir, you perceive the intricate
Though powerfull influence of love, that doth
Pervert most righteous natures to attempt
Unjust designes, his Godhead is not full knowne,
And's miseries have beene but dully taught
To men: for I am charged to say this new
Constraint is but a sad experiment
To trie if you to Amaranta can
Pay equall love for hers, and nice Arthiopa,
Returne unto the Prince, what's passions now
May challenge as a debt.

Arthiopa.
O, my true Lord,
Shall wee ne'r meet agen, and tell our thoughts?
Which still we found too like, as if we two
Had but one heart wherein we gave them formes?

Altophil.
'Twere sinne to have no hope, wee'll change our starres,
For there are many more will gladly take
Protection of our loves.

Rangone.
My time was limited, my witnesse is
Become my charge, and must to Court.

Arthiopa.
Sir, give me leave, but to salute this Lady,
Whose friendship, though of noble worth, I shall
Too soone receive, too soone (I feare) forsake;
You, gentle Amaranta, must enjoy
Your blessed habitation here, here with
My Lord, whom I would faine commend, not to
Your care, but your neglect; for know,
We in our virgin-bashfulnesse esteeme
Solicitation and addresse, a more
Undoubted sinne, then our disdaine.

Amaran.
Madam, I'm here a pris'ner too, and will
Expect like others, in harsh times dirtress'd
His pitie, not reliefe; I'll hope for that,
If you'll permit without a jealousie.

Arthiopa.
Preserve me in thy kind remembrance, Altophil.

Altophil.
What other use have I of memory,
When I have conceal'd the records of thee?

Arth.
Sir, I am loath to leave this Ladie here,
Imprisonment is cruell to a Maid;
Was it the Princes will shee needs must stay?

Rangone.
I have receiv'd it in a strict command.

Arthiopa.
O, Altophil! Sir, let me hide mine eyes;
It were some crime 'gainst them, thus to forsake
Their chiefest joy, and let them see it too.

Altophil.
Since Amaranta, wee
Must strive to woo, let's learne no mortall love
That's dangerous, and quickly ends; but trie
To make't eternall which is first to die.—

Exeunt omnes.