University of Virginia Library


15

SCENE. A Prison.
Re-Enter Trappolin.
Trap.

What a dismal Place is here? I'le have it carry'd
bodily out of my Dukedom. Alass poor Brunetto,
what has he done to be shut up here?—Oh here he comes!


Enter Brunetto.
Bru.
What can the Duke design by coming hither?
For certain, it must be to see me strangled:
Well let him execute his Tyrant will,
For Death it self were Mercy to this Dungeon.
Great Prince.

Trap.

He makes a very low leg, but I scorn to be out done in
Courtesie.


Bru.
What can this cruel Mockery intend?
Your Highness does forget your self extreamly:
I am your Prisoner.

Trap.
My best Friend Brunetto.

Bru.
I am astonish't! Sir, upon my knees
I do congratulate your safe Return.

Trap.
And upon my knees I do embrace thee, honest Brunetto.

Bru.
I know not what to think or speak.
I do beseech your Highness, Rise.

Trap.

Not without thee: Therefore up I say; away with
Complements, I cannot abide them.


Bru.

You honour me above expression.


Trap.

A Fig for honour, I love thee man; Sirrah Jayler,
bring Chairs hither presently.


Bru.

Your Highness—


Trap.

Away with Highness, I say, away with it; call me
Lavin, plain Medices.



16

Bru.

Sure I am awake, this is no Dream?


Trap.

We will live merrily together, i'faith we will! Come
Sirrah what a while have you been bringing these Chairs? I
have known a Pimp made a Prince in less time. Brunetto sit thee
down, sit down I say.


Bru.

I will attend your Highness on my knees.


Trap.

Why, I am not thy Father, am I? Sit thee here.


Bru.

On the right hand—That must not be.


Trap.

Why an'thou wilt have it there, there let it be.—
But hold, I am mistaken, that is on the left hand; that must
not be: Dost thou think I have no manners in me.


[They remove their Chairs several times.]
Bru.

There is no remedy, I must obey.


Trap.

Very well,—What now art thou afraid of me?
Marry an'thou draws't back, I'le draw back too: Therefore sit
still I say, and let us talk.


Bru.
Great Sir, I am unworthy of these honours.
Your Noblest Florentines would be most proud
To be thus grac't.

Trap.

I love not these set speeches. Let us talk as if we were
in a Tavern together.—Now, I prithee Man, how cams't
thou into this damn'd Dungeon?


Bru.

I, now the storm comes.—Pardon me Dread Soveraign.


Trap.

What, on thy knees again? Dost take me for Mahomet?
As well as I can pardon thee, I do pardon thee whatever
it be, tho'thou hast kill'd every Body.


Bru.
Wherefore this Torture Sir, before my Death,
'Tis Tyranny; your Highness knows my Crime
Was in aspiring to your Royal Sister.

Trap.

Wast thou laid up for that? Alass for thee! Hast
marry'd her?


Bru.

Beseech your Grace.


Trap.

Well, An'thou hast not, I would thou hads't; get her
consent, and here I give thee mine. So come along with me to
Dinner.


Bru.

Your Highness shall command me to my Death.


Trap.

I say, Thou shalt have her, and if I had two Sisters,
Thou shoulds't have them both—Who waits there?


17

[Barberino, Alberto, Attendants Enter.]

Now my good Lords, you see this Apartment, and you thought
fit to have Baunetto shut up here for making Love to my Sister.


Alb.

It was your Highness Judgment and Command.


Trap.

Jayler, take me these two Coxcombly Lords, and
keep them under Lock: They are never well but when they are
doing mischief. In my Conscience and Soul, here is such incumbrance
of perplexity, that I protest—Come along Friend


[Exit. with Brunetto.
Barb.

Why, This is meer Distraction.


Alb.

We must endure it.


[They go in.