University of Virginia Library

Scena prima.

Enter Horatio in prison.
Hora.
Unto the man enthral'd black and obscure
Is the clear beauty of the brightest day;
Through Iron Grates he only sees the light,
And thereby doth increase his misery;
Those whom he doth perceive in joy to pass
Augment his wretchedness, by making him
To think that thus I lately was my self:
But admirablest Lady of the world,
Divine Prudentia, may I die abhor'd
By all mankind, if I repine at all,
Seeing for thy sake I do suffer this;
The exquisitest tortures curious inventions make,
For thee I would think sports, and undergo;
Mayst thou live happily and free from care,
And all my miseries of no moment are.

Enter Trappolin.
Trap.

Eo, Meo and Areo, faith you are all brave Devils
all on you, and my father Conjurer an excellent
fellow; I love to see my self, Meo thou art
not the work of Moran; No, the Duke himself I
seem. I now must learn to walk in state, and speak
proudly, Ile play such tricks with my Lord banishers,
shall make me sport enough: banish a poor

man for doing courtesies! it is against the law of
friendship, I am suppos'd a Prince, the Florentines
acknowledge me the great Duke; what ever I
do tho never so bad passeth with approbation: poor
Trappolin turn'd Duke! tis very strange, but very
true;

Would the fates favour panders in this wise,
He were a fool besworn would not turne pimp,
Seeing Pandors Dukes become, he is an asse
That may hav't will let the office pass.

O me Brunetto, alas for thee man! how camst thou
there? I think in my heart an there be a mischief
in the world thou wilt be at one end or other on't,
So ho Pucchanello, Pucchanello!

Puch.

Who calls:

Enter Pucchanello.
Trap.

That do I Sirra, let me Brunetto out presently,
and bid him come to me.

Pucch.

Your Highness pleasure shall be done.

Ex.
Trap.

Alas poor Brunetto! marl what he has done to
be lockt in such a place, I think in my conscience
tis not for any Lechery, for I could never get
him to't, and many a time I have offered him
many a good bit: Brunetto to come into the Jayle!
I cannot tell what to think of it, but be't for what
it will out he goes; my good friend Brunetto who
gave me a Ring shall not lie there;

Honest Brunetto.

Enter Brunetto
Hora.
Great Prince:

Trap.

He makes a very low leg, but I will not be
out-gone in courtesie;

Dearest Brunetto.

Hora.

Your Highness doth forget your self exceedingly,
I am your prisoner.

Trap.

My best friend good Brunetto.

Hora.

Beseech your Highness to remember you
self.

Trap.

So I do, but never must forget thee, I am glad
to see thee in good health, dear Brunetto.

Hora.

I shall fall to the ground even now in this salutation;
beseech your Highness, I am your prisoner,
your slave.

Trap.

I am thy servant Brunento.

Hora.

Wonders! I am astonished; upon my humble
knees I do congratulate your safe and speedy return.

Trap.

And upon my knees I do embrace thee Brunetto,
thou art an honest man, my most sweet Brunetto.

Hora.
I know not what to think, nor what to speak;
Beseech your Highness rise.

Trap.

Not without thee, up Brunetto, honest Brunetto
up I say.

Hora.

Beseech your Highness, I am your humble
slave.

Trap.

I am thy servant Brunetto, and as long as thou
liest on the ground so will I too; up therefore, let
us rise and talk, away with your complements;
I cannot abide them, up I say, lets rise; thou shalt

not stay I swear.

Hora.

I am amazed, by force I must obey: Great Sir, I
know not what to think, you honour me above all
expression.

Trap.

Honour a fig, I love thee Brunetto, thou art
a good honest fellow, I love thee with all my
heart: Complement with me, and I will be very
angry; without more ado I tell thee I love thee.
Puchanello so ho!

Sirra Puchanello, bring two chairs hither presently.

Hora.
Your Highness.

Trap.

Away with Highness, I say away with it, call
me Lavin Duke, plain Medices, I cannot abide
your Highness, your Excellency, your Worship. I
hate such idle flimflams, dear Brunetto, how I love
thee, I faith I do with al my heart, and if I lie unto
thee I would I might be hang'd.

Hora.

Sure I am awake, this is no dream.

Trap.

We will live merrily together, I faith we will
Brunetto, how glad I am to see thee in health!
come Sirra, what a while ha you been a bringing a
couple of chairs! set them here Sirra and be gone.

Exit Pucchanello.
Brunetto, sit thee down, sit down man I say.

Hora.
I will attend your Highness on my knees.

Trap.

Why I am not thy Father, am I? leave fooling
and sit thee down, that we may talk together, sit
thee here I will have it so,

Hora.
I am astonisht, I humbly pray your Highness.

Trap.
Pray me no praying, but sit thee down, sit thee here man.
Brunetto be rul'd.

Hora.
On the right hand, I know not what to think.

Trap.

I am something aweary Brunetto, and will not
not sit without thee, therefore I pray thee make
me stand no longer; obey, me for I am the Duke.

Mora.

Here then so please your Highness.

Trap.

Why an thou wilt have it there, there let it
be, but I am mistook thats on the left hand, what
do you think me a clown and without breeding,
that I ha no more manners in me? for shame of
the world, sit thee down Brunetto, sit thee down &
without more bidding, without thou wilt ha me
lie on the ground, for I am so weary I can scant
stand.

Hora.

There is no remedy, I must obey.

Trap.

So, well done, sit still man, what art doing, art
afraid of me?

Hor.

What does your Highness mean?

Trap.

Marry and thou drawst back Ile draw back
too; Brunetto sit thee still and let us talk.

Hora.

I will obey your Highness.

Trap.

Highness me no more highness, I cannot abide
it, my name is Lavin, call me Lavin Duke,
and tis enough a conscience.

Hora.
Great Sir, I am far unworthy of these honors,
The noblest Florentines would be most proud
To be thus graced by their Prince.

Trap.

I like not these set speeches neither, let us talk
as we were companions in a Tavern together, and
not after the Court fashion, I am as weary of it as a

Dog, I am Brunetto; prithee man how cam'st thou
into the Gaol?

Hora.

O pardon me Dread Soveraign.

Trap.

On thy knees man? what meanest thou by this,
dost take me for Mahomet? as well as I can pardon
thee I do, any thing what ere it be, though
thou hast kil'd every body; rise therefore I say
Brunetto, and set thee in thy place again or Ile kneel
too.

Hora.
Most merciful Prince, hear me before, lest you
Repent your kindness towards me afterward.

Trap.

Up I say Brunetto, up, I pardon thee any thing,
upon condition thou wilt rise and sit thee down.

Hora.

It is your Highness will.

Trap.

Now good Brunetto without any fear (for I
swear unto thee I do not care what thou hast done,
and forgive thee whatsoever it be) tell me the
cause.

Hora.

Dread Soveraign, I was for love put in.

Trap.

Who put thee in?

Hora.

Your Highness Governors, Lord Barberino,
and Lord Machavil.

Trap.

They are a couple of Coxcombs for their pains;
who art in love withal?

Hora.

O pardon me.

Trap.

Sit still or I will not, and if thou dost I will.

Hora.

Your Highness Excellent sister—O great
Prince!

Trap.

Sit still Brunetto, wast thou laid up for that?
Alas for thee, hast thou married her?

Hora.

So please you Highness no.

Trap.

It doth neither please my Highness nor Lowness
neither, I wo'd thou hadst, and that's all the
hurt I wish thee: couldst thou think I that loved
thee so would be angry with thee for this, hast
thou her consent?

Hora.

I have.

Trap.

I am very glad of it, and I here give thee mine
too: prethee Brunetto do me the favour to go and
bid Barberino or Machavil come to me, I'le send
for my sister presently, and if she says so to me,
I'le soon have you married.

Hora.
You Highness shall command me to my death,
More willingly unto my life, for so
This business doth importt; he heavens be praised,
And ever be propitious to you, bless you
According to your own and my desires.

Exit.
Trap.

This Brunetto is a good honest fellow, and hath
always behaved himself very well, and whatsoever
he be I'le give him Prudentia for the Ring he
gave me, I will not be ungrateful; he said he was
in love with my sister, and if he had them all, I
wo'd een say much good do his heart with them:
but he means the Princess, and though I have little
to do with her, yet if I can give her him I will.
Brunetto's Ring I shall never forget.

Enter Machavil.
Mac.

Your Highness pleasure.

Trap.

My Highness pleasure, Sirra Lord, is, that you
go and tell my sister Prudentia I would speak with
her presently, I will expect her here: be gone.

Exit.

The Dukes life is very pleasant, I take great content
in it, and were it not for one thing I were most
happy, which is, I dare not disclose my self to my
dear Flametta, for she is a woman, and full of
title tatle as the rest are; nor if I could win her
without making my self known, durst I lye with
her, by reason of putting off Eo, Meo, and Areo,
otherwise sure I should get her; for sure she would
not refuse a Duke.

Enter Flametta.
Flametta.
Here is the Duke alone, whom I so long
Have sought for to petition for the repeal
Of my dear Trappolin. Great Prince, as low
As truest humility can make a Suitor;
Before you I prostrate my self; Most excellent
And merciful Sir, pitty a loving Maid,
Who is bereaved of her joys; I beg
Poor banish't Trappolin might be recalled,
Whom (when your Highness was to Milain gone,)
Was by those cruel Lords whom you did leave
Our Governors, sent into banishment.
Great Duke, you that have noble thoughts, and sure
A heart full of commiseration,
Kill me not with a cruel hard denial.

Trap.

Ah Eo, Meo, and Areo, hinder me! I must
counterfeit with her; fair Maiden rise.

Flam.
O let me kneel (Great Sir) until you say
My Trappolin shall be repeal'd.

Trap.

Rife I say, & we will talk of it; I cannot abide to
see any body kneel unless they are in the Church,
that have leggs to stand on: how may I call you
Maiden?

Flam.

So please your Highness, my name is Flametta.

Trap.

Mris. Flametta, I say give me your hand, rise
without more ado, rise without you mean to say
your Beads over; Mris. Flametta be rul'd, good
Mris. Flametta be rul'd, wo'd I were hanged if
ever Trappoline come home and you get not up;
up I say therefore.

Flam.

I must be most rude.

Trap.

Why that's well done Mris. Flametta: Trappolin
for whom you are a petitioner, young Mistris,
is banish't you say, for what it matters not,
tell me what you'l give for his repeal.

Flam.

Even any thing I have, all that I have.

Trap.

Are you a Virgin? tell me true, if you are not,
it is no wonder besworn, it is more wonder by the
half if you are, for I think there be not two of your
age in the City that be.

Flam.
May I not prosper in my wishes Sir,
If I be not a Maid.

Trap.

And will you give your Maidenhead to have
him recal'd from banishment?

Flam.

To him when he comes home, and we are
married.

Trap.

Well said Mistress, But tell me now what will
you give me for to have him come home?—

Flam.

Even any thing I have.

Trap.

I am a great man, and like them, will not do
favours for nothing; will you give me your Shoos?

Flam.

My Shoos! your Highness jests.

Trap.

I swear unto you (Mistriss) but I do not, and
if you do not give me what I ask (how ridiculous
soever it seems to you) Trappolin nere comes in
Florence again.

Flam.
I wonder at the Duke, but will obey him;
Here are my shooes dear Prince.

Trap.

Well done I say, but I must have your Stockings
too off with them therefore without any
more arguing.

Flam.

My Stockings with all my heart to have my
Trappolin.

Trap.

Very well done Mrs Flam. you do very well,
give me your gown too; Do not wonder, these will
do nothing without it.

Flam.

Then shall your Highness have it.

Trap.

I see you love that fellow well, 'tis well done
of you, I think he be an honest man, which makes
me the willinger to yield to his repeal; I say I
must have that Petticote too, else all this is not
worth a rush i'faith.

Flam.

I think the Duke's mad—And will you give
me then your Highness word?

Trap.

I will.

Flam.

I cannot help it, here it is.

Trap.

I swear unto thee, young Wench, give me thy
under Petticote and thy Smock, and I will give
thee my word, and send for him presently to night
this Wench makes me curse Eo, Meo, and Areo.

Flam.
Most excellent Sir, there is not in the world
The thing that in my power lies I wo'd
Deny to do for my dear Trappolin,
But modesty forbids me to do this.

Trap.
I shall not have them then?

Flam.
I beseech your Highness pardon me.

Trap.

I am very sorry I could not see her naked, but
it cannot be help't; well how many kisses will
you give me my young Mistriss?

Flam.
Kisses?
Most Gracious Prince, a thousand and a thousand times.
I'le kiss your hand upon my humble knees.

Trap.

I have no pleasure in that: how many kisses upon
lips will you give me?

Flam.

For Trappolins sake, I'le do any thing that modesty
will give me leave; do what you please Sir.

Trap.

Ah honey sweet Flametta, how I love thee,
prithee kiss better: dear lips! I could almost wish
Eo, Meo, and Areo i'th' fire; again, again, again,
sweet Flametta.

Flam.
Shall Trappolin come home?

Trap.
Do but let us kiss, and thou shalt have any thing.
O me! what a misery 'tis to be a great man? again,
again Flametta, Trappolin shall come home.

Flam.
I am aweary.

Trap.
So shall I never be; again, again.

Enter Prudentia.
Flam.
The Princess, your Highness sister:
You have gin your word.

Trap.

Young Mistress, I have not leisure to answer
you now, come to me some other time, and I'le
talk with you further: now take up your things
and be gone.

Flam.

I am assur'd I shall prevail: heavens guard
your Highness.

Exit.
Prud.
Now I expect my brothers rage, for sure
Though nere so secret kept) my Love unto
My dearest Horatio by some uncouth means
Unknown: say what he will, or can, I am
Resolv'd, and my affection's setled.

Trap.

Fair Lady, come hither, you are my sister, are
you?

Prud.

I am your sister and servant Sir.

Trap.

Complement with me no more then I complement
with you; good Madam sister sit you
down, I would talk with you a little.

Prud.

He talkes as though he were distracted. I
obey you Sir.

Trap.
Tis well done, good Lady sister.

Prud.
I never saw my brother thus before;
Sir, I am exceeding glad to see you

Return'd in safety out of Lombardy; but should have
been more joyful had you brought your Dutchess
with you.

Trap.

She'l come soon enough nere fear't; but sister,
I must be something brief, for I am a hungry; as
soon as I came home, I saw Brunetto in the Gaol,
who after many circumstances and fears, told me
'twas for love of you that he was put there; tell
me sister Prudentia, do you love him? I'le besworn
the man is a good honest fellow, if you have a
mind to him I'le give you my consent with al my
heart: I vow as I am an honest man, and the
Duke, I do not jest.

Prud.
Most worthy brother, thanks; I do confess
I love Brunetto, and were very guilty
Of cruelty if I did not; for he
Loves me I know as his own happiness:
Nor, Sir, have I plac'd my affections
Unworthy; Brunetto is a Prince,
His name is Horatio, and he's second son
Unto the Duke of Savoy; for my sake
He chang'd his name and lives a prisoner.

Trap.

How's this! is Brunetto a Prince? you love him
Lady sister you say.

Prud.
Most truely Sir I do.

Trap.
Are you content to marry him?

Pru.
I do desire no greater bliss on earth,
So that your Highness will consent thereto.

Trap.

Lady sister, here is my hand, I am content
i'faith, without more words I am.

I am an hungry now, and would be brief, sister mine
I say marry him when you will, beshrew my
heart and I be not content;

I had rather you had him then any man in the
world.

Prud.

I know not what to think, he's strangely
chang'd.

Trap.

Let this suffice Madam sister; I am very
hungry I say, have you any good store of meat in
the house? I could eat soundly now sister of a dish
of Sausages: come Lady sister, lets to dinner, be
gone, I have a good stomach as I am an honest
man.

Exeunt.