University of Virginia Library

Scea. pria.

Enter Almachildes.
Al.

Though the Fates haue endude me with a pretty kind
of Lightnes, that J can laugh at the world in a Corner
on't; and can make myself merry on Fasting-Nightes to
rub-out a Supper (w
c h were a pretious Qualitie, in a yong formall Studient, yet let the world know, there is some
difference betwixt my Joviall Condition, and the Lunary-state
of Madnes: J am not quight out of my Witts: J know a
Bawd, from an Aquavite-shop, a Strumpet from Wild-fire,
and a Beadle from Brimestone. Now shall J try the honestie
of a Great-Woman soundly, She reckning the Duke's made
away, J'll be hangd, if J be not the next now. Yf J trust her
as She's a Woman, Let one of her long Haires wind about my
hart, and be the end of me, (w
c h were a piteous Lamentable Tragedie, and might be entituled a Faire Warning for all
Haire-Braceletts)

Already there's an Jnsurrection
among the People; they are vp in Armes
Not out of any reason, but their wills,
(which are in them their Saints) sweatting, and swearing
(out of their zeale to Rudenes) that no Stranger
(as they terme her) shall governe over them,
they say they'll raise a Duke among them selues 'first

Duch.
Oh Almachildes, J perceive already
—Enter Duchess
our Loves are borne to Crosses: We'ar be-sett,
by Multitudes: and (which is worsse) J feare me
vnfreended too of any: my cheif Care
is for thy sweet youthes saffetie

Al.
He that beleeues you not
goes the right way to heauen, o' my conscience

Duch.
there is no trusting of'em: they are all as barren
in Pitty, as in Faith: he that putts confidence
in them, dies openly to the sight of all men,
not with his Frends, and Neighbours, in peace privat
but as his shame, so his cold farewell is,
publique, and full of noyse. But keepe you close, Sir,
not seene of any, till J see the way
plaine for your saffetie. J expect the Com̄ing
of the Lord Gouernour, Whom J will flatter
with faire Entreaties, to appease their wildnes,
and before him, take a great greif vpon Me
for the Dukes death; his strange and sodaine losse
and when a quiet comes, expect thy Joyes

Al.
J doe expect now to be made away
'twixt this and Tuesday night, if J live Wednesday
say J haue 'byn carefull, and shund Spoone-Meate

—Exit
Duch.
This Fellow lives too long after the deed,
J'am weary of his sight: he must die quickly,
or J'haue small hope of Saffetie: My great Aymes
at the Lord Gouernour's love; he is a Spirit
can sway, and Countenaunce: theis obey and Crowch.
My Guiltynes had need of such a Master,
that with a beck can suppresse Multitudes
and dym Misse-deedes, with radiance of his Glory.
not to be seene with dazeled popular Eies.
—Enter L. Gouernor
and here behold him come.

Gou.
Returne back to 'em,
say we desire 'em to be frends of Peace
till they heare farther from vs.

Duch.
O my Lord.
J fly vnto the pitty of your Noblenes,
the greivedst Lady, that was ere be-sett
with stormes of Sorrowes, or wild rage of People.
Never was Womans greif for losse of Lord
deerer then Mine, to Me.

Gou.
ther's no Right don
to Him now (Madam) by Wrong don to Your self:
Your owne good wisedom may instruct you so far:
and for the Peoples Tumult (which oft growes
from Libertie, or Rancknes of long Peace)
J'll labour to restraine, as J'ue begun (Madam)

Duch.
My thancks, and Praires shall neu'r forget you (Sir)
and, in time to Come, my Love.

Gou.
Your Love (sweet Madam)
You make my Joyes too happy: J did covett
to be the fortunate man, that Blessing visitts,
Which J'll esteeme the Crowne, and full Reward
of Service present, and Deserts to come,
Jt is a happines J'll be bold to sue for
when J haue sett a Calme vpon theis Speritts
that now are vp for Ruine

Duch.
Sir, my wishes
are so well mett in yours, so fairely answeard
and nobely recompencd, it makes me suffer
in those extreemes that few haue ever felt,
to hold two Passions, in one hart at once
of Gladnes, and of Sorrow.

Gou.
then as the Ollyff
is the meeke Ensigne of faire Fruitfull Peace,
so is this kisse, of yours.

Duch.
Loves powre be with you, Sir.

—[Exit]
Gou.
how sh'as be-trayd her; may J breathe no longer
then to doe Vertue service, and bring forth
the fruites of Noble thoughtes, honest, and loyall.
this wilbe worth th'obseruing; and J'll do't.

—Exit
Duch.
What a sure happines confirmes Joy to Me,
now in the times of my most im̄inent dangers?
J look'd for Ruyne; and encrease of Honor
meetes me auspitiously. But my hopes are clogd now
with an vnworthie weight: ther's the misfortune,
What course shall J take now with this yong man,
for he must be no hindraunce: J haue thought on't.
J'll take some Witches Councell, for his End,
that wilbe sur'st. (Mischeif is Mischeiffes frend).

—Exit