University of Virginia Library

Scœn. 7.

Malindo
, Messenger, Perillvs.
There sleepe (vnthought of) in a vaulted tombe:
Thus great men must be iealous of their fame,
Preuent all blemish in a noble name.
Now King and kingdome both are almost mine,
Lights be obscured when the greater shine.
The King reputes me loyall and submisse,
(Transparent coulour to deceiue a Prince)
(But hell beare record) I am bent to ruine,
To purchase kingdomes, or impeach my state,
Who neuer ventur'd, neuer knew his fate.
In Epires rule now liues my noble friend,
Thither will we addresse our false complaint,
Pretending I am hated here at Court,
Threatned to death, not likely to escape,
Withall insinuate our appointed ioy,
Which fiue dayes hence the King doth celebrate.
Informe I may, that then both Prince and Peeres,
Will bee assembled in the Theater:
And being so, how safely hee may send
A manadg'd Army to destroy them all.
(Dissembling still the meanes to rescue mee
When I am safe aduaunc'd) but meaning most
To further my aduancement: for which cause
I fram'd this little motiue: Hoe within,
Fly to the confines of Epirots rule,
Deliuer vnto Cassius my friend,
The Gouernour, this caution heere inclos'd,
Vrge him vpon allegeance euer due,
From one friend to another, to make haste.
Speake this, and speake no more, neither to any
Open the passage dores of vtterance,
But to my friend, my deere, my best beloued,

Mes.
Imagine me a blocke, a Niobe,
Conceiue my mouth to be deuoid of tongue,
Till with content I do accomplish all.

Ma.
Bee secret as calme silence, or the night.
My care must follow to frame Theaters,
Warning the Megalenses, our Comædians
To act some pithy and applauded Scœne,
Wherewith to shadow my pretensiue zeale.
But well-incountred (Poet) pray approach,
And let vs parley of an Enterlude.

Per.
Patron of Poets, much esteemed Duke,
Leauing the Muses, and my pleasant cares
Regarding yours more then my owne affaires,
Poore Poet Il'e attend your conference,
Command mee euer, most ingenious Lord.

Ma.
Command Perillus? no, intreate thee rather,
Each high-borne Title must aduance the worth
Of holy rapture: pray informe the Actors
Of some true Morall, of some Tragedy
Or else some subiect more ridiculous.
Which may with new deuis'd conceits stir vp
The dull and solemne audience.

Per.
Beleeue
Il'e stretch the scantnesse of my Mother-wit,
Rather then faile for to accomplish it.
The God of Kings protect thee: so adiew.

Mal.
Attempts of great men speake in siluer tones,
Thus gilded tombes ore-shadow dead mens bones.