University of Virginia Library

SCÆNA. IV.

To them Menalippe, and Marthesia, in show frighted, Afterwards Theagines, and Meleager, at one Doore; Macrinus, Lacero, Serpix at another; all disguis'd.
Men:
Fly, Madams fly, we are betrayed.

Mar:
The enemy
Hath seiz'd upon the Works; taken the King;
Burnt our Queenes Tent; slaine all the Captaines; and is
Now marching hither.

Orith:
Now show your valours, And
Helpe to defend those whom you Love.

Call.
Alas, Ladies;
You can fight for your selves. This is the first
Time we e're saw the Field.

Neand:
Alas what can
Three doe against an Army?

Thal:
Will you not
Then draw your weapons. But stand like worsted Captaines
In Arras?

Orith:
Will you let us and your selves
Be taken and make no resistance? or will you
Be killed like people in their sleepe?

Neand:
'Lasse, Ladies,
What would you have us doe? we have beene borne
And bred in peace, and were ne're us'd to fighting.

Orith.
O more then Women Cowards! And will you dye
Clashing of Sword within.
Like men oth' peace to?

Ar.
Hark, swords, swords; they come.

Thal.
Why doe you quake? why doe you looke about you?
Would you faine hide your selves?

Art.
Hark swords again.

Orith.
If you will, There's an old Drum yonder, with
One head, wee'l whelm it over you.

Art.
Thank you, Ladies.

Thal.
Or packe you up in one oth' Waggons, with
A bare Hide over you, where you may passe
For Cheese, or Ammunition.

Call.
'Twill doe well.

Men.
Or, Madam, what if we pull'd downe our Tents,
And wrapt them up ith' Curtaines?

Neand.
'Twill do better.

Theag.
within.
You Three take that way, we'l take this; slay all
Enter The: Mel: Mac: Lac: Serp:
That will not yeild.

Art.
Oh! here they come The. what? flying?
Taking wing? Seize these Captaines; And disarme 'em.

Mel.
Ladies, we doe intend no warre against you.
Our Quarrels are with men.

Theag:
Doe they refuse?
They disarme 'em.
Show them Campe Law.

Call.
We doe not, Sir, there Freind,
There is my Sword.

Neand.
And there is mine; pray use
Me like a Gentleman.

Serp.
Come, Sir, you part
As slowly with your sword, as that with th'Scabberd.

Macr.
Y'have no Artillery in your pocket, have you,
That will o'retake men at a Distance, and
Arrest 'em at Fivescore?

Nea.
Sure Freind there's all.

The.
Next blind their eies with their own scarfs.

Mac.
Hold Gētlemen.
Hold your heads faire, & shut your eyes, that we
They blind 'em.
May close 'em double.

Lac.
Stir not as you desire
To keepe 'em in your Head, and not put out.

Call.
We doe not, Sir.

Serp.
So; There's one Darknesse more
Then that we caught you in.

Theag.
Now lead 'em bound
To th'other Captives; And attend the Councell
Of Warre with 'em ith' morning.

Mac.
Come Gentlemen.

Exeunt.